The progression of alternative fuel vehicles in the USA has received a boost after the US Department of Energy issued a $300million Funding Opportunity Announcement for cost-shared projects that aim to expand the use of these vehicles.

The announcement is a modification of an earlier programme, which now includes four areas of interest – refuelling infrastructure for alternative vehicles; incremental cost of dedicated alternative fuel vehicles; education and outreach workshops for petroleum reduction fuels and technologies; and now an alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles pilot programme.

The program may provide grants for up to 30 projects with a ceiling of $15m and a floor of $5m. Vehicles that are now eligible under the new area of interest include light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles: that use EPACT alternative fuels; fuel cell electric vehicles; electric hybrid vehicles; plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; light-duty neighbourhood electric vehicles; light-duty diesel vehicles; medium and heavy duty hydraulic hybrid vehicles; and a range of off-road/non-road commercial work or advanced technology vehicles.

The vehicles that will not be eligible under the announcement include novelty vehicles, golf carts, snowmobiles and other off-road recreational or sport vehicles.

Refuelling infrastructure will also be eligible for funding including: new dispensing facilities or improvements to existing refuelling sites; upgrades or modifications of private fuelling stations; equipment for turn-key fuelling services by alternative fuel providers; facility upgrades or building modifications necessary to accommodate alternative fuels.