10.29.21

Durbin Highlights New Federal Investments in Electric Vehicle Technology

CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today virtually joined leaders from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Argonne National Laboratory to discuss new federal investments in electric vehicle (EV) battery research that will improve the transition to cleaner, electric transportation and help Illinois remain a leader in EV innovation. This week, DOEannounced $209 million in funding for 26 new laboratory projects focusing on electric vehiclesand advanced battery technologies. Additionally, Argonne National Laboratory announced Li-Bridge, a public-private partnership led by Argonne to bridge gaps in the domestic lithium battery supply chain.

“We are standing at the starting line of an electric vehicle revolution in our country, and Illinois is poised to lead the pack,” Durbin said. “Scientists and engineers at Argonne have pushed the boundaries of vehicle and battery technology for decades. With increased federal funding and the creation of Li-Bridge, Argonne will continue to play a critical role in improving the domestic battery supply chain. We must continue to invest in the advanced technologies that will enable electric vehicles to drive farther and charge faster at a lower cost, as well as provide the energy storage we need for a clean energy future. I will continue to support robust, sustained federal funding for electric vehicle infrastructure and the innovation that drives our economy forward.”

“Through the new Li-Bridge public-private partnership, we are building a stronger, more secure lithium battery supply chain. It will enable a cleaner tomorrow, while encouraging robust job creation, ensuring no community is left behind, and maintaining our national security. Argonne looks forward to contributing the research, development, and expertise needed to power the advanced batteries of the future,” said Paul Kearns, Director of Argonne National Laboratory. 

The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which passed the Senate in August, includes more than $7 billion for battery manufacturing and research and $7.5 billion to build a network of EV charging stations.

This week, Governor Pritzker signed the Reimagining Electric Vehicles (REV) in Illinois Act, a bill to provide tax incentives to electric vehicle manufacturers and the industries that support them—including battery makers.  The REV Act marks another critical step toward ensuring that Illinois leads in the electric vehicle industry for decades to come.

A photo from today’s meeting is available HERE. 

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