Michigan Senator Pushes for Federal Grant Program to Help U.S. Companies Develop Batteries for Fuel-Efficient Cars

Senator Carl Levin, (D-Michigan), is pushing for a federal grant program to help U.S. companies develop batteries for fuel-efficient cars. The program would provide grants to manufacturers to invest in the research and development of lithium-ion batteries used in hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars. A program to spur the development of battery technology was approved in a 2007 energy law but needs funding.

Levin called on Monday for $1 billion in funding for grants to be included in the economic stimulus package being crafted by President-elect Barack Obama and congressional leaders.

Levin said battery manufacturers are assessing whether to operate in the U.S. or other countries.

“We cannot afford to lose the development and production of advanced batteries to other countries that are willing to offer greater financial incentives than we are,” Levin said from the Senate floor.

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