Congressman Cohen Applauds Department of Energy Supertruck II Program Awards
Press Release
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today praised the Department of Energy's (DOE) selection of four companies to participate in the DOE's SuperTruck II Program. The Department of Energy's SuperTruck II program seeks to make dramatic improvements in the freight efficiency of heavy-duty Class 8 long-haul, commonly known as 18-wheelers, and regional-haul vehicles. Improvements include hybridization, more efficient idling, and high efficiency HVAC technologies
For SuperTruck II, the Energy Department has selected the following four SuperTruck II teams for projects of $20 million in federal funding to develop and demonstrate cost-effective technologies, and each recipient will match that amount, dollar-for-dollar:
* Cummins, Inc. (Columbus, IN) will design and develop a new more-efficient engine and advanced drivetrain and vehicle technologies.
* Daimler Trucks North America LLC (Portland, OR) will develop and demonstrate a tractor-trailer combination using a suite of technologies including active aerodynamics, cylinder deactivation, hybridization, and the electrification of accessories.
* Navistar, Inc. (Lisle, IL) will design and develop a vehicle and powertrain with electrified engine components that can enable higher engine efficiency and a significantly more aerodynamically reengineered cab.
* Volvo Technology of America LLC (Greensboro, NC) will develop and demonstrate a tractor trailer combination with lightweight cab that achieves the freight efficiency goal using alternative engine designs and a variety of system technologies.
Congressman Cohen stated, "I am pleased that Cummins, Inc. and Daimler Trucks North America, both of which have facilities in my District, have been chosen for this ground-breaking program. Also, Volvo's Byhalia, Mississippi facility employs about 150 Memphians. I'm pleased that this program, which I have long championed, will help Tennessee's Ninth District, and our entire nation."
Last year, Congressman Cohen introduced an amendment the Fiscal Year 2016 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to increase funding by 25% for the SuperTruck II program. The increase was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, also known as the FY2016 Omnibus bill.
Congressman Cohen continued, "I was pleased that the House adopted my amendment, that the funding was included in the Omnibus bill and that the Department of Energy has now made these awards. The SuperTruck program has long been a priority of mine because it is good for business while also being good for our environment."
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