Measurement of economic and energy benefits 47

4 Introduction This was a cooperative R&D program between the federal government and the U.S. Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), which included Chrysler, Ford, GM, and relevant federal agencies and the national laboratories (Sissine 1996).7 Noteworthy was one of the original technology goals of PNGV (Sissine 1996, p.1):

Research and development goals for industry and government engineering teams have been launched in three categories: advanced manufacturing techniques that help get new product ideas more quickly into the marketplace; technologies that can lead to near-term improvements in automobile efficiency, safety, and emissions; and research that could lead to production prototypes of vehicles capable of up to 80 miles per gallon – three times greater fuel efficiency than the average car of today.

More specifically, the goals of the PNGV were (NRC 2001, p. 146):

(1) to improve national manufacturing competitiveness, (2) to implement commercially viable technologies that increase the fuel efficiency and reduce the emissions from conventional vehicles, and (3) to develop technologies for a new class of vehicles with up to three times the fuel efficiency of 1994 midsize family sedans (80 mpg) while meeting emission standards and without sacrificing performance, affordability, utility, safety, or comfort.

A more fuel-efficient car might achieve the stated goal of 80 miles per gallon (mpg). But, a 1995 Office of Technology Assessment (OTA) report stated that there was at that time (i.e., 1993) no battery technology capable of achieving the equivalent of 80 mpg. However, the report went on to state that: “Nickel metalhydride batteries are seen as the only longer-term battery technology that could possibly be designed to reach the 80 mpg target” (OTA 1995, p. 17).8

Overview of EERE R&D support for battery technology

Within DOE, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) “accelerates development and facilitates deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality.”9 EERE leads DOE’s “efforts to develop and deliver market-driven solutions for energy-saving homes, buildings, and manufacturing; sustainable transportation; and renewable electricity generation.”10

EERE consists of several offices and programs that support its mission.11 Related to energy efficiency are the Advanced Manufacturing Office, the Buildings Technology Office, the Federal Energy Management Program, the Weatherization and Intergovernmental Program, and the Sustainability Performance Office. Related to renewable power are the Geothermal Technologies Office, the Solar Energy Technologies Office, the Wind Program, and the Water Power