U.S. Vice President Joe Biden paid a visit to Michigan today. There, he announced the recipients of the first round of $2 billion in federal research grants. His visit couldn’t be more timely. As more and more electric and hybrid cars start appearing on our streets the battery will become the new oil. Today, we are dependent on foreign countries for our supply of oil and gasoline. Pundits say that we cannot afford to allow foreign countries to dominate in the research and development of batteries to power electric cars or we will remain dependent as far as fuel for our vehicles is concerned.
The Obama Administration knows how important it is for American companies to be developing batteries.
All three of the domestic automakers have announced plans to develop electric cars. Of course, we all know of General Motors intentions with the Chevrolet Volt. And it is opening a lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant valued at $43 million in an industrial park near Detroit. Ford said that it will be offering a battery electric car by 2011 and a plug in by 2012. And Chrysler plans to produce 100 all-electric vehicles by the end of this year. It also said that it plans to have four electric models on the road in 2013.
The grant is part of the stimulus program and does not have to be repaid.
via Detroit News
it would be interesting to see if michigan can achieve some sorta foothold in future car tech.
Well I’m glad that Biden visited the one state that has been really demolished by this bad economy and hurting auto makers. President Obama has it right in wanting to lead the future with technology and regain the lead as a super power nation in this world.