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Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Haley Stevens (MI-11) today introduced the Vehicle Innovation Act of 2023 to promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle technologies to increase fuel efficiency, reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our supply chains, and support American auto manufacturers and supplies. Bipartisan companion legislation has again been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
 
“The American auto industry has made major advancements in fuel efficiency technologies in the last decade, and we must work together to ensure we continue to lead the world in vehicle innovation as we make the critical shift toward a clean economy,” said Rep. Dingell. “The Vehicle Innovation Act builds on the progress made by investing in successful research programs that will improve vehicle efficiency and develop clean vehicle technologies – saving consumers money at the gas pump and improving our energy security here at home. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation that will support good-paying, union jobs, ensure the cars and trucks of the future continue to be built here at home, and keep Michigan and our country at the forefront of innovation and technology."
 
“Michigan and the United States must continue to lead the way in developing new technologies to make our vehicles safer, smarter, and more energy efficient,” said Rep. Stevens. “We are at a crucial point in which we can usher in new technologies to save lives. I am proud to cosponsor the bipartisan Vehicle Innovation Act, which will encourage important investments in research and development and create jobs for Michigan’s manufacturing economy.”
 
“Auto Innovators thanks Representatives Dingell and Stevens for their leadership in introducing the Vehicle Innovation Act,” said John Bozzella, President & CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation. “Automakers are committed to a cleaner, safer, smarter transportation future, including significant investments in vehicle electrification, building a domestic circular economy for EV batteries, and advanced vehicle safety technologies. This important legislation will support critical research and development programs needed to meet those goals while ensuring that the United States remains the leader in automotive innovation.”
 
The Vehicle Innovation Act reauthorizes the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, which works with manufacturers and suppliers to research, develop and deploy advanced vehicle technologies that improve energy efficiency. The bill also provides the Department of Energy with clear direction to build on successful research programs and encourages the development of a wide array of technologies that have the potential to improve fuel efficiency and reduce traffic congestion.
 
Examples of potential fuel-saving technologies include vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communications, mild hybrid, engine down speeding, power pack modeling and testing, advanced boosting systems, new vehicle sensing and communication, hydrogen and natural gas refueling and electric vehicle charging technology.