What does Preamble of Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To support research, development, and other activities to develop innovative vehicle technologies, and for other purposes,' aims to support research, development, and related activities focused on innovative vehicle technologies.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used in the Act The Department refers to the Department of Energy The Secretary refers to the Secretary of Energy

What does OBJECTIVES. of Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This Act aims to establish a consolidated authority for the vehicle technology program within the Department. It seeks to develop technologies and practices that improve the fuel efficiency and emissions of vehicles produced in the United States. The Act intends to support research, development, and commercial application of advanced vehicles, engines, and components. A goal is to enable vehicles to move more goods and passengers with reduced energy and emissions. The Act aims to facilitate the wide-scale utilization of cost-effective advanced technologies across various vehicle sectors. It seeks to provide consumers with greater choice in vehicle technologies and fuels. The Act intends to shorten technology development and integration cycles in the vehicle industry. It aims to ensure a balanced and diverse Federal investment in vehicle technologies. The Act seeks to strengthen partnerships between Federal and State agencies, and the private and academic sectors.

What does COORDINATION AND NONDUPLICATION. of Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This section requires the Secretary to minimize duplication of activities authorized by this Act. The Secretary must ensure activities do not duplicate those of other programs within the Department or relevant research agencies. Coordination and avoidance of duplication are prioritized to the maximum extent practicable.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations for research and development of vehicles and related technologies. Appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. Authorized amounts increase each fiscal year, starting at $313,567,000 in 2027 and ending at $366,829,000 in 2031.

What does REPORTING. of Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This section mandates reporting requirements related to activities authorized by this Act. The Secretary must submit a report to Congress within 18 months of enactment and annually thereafter through 2031, detailing technologies developed. The report on technologies should focus on commercial adoption and whether products using those technologies are manufactured in the United States. The Secretary must also submit an annual report to relevant Congressional committees through 2031. The annual report should describe activities, industry participants, public-private partnerships, progress towards goals, and a strategic funding plan.

What does VEHICLE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. of Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a program for research and development related to reducing petroleum use and emissions from passenger and commercial vehicles. The Secretary is directed to conduct activities including basic and applied research, development, engineering, demonstration, and commercial application on various materials, technologies, and processes. Areas of focus include electrification, battery technology, engine efficiency, hydrogen vehicle technologies, lightweighting, and refueling infrastructure. The program emphasizes industry participation and coordination among federal agencies. The Secretary shall prioritize technologies that provide the greatest fuel savings and increase U.S. employment. A research program is initiated to identify and demonstrate secondary uses of vehicle batteries after their primary use, including recycling and stationary energy storage. A manufacturing program is established to advance vehicle manufacturing technologies, focusing on areas like battery production, waste reduction, and lightweight material usage.

What does MEDIUM- AND HEAVY-DUTY COMMERCIAL AND TRANSIT VEHICLES PROGRAM. of Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a program focused on cooperative research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities. The program targets advanced technologies for medium- to heavy-duty commercial, vocational, recreational, and transit vehicles. Activities encompass a wide range of areas, including engine efficiency, onboard storage technologies, electrification, drivetrain optimization, and lightweighting materials. The program also addresses infrastructure needs such as recharging and compressed natural gas infrastructure. Research includes hydrogen vehicle technologies and retrofitting advanced technologies onto existing truck fleets.

What does CLASS 8 TRUCK AND TRAILER SYSTEMS DEMONSTRATION. of Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Secretary. The program aims to demonstrate the integration of advanced technologies on Class 8 truck and trailer platforms. Eligible technologies are listed in section 8. Applicant teams can include truck and trailer manufacturers, engine and component manufacturers, fleet customers, university researchers, and other relevant applicants.

Back to bills

Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/30/2026 · Introduced: 4/30/2026

Author: Debbie Dingell (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

The Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 establishes a consolidated authority within the Department of Energy to support research, development, and commercial application of innovative vehicle technologies.
The bill authorizes increased appropriations from $313.6 million to $366.8 million between 2027 and 2031 to fund vehicle research and development initiatives.
It creates programs focused on reducing petroleum use and emissions from both passenger and commercial vehicles, including electrification, engine efficiency, and alternative fuels like hydrogen.
A competitive grant program will demonstrate the integration of advanced technologies on Class 8 truck and trailer platforms, encouraging collaboration between manufacturers, fleet operators, and researchers.
The Act repeals and amends sections of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to streamline existing authorities and align with the new vehicle technology programs.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 11 more.

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