The Status of Innovative Technologies Within the Automotive Industry

Auto sales in the U.S. hit an all-time high in 2015 with 17.5 million cars and trucks sold. This banner year was spurred in part by low gas prices. Those prices are projected to remain low throughout the year. Vehicle sales have also been boosted by the tremendous innovation taking place in the auto industry right now. Dozens of alternative fuel models have emerge from electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S to the fuel cell-powered Toyota Mirai to a Ford F-150 that can run on compressed natural gas and propane. At the same time, there have seen exciting developments in everything from safety technology to self-driving cars, which may offer their own energy and environmental benefits. There is significant innovation taking place within the auto industry, particularly as it relates to alternative fuels and lightweight materials, which are at the heart of the Department of Energy's research activities. It is important that Federal programs meant to support innovation are working as intended and that they are properly oriented to help the auto industry innovate, compete and thrive.