H.R. 8609: Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026

This bill, known as the Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026, aims to enhance research, development, and commercial application of innovative vehicle technologies. The key features of the bill include:

Objectives

• Establishing a consolidated authority at the Department of Energy for vehicle technology programs.
• Improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions of all vehicles produced in the U.S.
• Supporting domestic research and development, engineering, and manufacturing of advanced vehicles and components.
• Enabling vehicles to transport more goods and passengers while using less energy and producing fewer emissions.
• Promoting consumer choice in vehicle technologies and fuels.
• Shortening technology development cycles in the vehicle industry.
• Maintaining a balanced federal investment in various vehicle technologies.
• Strengthening partnerships between federal and state agencies and the private sector.

Coordination

The Secretary of Energy is tasked with ensuring that the activities authorized by this bill do not overlap with existing programs within the Department of Energy or other research agencies.

Funding

The bill authorizes funding for the development of vehicle technologies over a span of five years, beginning with approximately $313.6 million in fiscal year 2027, increasing annually to about $366.8 million by fiscal year 2031.

Reporting Requirements

• The Secretary must report to Congress on the technologies developed under this bill within 18 months of enactment and annually thereafter.
• Annual reports should include the status of partnerships, program progress, and strategic funding plans.

Research and Development Program

The Secretary is required to conduct basic and applied research on various technologies aimed at reducing petroleum use and emissions. This includes:

• Electrification of vehicle systems.
• Energy storage devices such as batteries and ultracapacitors.
• Manufacturing technologies for vehicles and components.
• Hydrogen vehicle technologies and infrastructure.
• Innovative propulsion systems and alternative fuels.

Industry Collaboration

To maximize effectiveness, the bill emphasizes partnerships between the Department of Energy and various stakeholders, including:

• Automotive manufacturers
• Universities and research institutions
• Fuel and energy suppliers
• Nonprofit organizations and industry consortia.

Programs for Commercial Vehicles

The Secretary, with industry input, will also focus on research and development for medium to heavy-duty commercial vehicles, addressing areas such as:

• Engine efficiency and combustion research.
• Waste heat recovery and conversion technologies.
• Energy-efficient emissions control systems.

Secondary Uses of Vehicle Batteries

The bill mandates research on the secondary uses of vehicle batteries after their primary life ends, including potential applications and recycling methods. A report on findings and market potential must be submitted within one year of enactment.

Manufacturing Innovations

Research on manufacturing techniques will also aim to:

• Increase the production rate and lower the costs of battery manufacturing.
• Recycling and remanufacturing old batteries for new uses in vehicles.

Decommissioning of Previous Authorities

The bill will repeal existing sections of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that are superseded by this new act.

Relevant Companies

• GM - General Motors may be affected due to increased focus on fuel efficiency and electric vehicles.
• F - Ford's ongoing development of electric vehicles and fuel-efficient technologies aligns with the bill's objectives.
• TSLA - Tesla could see impacts related to advancements in battery technology and electric vehicle infrastructure.
• CHPT - ChargePoint may benefit from increased demand for charging infrastructure due to electric vehicle advancements.
• BLNK - Blink Charging could be directly impacted by the anticipated expansion of charging networks outlined in the bill.