Funding & Project Resources

Background 

This Notice of Funding Opportunity seeks applications to address improved battery technology for both light- and heavy-duty applications, smart charging infrastructure, sustainable farming, workforce development, and demonstration and deployment of these new innovative technologies. The research and development work performed under this program will lead to economic and environmental benefits including extended battery reliability, improved battery packaging, decreased cost of driving, increased vehicle and system efficiency, and a competent workforce serving the transportation sector. 

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The following topic areas are included: 

• Topic Area 1: Technologies for  Enhanced Lithium-ion Cell Safety
• Topic Area 2a: Low-Cost Production of Lithium
• Topic Area 2b: Lithium Metal Surface Protection
• Topic Area 3a: Ultra-Long-Cycle Life Li-Ion Batteries for Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks
• Topic Area 3b: Standardized Battery module Design for Heavy-Duty Electric Trucks
• Topic Area 4: Thermal Technologies for Zero-Emission Vehicles
• Topic Area 5: Optimized Grid Planning for Electric Vehicles Using Advanced Metering Infrastructure
• Topic Area 6: CROP - Co-located Renewable-Fuel and Off-Road Vehicle Pilots
• Topic Area 7: Vehicle Life Cycle Analysis Baseline
• Topic Area 8: Quality Improvements of Battery Busbar Joining
• Topic Area 9: Electric Vehicle Workforce Development
• Topic Area 10: Vehicle Technology Integration - Open Topic

There is approximately $88 million in funding available for all topic areas. 

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Eligible Applicants

‍Eligible applicants include institutes of higher education, for-profit entities, non-profit entities, state and local government entities and Indian tribes, and consortia of entities as described in this list. 

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Important Dates

‍Concept papers are due on April 1, 2025. To be eligible to submit a full application, applicants must submit a concept paper. Each concept paper must be limited to a single concept or technology. Following review of concept papers, DOE will either encourage or discourage applicants to submit full applications, which are dueJune 18, 2025.

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With the increasing number of opportunities of interest to CTE and ourmembers, we are not able to pursue projects to the same extent as we have inthe past. However, if you are interested in pursuing funding under thisopportunity, CTE may be able to support your application through our GrantWriting as a Service program. If you have questions regarding this programplease contact Wendy Morgan ([email protected]).

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As a service to our members, CTE continually tracks state funding opportunities that could be of potential interest to our members. CTE monitors and updates the latest funding options in each state, providing direct and timely information to transportation professionals, industry leaders, and stakeholders.

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Background and Award Information

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California – The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has released a new funding opportunity for the Lower-Emission School Bus Program in the South Coast Air Basin. This program is designed to assist public school districts with the purchase of new Type A, C, or D zero-emission school buses. Eligible applicants include public school districts and Joint Power Authorities formed by public school districts within the geographical boundaries of the South Coast AQMD. There is $45 million in funding available and applications are due on April 18, 2025.

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Michigan – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has announced its 2025 One-Time Mobility Fund grants through its Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, meant for small businesses and startups. Grants will be awarded for two categories of projects, including test sites and deployments. Test site grants range from $50,000 to $200,000 and are meant for mobility projects that include a partnership with one of nine pre-approved closed environmental test sites. Deployment grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are meant for any project in a public space that includes a partnership with municipalities and/or state agencies. Applications are due March 13, 2025.

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Mid-Southern U.S. – The Delta Regional Authority has released a Notice of Funding Availability for the 2025 Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF). The CIF provides direct investment for public infrastructure and transportation infrastructure  to communities in the Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. Most project award amounts will range from $500,000 to $2 million, based on the project type and application score. Eligible Applicants include Counties/parishes, cities, or other local government subdivisions, public or private nonprofit organizations, regional and economic development organizations, workforce boards, labor unions, community and faith-based organizations, colleges, trade schools, and minority-serving institutions, and federally recognized Tribes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Commerce has issued a request for proposals for the purchase of electric school buses from eligible school districts throughout Minnesota and applicants on their behalf. A total of $13 million in funding is  available to accelerate school districts’ adoption of electric school buses and to encourage schools to use vehicle electrification as a teaching tool that can be integrated into the school's curriculum. The funding will cover the cost of procuring electric buses and other related equipment, including charging infrastructure. Applications are due May 13, 2025.

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New Jersey – New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) has issued an expression of interest for Services Related to Battery Electric Bus (BEB) Equipment, Infrastructure, and Microgrids as NJ Transit intends to expand their current fleet of 8 BEBs to approximately 1,000 BEBs over the next 10 years. The selected vendor will be responsible for the design, build, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and management services for electric vehicle charging equipment, related infrastructure and supporting software, networking and communications systems. There is a 13% SBE/DVOB goal for this project. Applications are due on March 26, 2025.

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Tennessee – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Valley Authority have issued a notice of intent to release a second-round grant solicitation for the Fast Charge TN Network Grant Program. This round of funding will support the continued development of the Fast Charge Network in Tennessee, building out DC fast charging infrastructure at least every 50 miles along prioritized corridors. Eligible applicants will include Tennessee local power companies, for-profit or nonprofit organizations authorized to do business in the State of Tennessee, and government entities, including local governments or public institutions of higher education based in Tennessee. This solicitation is anticipated to be released in Spring 2025.

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Washington – The City of Tacoma is soliciting proposals to establish one or more contracts with qualified vendors to provide the turnkey delivery of equipment, materials, and personnel necessary to construct one, fully functioning Federal Railroad Administration compliant battery-electric locomotive that will be charged using a reverse pantograph style charging system. There is an estimated $5 million in funding available and applications are due on March 18, 2025.

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If you have any questions regarding any of these opportunities, please contact Wendy Morgan ([email protected]).

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As a service to our members, CTE continually tracks state funding opportunities that could be of potential interest to our members. CTE monitors and updates the latest funding options in each state, providing direct and timely information to transportation professionals, industry leaders, and stakeholders.

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Background and Award Information

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California – The Bay Area Air District opened a competitive solicitation for electric charging infrastructure to support transit and school buses. Eligible projects include the installation and operation of permanent electric infrastructure placed into service by early 2028. Up to $35 million in funding is available, with 80% of funding reserved for Air District priority areas. Applications are due on April 2, 2025.

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The Bay Area Air District also opened the 2025 Charge! Program. The Charge! Program provides grant funding to offset a portion of the cost to purchase and install new publicly accessible chargers for light-duty electric vehicles (EVs) at multi-family housing facilities, destinations, transit parking locations, and workplaces across the Bay Area. Eligible applicants include businesses, homeowner associations, nonprofits, public agencies, and tribes who either own the property where the proposed chargers will be installed or who have the authority/permission from the property owner to install and operate chargers for the duration of the project term. There is $10 million in funding available and applications are due on June 6, 2025.

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The California Department of General Services (DGS) Low Carbon Hydrogen Fuel Invitation for Bid (IFB) is now open. DGS issued this IFB to cover the requirements of the State of California for low carbon hydrogen fuel. The contract resulting from this solicitation will be mandatory for all State of California Departments and available for use by participating local agencies. There are two groups, defined as follows: Group 1 – Low Carbon Hydrogen Fuel, Liquid, and Group 2 – Low Carbon Hydrogen Fuel, Gaseous. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder with the lowest cost, including all applicable preference and incentive calculations. Bids are due on March 12, 2025.

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Kansas – The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is accepting applications for the spring 2025 round of the agency’s Cost Share Program. The Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to local entities for construction projects that improve safety, leverage state funds to increase total transportation investment, and help both rural and urban areas of the state improve the transportation system. All transportation projects are eligible, including roadway (on and off the state system), rail, airport, bicycle/pedestrian and public transit. Candidate projects should include investments that provide transportation benefits and are not eligible for other KDOT programs. This round of grant funding has an overall budget of $6 million, with a maximum awarded amount of $1 million per project. Applications are due March 27, 2025.

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Minnesota – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is accepting applications to its Freight Switcher Locomotive grant to partially fund freight switcher locomotive repower or replacement with zero-emission motors or cleaner diesel engines. Locomotive owners from private, public, and nonprofit sectors based in Minnesota are eligible to apply, and applications are due on May 20, 2025.

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MPCA is accepting applications for its Clean Transportation for Delivery and Commercial Services grants to fund the purchase of all-electric Class 1, 2, or 3 vehicles. For-profit businesses with 500 employees or less, as well as governmental entities, Tribes, nonprofits, and educational institutions with any number of employees are eligible to apply. The maximum grant award is $24,500 per applicant. Applications are due by March 14, 2025.

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Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a design-build of behind-the-meter solar photovoltaic carports that incorporate a battery energy storage system and EV supply equipment. The project objective is to implement solar carport systems, storage, and EV chargers on the parking lot properties of the Capital Hill Campus to reduce energy costs and showcase the adoption of clean energy technology. Applications are due on March 14, 2025.

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Vermont – The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is accepting applications for the Vermont Diesel Emissions Reduction Financial Assistance Program. DEC is seeking applicants for projects that achieve a significant reduction in diesel emissions from diesel-powered engines, vehicles, and equipment operating in Vermont. Eligible vehicles include school buses and transit buses, locomotives, heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, and nonroad engines, equipment, or vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo, agriculture, mining, or energy production. All interested local, state, and regional agencies or departments, as well as institutions and businesses with eligible diesel vehicles or equipment operating primarily in the State of Vermont are eligible to apply. Applications are due on March 5, 2025.

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Washington – The Cowlitz Indian Tribe released an Assessment of Tribal Facilities for EV Fleet Transition RFP. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all Tribal facilities and provide a detailed report that identifies the necessary upgrades to accommodate an EV fleet. The consultant will also recommend improvements that align with current and future infrastructure needs and energy demands. Applications are due on March 6, 2025.

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If you have any questions regarding any of these opportunities, please contact Wendy Morgan ([email protected]).

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Background Information

CEC’s Clean Transportation Program has released a GFO seeking one or more third-party implementers to provide technical assistance (TA) for communities eligible to seek federal and state funding for ZEV infrastructure. TA providers will, at minimum, assist in identifying grant opportunities, support successful application development and submittal, and support project implementation that delivers benefits in under-resourced communities.

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There is $4 million in funding available under this solicitation. 

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Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are California Native American tribes, California Tribal Organizations, and all public and private entities with the exception of investor-owned utilities. 

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Important Dates 

Applications are due on February 28, 2025. 

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With the increasing number of opportunities of interest to CTE and our members, we are not able to pursue projects to the same extent as we have in the past. However, if you are interested in pursuing funding under this opportunity, CTE may be able to support your application through our Grant Writing as a Service program. If you have questions regarding this program please contact Wendy Morgan ([email protected]).

‍

As a service to our members, CTE continually tracks state funding opportunities that could be of potential interest to our members. CTE monitors and updates the latest funding options in each state, providing direct and timely information to transportation professionals, industry leaders, and stakeholders.‍

‍

Background and Award Information

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Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Energy and the Environment has announced the Reduce Emissions from Diesels (Go RED!) School Edition Program. The Go RED! School Edition Program is a limited eligibility program that provides funding assistance for projects that reduce diesel emissions from school buses. Awards under the Go RED! School Edition Program will be capped at $80,000 per applicant. Any Arkansas school district owning eligible equipment that is more than two years old and currently operational and will continue to operate in the state of Arkansas for five years after deployment, is eligible to apply. Eligible replacement vehicles and equipment include those powered by hybrid engines and zero tailpipe emissions power sources (battery or fuel cell). Applications are due March 31, 2025.‍

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Massachusetts – The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, through the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act program, is conducting a competitive electric-only solicitation. This is an early replacement program designed to accelerate the retirement of less efficient and more polluting diesel vehicles and equipment. Eligible diesel vehicles, engines, and equipment include school buses, transit buses, medium-duty or heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, locomotives, and nonroad engines, equipment, or vehicles. The eligible technologies that can be applied to the above vehicles, engines, and equipment include vehicle and equipment replacements with zero-tailpipe emission power sources, engine replacements with zero-tailpipe emission power sources and verified idle reduction technologies. There is approximately $3.66 million in funding available, and applications are due on April 7, 2025.‍

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Michigan – The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has announced $5 million in funding to support Level 2 AC EV charging stations at existing multifamily housing units through its Clean Fuel & Charging Infrastructure Program. Any organization is eligible to apply. EGLE will award up to $300,000 per applicant. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

The Michigan Department of Education, in collaboration with EGLE and the Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation, has opened Round 3 of its 74(b) Clean Bus Energy Grant, a $125 million program aimed at helping Michigan school districts replace aging diesel school buses with cleaner alternatives. Applicants may request up to 10 buses. All Michigan Public School Districts are eligible to apply, and applications are due on May 2, 2025.‍

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Oregon – The League of Oregon Cities has released a Notice of Solicitation for the Utility Vehicles and Alternative Transportation Request for Proposals. The intent of this Interstate Cooperative Procurement Solicitation is to invite Proposers to submit a competitive pricing proposal offering Utility Vehicles and Alternative Transportation to LOC, which will then be made available to NPPGov members locally and nationwide; to reduce expenses by eliminating multiple requests for proposals and multiple responses by Vendors; and to obtain discounted pricing through volume purchasing. Categories include utility vehicles, including but not limited to electric, self-propelled, hybrid, and traditional fuel transportation Traditional Utility Vehicles, Compact Utility Vehicles, Mid-Sized Utility Vehicles, and High-Performance Utility Vehicles. Applications are due April 30, 2025.‍

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Texas – The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is now accepting applications for the Texas Clean Fleet Program with an estimated $16 million in grant funding available for fleet owners in Texas to replace aging diesel vehicles with new hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles. Grants are available for entities who own and operate a fleet of 75 or more on-road vehicles in Texas and who apply to replace at least 10 of those vehicles with new hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles. Applications are due March 21, 2025.

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‍If you have any questions regarding any of these opportunities, please contact Wendy Morgan ([email protected]).