NREL helps industry partners develop the next generation of energy efficient, high performance vehicles and fuels.
NREL conducts research on the full range of vehicle types, from light-duty passenger cars to heavy-duty freight trucks.
NREL spearheads transportation research, development, and deployment (RD&D) to accelerate the widespread adoption of high-performance, low-emission, energy-efficient passenger and freight vehicles. As the only national laboratory dedicated 100% to renewable energy and energy efficiency, NREL collaborates with industry, government, and research partners to create better:
- Electric, hybrid, fuel cell, and conventional vehicle technologies
- Biofuels, hydrogen, natural gas, propane, and petroleum-based fuels
- Charging and fueling infrastructure.
NREL research successes have led to more effective batteries, drivetrains, and engines; thermal management, energy storage, power electronic, climate control, combustion, and emission systems; and biofuel formulas.
Sustainable transportation efforts are not limited to vehicles and fuels. NREL also explores ways to fast-track progress toward energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction goals by integrating transportation technology advancements with renewable energy generation, charging and fueling systems, power grids and building systems, urban planning and policy, and fleet operations.
Transportation researchers tap the expertise of NREL's hydrogen and fuel cell, biomass, energy analysis, and energy systems integration teams to formulate solutions that bridge technologies. Explore NREL's transportation RD&D capabilities and learn about the Sustainable Mobility Initiative and sustainable transportation basics.
NREL's vehicles and fuels research supports these U.S. Department of Energy offices and services:
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