Fuel cells were a major topic in 2015. Several automakers began distributing fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVS) to customers in select parts of the world. Leases for these cars took place in 2014 and 2015 in the U.S., while several car manufacturers began selling FCEVs in Japan and California.
By advancing the technology in hydrogen and fuel cells, the department looks to decrease the need for foreign fuel, while improving the environment through reduced emissions. The department is looking to team up with other labs around the country that can help support this work. The money spent hopefully will advance fuel-cell technologies, as well as the research labs and manufacturing companies that produce these products.
The funding will be used for research and development of hydrogen production and manufacturing, as well as the storage and delivery of hydrogen fuel cells. The money also will support Climate Action Champions, which already deploys fuel-cell and hydrogen technologies.
While the hope is to advance the technology, the Energy Department also hopes to reduce costs while improving the life of a fuel cell.
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