WASHINGTON, DC - Representing the two largest automotive markets in the world, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) this week signed a five-year agreement to promote large-scale deployment of next-generation efficiency vehicle technologies in the U.S. and China, specifically focusing on electric, hybrid-electric, fuel cell, and alternative fuel technologies.
This agreement falls under the ''umbrella'' Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology between the U.S. and Chinese governments, and implements a Protocol for Cooperation in the Fields of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technology Development and Utilization between DOE and MOST. DOE's Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy John Mizroch and MOST's Director General Zhang Zhihong signed this week's accord on vehicle efficiency.
''As the two largest car markets worldwide, the U.S. and China have a unique responsibility to discuss next generation vehicle technologies and how government and industry might collaborate in the future,'' Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Mizroch said. ''This agreement furthers our strategic cooperation in harnessing clean energy technologies to address climate change, improve energy security and sustain our economic growth.''
As part of this agreement, DOE and MOST will focus their cooperation on: advanced batteries, alternating current motor control systems, fast charging batteries, advanced materials for vehicle systems, and vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure. The two countries will work closely with national laboratories, automotive industries, and private industry organizations involved in energy efficient transportation.
The countries' cooperation will include
Technical Information Exchanges, Experiences, and Visits - to address research and development programs, technical and economic evaluation, maintenance and operational procedures relating to vehicle technologies.
Joint Economic, Environment, and Policy Studies - to enhance understanding of appropriate mechanisms and policies to promote rapid adoption of electric vehicles in an environmentally and economically sound manner.
Technology Demonstrations - to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of advanced vehicle technologies.
Professional Training - to develop advanced vehicle and supporting technologies.
The U.S. is the largest consumer and producer of cars in the world, and in 2006, China became second largest consumer of, and the third largest producer of, vehicles in the world. According to a projection of Chinese motor vehicle growth by DOE's Argonne National Laboratory, by 2030, China could have more highway vehicles than the U.S. currently has. China currently has approximately 9 million passenger cars on the road and by 2030 it is expected to have between 115-147 million passenger cars on the road.
As part of the U.S.'s ongoing bilateral work with China, today's announcement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last week by DOE and China's National Development and Reform Commission aimed at increasing cooperation and energy efficiency in China's industrial sector, which accounts for 70 percent of the country's total energy demand. DOE Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs Karen Harbert and Vice Chairman of China's National Development and Reform Commission Chen Deming signed the MOU, Industrial Energy Efficiency Cooperation, following discussions at the third U.S.-China Energy Policy Dialogue in San Francisco.
View the agreement signed this week, and for more information on DOE's work to increase energy efficiency, at the FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies (FCVT) Program website.
