The U.S. Department of Energy awarded more than $175 million for advanced vehicle research and development, including $4.7 million for four projects related to lubricants.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., received $1.5 million for a project to investigate the use of novel lubricant formulations that target differing lubricant requirements of the major engine subsystems, such as valve train vs. bearings.
Ford Motor Co. of Dearborn, Mich., got $1.2 million to aid its efforts to research, develop and demonstrate polyalkylene glycol-based engine oils, which can reduce engine friction relative to conventional petroleum-based and other synthetic oils.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory of Oak Ridge, Tenn., was awarded $1.2 million to support its investigation of ionic liquids as a new class of multi-functional (anti-wear and friction modifier) lubricant additives to allow use of lower-viscosity engine oils, to improve engine efficiency.
UChicago Argonne LLC of Argonne, Ill., obtained $800,000 towards its project to develop boron-based lubricant additives to achieve higher fuel economy, longer durability and better environmental compatibility in future and legacy engines.
Overall, the funding will support 40 projects across 15 states to help improve the fuel efficiency of next generation vehicles. In addition to lubricants, the projects also include research on lighter weight materials, longer-lasting and cheaper electric vehicle batteries and components, and more efficient engine technologies.