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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) has announced the SuperTruck Charge funding opportunity to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles (MHD EVs).

What is the SuperTruck Charge Funding Opportunity?

This program supports the Biden Administration’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with 30% of new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) sales becoming zero-emission by 2030 and full fleet electrification by 2040. The focus is on addressing gaps in charging infrastructure for class 6-8 battery electric trucks (BETs), reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and enhancing grid resiliency.

What is the Purpose of the Fund?

The SuperTruck Charge fund aims to develop large-scale, high-capacity charging infrastructure at key logistics hubs, distribution centers, and along major freight corridors. The program addresses long construction timelines, supply chain delays for grid components, and high energy demands of MHD EVs. Projects should incorporate vehicle-grid integration (VGI) strategies to manage energy loads and minimize grid impacts while supporting a range of truck models. The ultimate goal is to enable a wide-scale transition to electric truck fleets, driving down emissions and supporting national climate goals.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

• Institutions of higher education
• For-profit entities
• Non-profit organizations
• State and local governmental entities
• Indian Tribes

What are the Requirements to Apply?

Applicants must submit a concept paper before applying in full. Projects must provide at least 8 megawatts (MW) of concurrent charging capacity to support multiple MHD EVs. Proposals should demonstrate ways to reduce energy costs, optimize load management, and improve the grid’s ability to handle increased demand. Successful projects will focus on scalable and replicable charging infrastructure models that minimize grid upgrade costs and promote large-scale EV adoption.

What Project Activities are Eligible for Grant Funding?

Eligible projects include the design, development, and deployment of high-power charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty battery electric trucks. Charging infrastructure can be built at ports, depots, hubs, and along key transportation corridors. Projects should integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar or wind to reduce grid strain and enhance sustainability. Ensuring compatibility with various truck manufacturers and charging technologies is also a requirement.

What are Allowable Costs for the Fund?

Allowable costs under the SuperTruck Charge funding include:

• Construction and equipment for high-capacity EV charging installations
• Integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar or battery storage
• Research and development to reduce grid impacts
• Vehicle-grid integration (VGI) systems and load management
• Cybersecurity for grid protection

What is the Funding Availability for this Program?

The DOE has allocated up to $72 million for the SuperTruck Charge program, with plans to issue two to three awards. Each award will range from $24 million to $36 million, with a project duration of 36 to 60 months. Applicants are required to provide a cost share of at least 50 percent of the total project costs.

What is the Grant Timeline?

• Concept Papers Due: October 8, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. ET
• Full Applications Due: November 20, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. ET

Interested applicants must submit materials through the DOE’s online portal, EERE eXCHANGE.

The full Funding Opportunity Announcement is available here.

For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.