Shifting Forward Vehicle Technologies Research and Development Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8560
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-28: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-21T16:47:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Shifting Forward Vehicle Technologies Research and Development Act aims to fund and coordinate research, development, demonstration, and other activities to advance innovative vehicle technologies. It focuses on creating more efficient, sustainable vehicles that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower manufacturing and ownership costs, improve energy storage safety, enhance cybersecurity, and promote domestic manufacturing and commercialization.
Key Provisions
- Definitions (Sec. 2): Defines terms like alternative fuel (fuels reducing emissions vs. conventional options), extreme fast charging (recharging 80% battery in ~10 minutes), sustainable materials (non-depleting resources), and references to the Department of Energy (DOE).
- Reporting Requirements (Sec. 3): DOE must submit biennial reports to Congress through 2031 on program activities, public-private partnerships, progress, strategic funding plans, and U.S. commercialization of technologies.
- Advanced Vehicle R&D Program (Sec. 4): Funds R&D on electrification, batteries, power electronics, lightweight materials, recycling, infrastructure, automation, and nonroad emissions (e.g., aviation, rail, maritime). Includes standards development and testing metrics.
- Vehicle Security Program (Sec. 5): R&D on cybersecurity and physical security for vehicle-grid connections, with a 5-10 year threat assessment.
- Energy Storage Safety Program (Sec. 6): R&D on battery and fuel storage safety, failure analysis, and testing.
- Advisory Committee (Sec. 7): Establishes a committee of experts (≥15 members from academia, industry, environment, labor) to assess competitiveness, progress, and program balance; reports to DOE and Congress every 3 years (exempt from Federal Advisory Committee Act termination).
- Medium/Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program (Sec. 8): R&D on engines, electric drivetrains, hybrids, hydrogen, infrastructure for trucks, buses, etc.; includes integration demos.
- Technical Assistance (Sec. 9): Aid to state/local/Tribal governments and partnerships for alternative fuel infrastructure; $50M/year authorized (FY2027-2031).
- Graduate Automotive Technology Education (GATE) Centers (Sec. 10): Up to 7 grants to universities/consortia for training engineers; prioritizes diverse regions and HBCUs/minority/Tribal institutions; $8.3M/year authorized (FY2027-2031).
- Research Gaps Assessment (Sec. 11): Request for information on alternative fuel delivery barriers (e.g., grid integration); report to Congress.
- Energy Efficient Mobility Systems (Sec. 12): R&D on automation, connectivity (V2X), machine learning for transportation energy efficiency.
- Coordination (Sec. 13): Across DOE offices and agencies like DOT, NIST; leverages state/local resources.
- Funding (Sec. 14): Authorizes escalating appropriations to DOE: $530M (FY2027) rising to $644M (FY2031).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Builds on and coordinates with prior laws like the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (e.g., electric grid integration, critical materials recycling).
- Introduces new standalone programs (e.g., security, safety, mobility systems, GATE centers), advisory committee, and specific authorizations not previously detailed.
- Expands focus to nonroad vehicles, extreme fast charging, cybersecurity threats, and equity in education grants (e.g., HBCU mandates).
- No direct repeals or amendments, but mandates periodic reviews, metrics, and cross-agency milestones.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases DOE workload with new programs, reporting, and coordination; provides dedicated funding for R&D and technical aid to state/local/Tribal entities.
- Citizens: Could lead to cheaper, safer, lower-emission vehicles; improved charging/refueling infrastructure (urban/rural); public education on automation benefits.
- Industry/Environment: Boosts U.S. manufacturing of batteries, magnets, fuels; reduces supply chain risks for critical materials; promotes recycling and net-zero fuels.
- International Relations: Enhances U.S. competitiveness in global vehicle tech markets; supports domestic supply of sustainable materials, potentially reducing reliance on foreign critical minerals.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: DOE (lead), DOT, NIST, NSF, DoD.
- Industry: Auto manufacturers, battery/fuel cell producers, suppliers (e.g., magnets, electronics), fleets, labor unions.
- Academia/Non-Profits: Universities (esp. HBCUs/minority/Tribal), research hubs, environmental/labor groups.
- Governments: State, local, Tribal entities for infrastructure.
- Public: Consumers benefiting from advanced vehicles and education.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Authorizes significant appropriations without mandatory spending; advisory committee bypasses standard sunset under Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), allowing permanence. Emphasizes voluntary standards and public-private partnerships.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power (Art. I, Sec. 8) for science/tech promotion; no apparent 1st/10th Amendment issues.
- Political: Promotes domestic jobs/manufacturing ("made in USA" emphasis); bipartisan potential via energy security/emissions reduction; requires equity in grants, signaling inclusion priorities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-28: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-04-28: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-28: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Shifting Forward Vehicle Technologies Research and Development Act — issued 2026-04-28 — PDF (32 pages)