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EDTA Applauds Grant Announcements: $2.4 Billion for Electric Drive


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U.S. Department of Energy announces single largest investment for electric drive vehicles and components.

Washington, DC—August 5, 2009; The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) applauds President Barack Obama's announcement of $2.4 billion in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy to accelerate the manufacturing and deployment of electric drive vehicles.

EDTA is the largest trade association representing battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric drive vehicle technologies and infrastructure. Many EDTA members, including automotive manufacturers, battery and component suppliers, and universities, received grant awards.

"A wide range of companies large and small are changing transportation and establishing a green job workforce," says EDTA President Brian Wynne. "Today's funding announcements demonstrate a firm policy direction of investment in electric drive vehicles that reduce our oil consumption and keep more dollars in the domestic economy."

The grant projects are focused on three key areas:

· $1.5 million was awarded for battery and battery component production, and battery recycling.

· $500 million was awarded for production of electric drive vehicle components, motors, and electronics.

· $400 million was awarded for purchase of plug in hybrids and electric vehicles for demonstrations, as well as charging infrastructure and workforce training.

About EDTA:

The Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) is the trade association representing battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. EDTA conducts public policy advocacy, education, industry networking, and international conferences. EDTA's membership includes automotive and other equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers, component suppliers, and government agencies. For more information about EDTA and its members, visit www.electricdrive.org.

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