DE-FOA-0003344 SuperTruck Charge.pdf

EERE T 540.117-01: Funding Opportunity Announcement

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

SuperTruck Charge

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: DE-FOA-0003344 FOA Type: Initial

Assistance Listing Number: 81.086

FOA Issue Date: 09/16/2024 Submission Deadline for Concept Papers: 10/8/2024 Anticipated Date for Concept Paper Notifications 10/22/2024 Submission Deadline for Full Applications: 11/20/2024 Expected Date for EERE Selection Notifications: January 2025 Expected Timeframe for Award Negotiations: February-April 2025

• Applicants must submit a Concept Paper by 5:00 p.m. ET on the due date listed above to be eligible to submit a Full Application.

• Applicants are discouraged from submitting information considered proprietary unless it is deemed essential for proper evaluation of the application. If the application contains information that the applicant organization considers to be trade secrets, information that is commercial or financial, or information that is privileged or confidential, the pages containing that information should be identified as specified in the application instructions. When such information is included in the application, it is furnished to the Federal government in confidence, with the understanding that the information will be used or disclosed only for evaluation of the application. The information contained in the application will be protected by DOE from unauthorized disclosure, consistent with the need for merit review of applications of financial assistance awards to assure the integrity of the competitive process and the accuracy and completeness of the information. If a Federal financial assistance award is made as a result of or in connection with an application, the Federal government has the right to use or disclose the information to the extent authorized by law. This restriction does not limit the Federal government’s right to use the information if it is obtained without restriction from another source.

• To apply to this FOA, applicants must register with and submit application materials through EERE eXCHANGE at https://eere-eXCHANGE.energy.gov, EERE’s online application portal.

https://eere-exchange.energy.gov/

Questions about this FOA? DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov Problems with EERE Exchange? Email EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov Include FOA name and number in subject line.

• Applicants must designate primary and backup points-of-contact in EERE eXCHANGE with whom EERE will communicate to conduct award negotiations. If an application is selected for award negotiations, it is not a commitment to issue an award. It is imperative that the applicant/selectee be responsive during award negotiations and meet negotiation deadlines. Failure to do so may result in cancelation of further award negotiations and rescission of the selection.

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) - Each applicant is required to: (1) register in the SAM at https://www.sam.gov before submitting an application; (2) provide a valid UEI in the application; and (3) maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active federal award or an application or plan under consideration by a federal awarding agency (unless the applicant is excepted from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110).

DOE may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time DOE is ready to make a federal award, DOE will determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.

NOTE: Due to the high number of UEI requests and SAM registrations, entity legal business name and address validations are taking longer than expected to process.

Entities should start the UEI and SAM registration process as soon as possible. If entities have technical difficulties with the UEI validation or SAM registration process they should use the HELP feature on SAM.gov. SAM.gov will address service tickets in the order in which they are received and asks that entities not create multiple service tickets for the same request or technical issue. Additional entity validation resources can be found here: GSAFSD Tier 0 Knowledge Base - Validating your Entity.

file://prod65-fs3/common/Common/PVT_SAN/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344%20SuperTruck%20Charge/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov mailto:EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov https://www.sam.gov/ https://sam.gov/content/help https://sam.gov/content/home https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0058422&sys_kb_id=1b5f22581b2115102fe5ed7ae54bcb4e&spa=1 subject line.

SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF KEY INFORMATION

Issuing Agency Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)

Program Overview This program will provide funding to enable the design, development, and demonstration of innovative electric vehicle charging infrastructure near key ports, distribution hubs, and major corridors to support medium- and heavy duty (MHD) electric vehicles and enhance grid resiliency and reliability.

Objective This program is meant to seek innovative and replicable solutions to support electrified medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs), accelerate charging infrastructure deployment, reduce grid impacts through vehicle-grid integration (VGI) strategies, and drastically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in support of the Administration goals.

This FOA supports the administration goals laid out above by identifying potential solutions to address the current gaps in electrified MHDV charging infrastructure necessary to enable greater utilization of electrified fleets, and drastically reducing GHG emissions due to MHD trucks. The outcomes of this program will lead to accelerated deployment of large-scale EV charging infrastructure with clean energy resource technologies, as well as provide greater grid resiliency and reliability.

Topic Areas • Topic Area 1: Grid-integration of Depot/Hub and Corridor Charging Solutions for Medium and Heavy Duty EVs

Eligible Applicants • Domestic Entities (Institutions of higher education; for-profit entities; non-profit entities; state and local governmental entities and Indian Tribes)

• DOE/NNSA FFRDC’s and non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs and Federal Research Agencies as sub-recipients

Funding It is anticipated that this FOA will provide Federal funding of up to $72 Million over 3 to 5 years.

Deadlines October 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm ET: Concept Papers Due November 20, 2024 at 5:00 pm ET: Full Application Due file://prod65-fs3/common/Common/PVT_SAN/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344%20SuperTruck%20Charge/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov mailto:EERE-ExchangeSupport@hq.doe.gov subject line.

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Table of Contents

SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF KEY INFORMATION

Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................ i

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background and Context

i. Background and Purpose

ii. Program Purpose

iii. Technology Space and Strategic Goals

iv. Teaming Partner List

B. Topic Area C. Applications Specifically Not of Interest D. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) E. Authorizing Statutes

II. Award Information

A. Award Overview

i. Estimated Funding

ii. Period of Performance

iii. New Applications Only

B. EERE Funding Agreements

i. Cooperative Agreements

ii. Funding Agreements with Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDCs)

iii. Other Transactions Authority

III. Eligibility Information

A. Eligible Applicants

i. Restricted Eligibility

ii. Domestic Entities

iii. Foreign Entities

B. Cost Sharing

i. Legal Responsibility

ii. Cost Share Allocation

iii. Cost Share Types and Allowability

iv. Cost Share Contributions by FFRDCs

v. Cost Share Verification

vi. Cost Share Payment

C. Compliance Criteria D. Responsiveness Criteria E. Other Eligibility Requirements

i. Requirements for DOE/NNSA and Non-DOE/NNSA FFRDCs Included as a Subrecipient F. Limitation on Number of Concept Papers and Full Applications Eligible for Review G. Questions Regarding Eligibility

IV. Application and Submission Information

A. Application Process

i. Additional Information on EERE eXCHANGE

B. Application Forms C. Content and Form of the Concept Paper D. Content and Form of the Full Application file://prod65-fs3/common/Common/PVT_SAN/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344%20SuperTruck%20Charge/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov subject line.

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i. Full Application Content Requirements

ii. SF-424: Application for Federal Assistance

iii. Technical Volume

iv. Resumes

v. Letters of Commitment

vi. Impacted Indian Tribes Documentation

vii. Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO)

viii. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan

ix. Budget Justification Workbook

x. Summary for Public Release

xi. Summary Slide

xii. Subrecipient Budget Justification (if applicable)

xiii. Budget for DOE/NNSA FFRDC (if applicable)

xiv. Authorization for Non-DOE/NNSA or DOE/NNSA FFRDCs (if applicable)

xv. SF-LLL: Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

xvi. Waiver Requests (if applicable)

xvii. Current and Pending Support

xviii. Locations of Work

xix. Transparency of Foreign Connections

xx. Potentially Duplicative Funding Notice

xxi. Data Management Plan

E. Post Selection Information Requests F. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) G. Submission Dates and Times H. Intergovernmental Review I. Funding Restrictions

i. Allowable Costs

ii. Pre-Award Costs

iii. Performance of Work in the United States (Foreign Work Waiver)

iv. Construction

v. Foreign Travel

vi. Equipment and Supplies

vii. Build America Buy America Requirement for Infrastructure Projects

viii. Lobbying

ix. Risk Assessment

x. Invoice Review and Approval

xi. Prohibition Related to Foreign Government-Sponsored Talent Recruitment Programs

xii. Affirmative Action and Pay Transparency Requirements

xiii. Foreign Collaboration Considerations

V. Application Review Information

A. Technical Review Criteria

i. Concept Papers

ii. Full Applications

B. Standards for Application Evaluation C. Other Selection Factors

i. Program Policy Factors D. Evaluation and Selection Process

i. Overview

ii. Pre-Selection Clarification

iii. Recipient Responsibility and Qualifications

iv. Selection

E. Anticipated Notice of Selection and Award Negotiation Dates file://prod65-fs3/common/Common/PVT_SAN/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344%20SuperTruck%20Charge/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov subject line.

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VI. Award Administration Information

A. Award Notices

i. Ineligible Submissions

ii. Concept Paper Notifications

iii. Full Application Notifications

iv. Applicants Selected for Award Negotiations

v. Alternate Selection Determinations

vi. Unsuccessful Applicants

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

i. Registration Requirements

ii. Award Administrative Requirements

iii. Foreign National Participation

iv. Subaward and Executive Reporting

v. National Policy Requirements

vi. Environmental Review in Accordance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

vii. Flood Resilience

viii. Applicant Representations and Certifications

ix. Statement of Federal Stewardship

x. Statement of Substantial Involvement

xi. Subject Invention Utilization Reporting

xii. Intellectual Property Provisions

xiii. Reporting

xiv. Go/No-Go Review

xv. Conference Spending

xvi. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Financing Statements

xvii. Real Property and Equipment

xviii. Implementation of Executive Order 13798, Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty

xix. Participants and Collaborating Organizations

xx. Current and Pending Support

xxi. U.S. Manufacturing Commitments

xxii. Interim Conflict of Interest Policy for Financial Assistance

xxiii. Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

xxiv. Human Subjects Research

VII. Questions/Agency Contacts

VIII. Other Information

A. FOA Modifications B. Government Right to Reject or Negotiate C. Commitment of Public Funds D. Treatment of Application Information E. Evaluation and Administration by Non-Federal Personnel F. Notice Regarding Eligible/Ineligible Activities G. Notice of Right to Conduct a Review of Financial Capability H. Requirement for Full and Complete Disclosure I. Retention of Submissions J. Title to Subject Inventions K. Government Rights in Subject Inventions

i. Government Use License

ii. March-In Rights

L. Rights in Technical Data M. Copyright N. Export Control file://prod65-fs3/common/Common/PVT_SAN/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344%20SuperTruck%20Charge/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov subject line.

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O. Prohibition on Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment P. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Q. Annual Independent Audits

Appendix A – Cost Share Information

Appendix B – Sample Cost Share Calculation for Blended Cost Share Percentage

Appendix C – Waiver Requests For: 1. Foreign Entity Participation; and 2. Foreign Work

Appendix D – Buy America Requirement for Infrastructure Projects

Appendix E – Definition of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)

Appendix F – List of Acronyms file://prod65-fs3/common/Common/PVT_SAN/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344%20SuperTruck%20Charge/FOA/DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov subject line.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

A. Background and Context

i. Background and Purpose The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), on behalf of the Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO), is issuing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) entitled, “SuperTruck Charge”. The activities supported by this FOA are authorized under Public Law (P.L.) 109-58, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005), as amended, Section 911 (codified at 42 U.S.C. § 16191).

Awards made under this announcement will fall under the purview of 2 CFR Part 200 as amended by 2 CFR Part 910.

Building a clean and equitable energy economy and addressing the climate crisis is a top priority of the Biden Administration. This FOA will advance the Biden Administration’s goals to achieve carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and to “deliver an equitable, clean energy future, and put the United States on a path to achieve net-zero emissions, economy-wide, by no later than 20501” to the benefit of all Americans. The United States recently signed the Drive to Zero Memorandum of Understanding, which sets the ambition of having 30% of all new Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle (MHDV) sales be zero emission by 2030 and a full transition to zero emission fleet by 2040. The Department of Energy is committed to pushing the frontiers of science and engineering, catalyzing clean energy jobs through research, development, demonstration, and deployment (RDD&D), and ensuring environmental justice and inclusion of underserved communities.

The research and development (R&D) activities to be funded under this FOA will support the government-wide approach to the climate crisis by driving the innovation that can lead to the deployment of clean energy technologies, which are critical for climate protection. Specifically, this FOA is seeking innovative and replicable solutions to support electrified MHDVs, accelerate charging infrastructure deployment, reduce grid-impacts through vehicle-grid integration (VGI) strategies, and drastically decrease GHG emissions in support of the Administration goals. In partnership with industry, VTO has established aggressive targets to focus research, demonstration and deployment on cost-reduction, efficiency, and emissions reduction that improve air quality and improved mobility.

1 Executive Order 14008, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” January 27, 2021.

mailto:DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov subject line.

ii. Program Purpose This program is meant to seek innovative and replicable solutions to support electrified medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs), accelerate charging infrastructure deployment, reduce grid impacts through vehicle-grid integration (VGI) strategies, and drastically reduce GHG emissions in support of the Administration goals.

This FOA supports the administration goals laid out above by identifying potential solutions to address the current gaps in electrified MHDV charging infrastructure necessary to enable greater utilization of electrified fleets, and drastically reducing GHG emissions due to MHD trucks. The outcomes of this program will lead to accelerated deployment of large-scale EV charging infrastructure with clean energy resource technologies, as well as provide greater grid resiliency and reliability.

iii. Technology Space and Strategic Goals

The transportation sector represents the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, with MHDVs being the second biggest emitting segment in the sector. Currently, MHDVs are responsible for 461 million metric tons (MMT) of GHG emissions per year, accounting for ~21% of all transportation emissions.2 MHDVs are also a major source of local air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which negatively impact air quality and human health, disproportionally affecting disadvantaged communities located near freight corridors, ports, and distribution centers.

Battery and electric traction drive technology has progressed to make battery electric trucks (BETs) a viable option in many applications and a key pathway toward meeting zero emissions goals. These BETs offer significant opportunities for reducing GHG and other harmful emissions as well as fuel and maintenance costs, a significant portion of the total cost of ownership for trucks. While the utility of the current generation of BETs is limited to relatively short-range applications, next generation BETs (such as those under development in the VTO SuperTruck 3 program3) will have significantly longer ranges and the ability to charge at rates greater than 1 MW. This combination will greatly increase the number of viable routes for BETs and introduce new opportunities for en-route charging. However, the requirement to charge at significantly higher power and more frequently than passenger vehicles, due to higher vehicle energy use (kWh/mile), limited battery size due to weight constraints, and usage profile, 2 https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/the-us-national-blueprint-for-transportation-decarbonization.pdf 3 https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-nearly-200-million-reduce-emissions-cars-and-trucks mailto:DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/the-us-national-blueprint-for-transportation-decarbonization.pdf https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/the-us-national-blueprint-for-transportation-decarbonization.pdf https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-nearly-200-million-reduce-emissions-cars-and-trucks subject line.

creates challenges for buildout of the necessary infrastructure to serve MHDVs.

The limited availability of high-power chargers suitable for trucks remains a key barrier to the higher uptake of class 6-8 BETs. Installation of chargers suitable for trucks at major hubs, depots, or charging installations along corridors can take more than 24 months due to the power levels requested, complicated site selection criteria, need for extensive utility engagement, permitting, and complex utility load service or interconnection processes. Availability of the needed grid components can exacerbate this timeline. Large and highly variable site upgrade costs and uncertain charger utilization rates present a challenge for investment and futureproofing by utilities. From the electrical grid perspective, growth in BETs could require significant infrastructure upgrades, but these can be substantially reduced with implementation of intelligent load management strategies. Accommodating this projected growth will require careful integrated planning to promote grid resiliency and prevent undue costs for customers and ratepayers.

This FOA seeks applications to address current gap in available equitable charging infrastructure to serve medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs), specifically class 6-8 battery electric tractor trucks. There is a need to identify large scale replicable high power charging installations to serve MHD electric fleets with tens to hundreds of vehicles. There is also a need to develop high-capacity charging infrastructure to serve MHD electric trucks for long-haul use cases (>500 mile per day) along major corridors and rural regions where grid capacity is limited. There have been significant strides in increasing interoperability between light duty vehicles (LDVs) and electric vehicle service equipment (EVSEs), however there is a need to validate interoperability between newer battery electric trucks (BETs) and EVSEs that may serve these vehicles.

Detailed technical descriptions of the specific Topic Area are provided in the sections that follow.

iv. Teaming Partner List

DOE is compiling a Teaming Partner List to facilitate the formation of project teams for this FOA. The Teaming Partner List allows organizations that may wish to participate on a project to express their interest to other applicants and explore potential partnerships.

The Teaming Partner List will be available on EERE eXCHANGE and will be regularly updated to reflect new teaming partners who provide their organization’s information.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: View the Teaming Partner List by visiting the EERE eXCHANGE homepage and clicking on “Teaming Partners” within the left-hand navigation pane. This page allows users to view published Teaming Partner Lists.

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To join the Teaming Partner List, submit a request within eXCHANGE. Select the appropriate Teaming Partner List from the drop-down menu and fill in the following information: Investigator Name, Organization Name, Organization Type, Topic Area, Background and Capabilities, Website, Contact Address, Contact Email, and Contact Phone.

DISCLAIMER: By submitting a request to be included on the Teaming Partner List, the requesting organization consents to the publication of the above-referenced information. By facilitating the Teaming Partner List, DOE is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals and organizations that are identifying themselves for placement on this Teaming Partner List. DOE will not pay for the provision of any information, nor will it compensate any applicants or requesting organizations for the development of such information.

B. Topic Area Area of Interest: Grid-integration of Depot/Hub and Corridor Charging Solutions for Medium and Heavy Duty EVs

Background/Introduction Battery electric trucks (BETs) are a viable option for many applications and a key pathway toward meeting transportation decarbonization goals, but there is currently a gap in the available charging infrastructure to support class 6-8 battery electric trucks, partly due to the significant timelines associated with building new charging sites and supply chain constraints for the associated grid components. To meet ambitious goals of 30% zero-emission truck sales in 2030 and 100% in 2040, further research, development, and demonstration of high-capacity high-power charging installations with Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI) strategies for MHDVs will be critical to building out the necessary charging infrastructure in a timely manner while also ensuring equipment interoperability, mitigation of grid impacts, improving grid resiliency and reliability, and creating downward pressure on electricity rates. Two needs have emerged to be critically important to the support the transition from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) technology to electrified MHDVs:

1. High capacity (multi-megawatt) charging installations concentrated near hubs, ports, warehouses, and other logistics operations to support depot fleet charging, especially for smaller fleets that utilize non-captive, 3rd party owned and operated, depot charging.

2. En-route charging infrastructure with sufficient power capacity to support long-haul MHDV use cases along key freight corridors which are often in rural areas, where grid constraints are more critical.

The DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) looks to address these needs through the following two (2) subtopics:

Sub-Topic A. Innovative Depot Charging Infrastructure Design and Development to Support Electrified MHDVs Near Hubs, Ports, & other Logistics Operations

Introduction Many fleet operators/managers have committed to transitioning their truck fleet from traditional diesel fueled internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to battery electric trucks.

From 2020 to 2023, approximately 200 fleets converted their ICE engine vehicle fleets to electrified trucks, accounting for almost 13,000 new electric class 2b – 8 trucks in operation.4 An additional 171 fleets have placed orders for electric trucks in the same time frame.

However, the significant delays in charging infrastructure build-out have slowed companies from advancing their clean energy goals. A majority of fleet managers are unable to invest in the necessary charging capacity to meet their fleet demand, due to the significant hard and soft cost of a high-capacity charging installation. It is therefore necessary to determine innovative ways to design, develop, and deploy replicable large-capacity depot charging, with an emphasis in non-captive (i.e. 3rd party owned and operated facility serving multiple fleets) operations, to support the significant growth in MHDV electrification for regional and short-haul trucking.

Objective The objective of this subtopic is to research, develop, and demonstrate concepts for meeting the necessary charging needs for class 6-8 electric truck fleets near hubs, ports, and other logistical operations. Projects should prioritize Hubs identified in the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy5. Projects should provide a minimum concurrent charging capability of 8-MW when charging multiple vehicles. Comprehensive consideration should be given to load management strategies, and delivery of grid services to alleviate grid capacity challenges and minimize distribution upgrades (i.e., new substation, transformer upgrade, etc.). An innovative replicable depot charging model shall be developed to support interoperable charging of MHDVs with a range of charging capabilities, with an effort to minimize electricity costs for fleets and mitigate grid impacts.

Approaches may include, but are not limited to:

• Innovative approaches to integrate high power EV charging with Facility Energy

Management Systems and Fleet Management Systems.

• Integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) (i.e., photovoltaics, wind, battery energy storage, etc.) and/or other non-wires alternatives to minimize grid upgrades.

• Dynamic service connection approach with utility partner, such as project phasing, DERs/non-wires alternatives, or special contracts.

• Unique Direct Current (DC) system architecture/ Micro-grid.

• Bi-directional charging capability.

• Wireless power transfer systems.

4 Electric Fleet Deployment & Commitment Tracking Tool, Environmental Defense Fund, Dec. 2023 5 https://driveelectric.gov/files/zef-corridor-strategy.pdf https://driveelectric.gov/files/zef-corridor-strategy.pdf subject line.

• Novel system design to reduce utility interconnection cost and timelines.

• Innovative rate signaling and opportunity structures with servicing utility to optimize cost of operations.

General Requirements Applications must:

• Describe the baseline data for comparison (total charging capacity, number of charging ports, timelines, and cost for infrastructure buildout, etc.)

• Include plans to demonstrate a truck charging depot or hub with a total concurrent charging capability of at least 8-MW.

• Include integration of DERs and/or other non-wires alternatives to minimize grid upgrades and reduce service connection timelines. Proposals should describe the predicted result of this approach on timelines, number and type of upgrades, and any estimated economic benefits.

• Include integration of DERs and/or other non-wired alternatives to minimize grid upgrades and reduce service connection timelines. Proposals should describe the predicted result of this approach on timelines, number and type of upgrades, and any estimated economic benefits.

• Characterize the use case(s) for the proposed charging system including: (a) the planned use case and application, (b) the location of the charging site and how they support the operational profile of the trucks using the system, (c) the planned usage of the charging system (charging power, anticipated charge profile, charging time, total energy required), and (d) the anticipated equipment, installation, and charging costs.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the current state of the art for technology, processes, and procedures for MHDV charging installations in the US.

• Describe the overall approach and plans to demonstrate interoperability of charging infrastructure with various MHDV makes and models.

• Present detailed analysis to support the proposed approach and show it will have a significant impact on advancing the national charging infrastructure for MHDVs and elements that are viewed as most replicable.

• Describe the proposed layout for the site(s), indicating the anticipated location of the charger stations and supporting infrastructure.

• Identify the power level for the charge stations to be demonstrated at the site, type of station (conductive or non-conductive), and include at least five (5) charging ports with the capability of at least one (1) megawatt (MW) per port.

• Describe the proposed research and development (R&D) to be performed, the barrier being addressed by the R&D, and describe the advancements of the technology to overcome those barriers.

• Describe the benefit of the technology on EV adoption and the market penetration.

• Describe the proposed demonstration vehicles to be used, at a minimum include the proposed energy storage capacity, driving range, charge rate, vehicle class, and vehicle make and model.

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• Describe the plan for validation of interoperability of the system in real world environments.

• Describe the supporting distribution grid requirements (voltage, capacity, etc.).

• Describe the approach to comply with applicable safety and National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.

• Comply with relevant and all applicable charging standards.

• Include power grid cyber security protection.

• Identify all team members and their role in the project.

• Describe the site and/or facility energy management system, including smart charge management approaches, which will be implemented to mitigate grid impacts and lower operating costs.

Teaming Arrangements Applicant teams must include:

• At least one class 6-8 truck Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

• At least one electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) OEM.

• A fleet operator.

• A local servicing utility (Investor-Owned Utilities [IOU], Municipality, or Electricity Co-

Operative [Co-Op]).

Teams are encouraged to include:

• Multiple OEMs to demonstrate interoperability between different EVSEs and various

MHDV makes and models.

• EV charging operators to provide support for operation of the charging stations at the site.

• Authority Holding Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the demonstration location.

• Research partners from universities or National Laboratories to encourage different perspectives from the research community.

Special Deliverables

• All projects are required to participate in activities with the National Coordinator. DOE will provide a National Coordinator to support collaboration between relevant EERE demonstration projects (including virtual and in person meetings), perform cross cutting analysis based on project data, and amplify successes and best practices. The role of the National Coordinator will be to provide technical assistance and support task execution, communications, stakeholder engagement, project evaluations and the publishing of research findings. Select experts will be identified across the DOE National Laboratories to provide technical assistance. The National Coordinator will work with VTO and DOE to facilitate shared learning across both awardees and key stakeholders during project implementation stages. A third party may also serve to facilitate and coordinate shared learning and to disseminate successes and best practices to wider audiences. The National subject line.

Coordinator may provide Technical Assistance (TA) to projects through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) or similar partnering agreements. The National Coordinator will be funded directly by DOE and will not be included as a project cost.

• All projects are required to produce and collect data to demonstrate the ability of the project to provide the intended demand flexibility and grid services. This will be quantified through a measurement and verification process utilizing an evaluation plan, developed with support from a National Coordinator. The project will need to include an analysis based on the counterfactual situation (e.g., unmitigated truck charging load). In order to ensure that data generated and collected by these projects benefits entire industries and fields of knowledge, individual projects will also be responsible for disseminating results to DOE.

Applications that include the following are highly discouraged:

• Applications that focus solely on model validation.

• Applications that do not provide a replicable infrastructure model or architecture.

Sub-Topic B. High-capacity Charging Infrastructure Design and Development to Support En-route and Long-haul Electrified MHDVs Along Major Corridors

Introduction Long-haul heavy-duty trucks (trucks averaging length of travel between deliveries of >20 miles) make up only 8% of the total MHDV stock on the road, however, but they are responsible for 35% of the transportation GHG emissions of all class 3-8 vehicles on the road.6 Electrification of MHDVs dedicated for long-haul trucking has the opportunity to significantly impact the total GHG emissions in the U.S. However, there is currently a gap in available en-route charging to support long-haul electric MHDVs along major freight corridors. Development of en-route truck stops and travel centers along major corridors equipped with the appropriate EV charging equipment to support long-haul BEV trucks is critical to support greater adoption of electric MHDVs as well as eliminate range anxiety for fleet operators/managers.

Objective The objective of this subtopic is to research, develop, and demonstrate concepts for medium duty and heavy-duty (MD/HD) class 6-8 electric truck charging installations along major freight corridors (as defined by the U.S. DOT FHWA) .7 Projects should prioritize Corridors defined in the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy8. Project sites should be capable of delivering high power charging with a minimum concurrent charging capability of 8-MW when

6 Population, Activity, Energy Consumption and Emissions of U.S. On-Road M/HDVs. Data from VIUS (BTS, 2024) 7 Major Freight Corridors - FHWA Freight Management and Operations (dot.gov) 8 https://driveelectric.gov/files/zef-corridor-strategy.pdf mailto:DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/freight_analysis/freight_story/major.htm https://driveelectric.gov/files/zef-corridor-strategy.pdf subject line.

charging multiple vehicles. Technology requirements will include Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC), including Megawatt charging equipment. Comprehensive consideration should be given to load management strategies, and delivery of grid services that alleviate grid capacity challenges often seen along major corridors and rural regions where truck stops and travel centers are often located. Projects should also assess an optimal design of the charging infrastructure and operations to minimize cost and accelerate deployment. An innovative en-route charging station shall be developed and deployed along a major corridor to support interoperable charging of MHDVs with a range of charging capabilities, with an effort to minimize charging electricity costs for fleets and mitigate grid impacts.

Approaches may include, but are not limited to:

• Innovative approaches to integrate high power EV charging with Facility Energy

Management System.

• Integration of DERs (i.e., photovoltaics, wind, battery energy storage, etc.) and/or other non-wires alternatives to minimize grid upgrades and/or reduce energization timelines.

• Unique Direct Current (DC) system architecture/ Microgrid.

• Novel system design to reduce utility interconnection/service connection cost and timelines.

• Adoption of a dynamic service request approach, including project phasing;

• Wireless power transfer systems.

• Innovative rate signaling and opportunity structures with servicing utility to optimize cost of operations.

General Requirements Applications must:

• Describe the baseline data for comparison (total charging capacity, number of charging ports, timelines, and cost for infrastructure buildout, etc.)

• Demonstrate a total concurrent charging capability of at least 8-MW.

• Include integration of DERs and/or other non-wires alternatives to minimize grid upgrades and reduce energization timelines. Proposals should describe the predicted result of this approach on timelines, number and type of upgrades, and any estimated economic benefits.

• Describe consideration of the dynamic service connection approach by utility partner, which can include project phasing, DERs/non-wires alternatives, or special contracts.

• Identify the use case(s) for the proposed charging system including: (a) the planned use case and application, (b) the location of the chargers and how they support the operational profile of the trucks using the system, (c) the planned usage of the charging system (charging power, anticipated charge profile, charging time, total energy required), and (d) the anticipated equipment, installation, and charging costs.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the current state of the art technology, processes, and procedures for MHDV charging installations in the U.S.

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• Describe the overall approach to demonstrate interoperability of charging infrastructure with various MHDV make and models.

• Present detailed analysis to support the proposed approach and show it will have a significant impact on advancing the national charging infrastructure for MHDV’s.

• Describe the proposed layout for the site(s), indicating the anticipated location of the charger stations and supporting infrastructure.

• Identify the power level for the charge stations to be demonstrated, type of station (conductive or non-conductive), and include at least five (5) charging ports with the capability of at least one (1) megawatt (MW) per port.

• Describe the proposed research and development (R&D) to be performed and describe the advancements of the technology to overcome current challenges.

• Describe the benefit of the technology on EV adoption and the market penetration.

• Describe the proposed demonstration vehicles to be used, at a minimum include the proposed energy storage capacity, driving range, charge rate, vehicle class, and vehicle make and model.

• Describe the plan for validation of interoperability of the system in real world environments.

• Describe the supporting distribution grid requirements (voltage, capacity, etc.).

• Describe the approach to comply with applicable safety and National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.

• Comply with relevant and all applicable charging standards.

• Include power grid cyber security protection.

• Identify all team members and their role in the project.

• Describe the site and/or facility energy management system, including smart charge management approaches, which will be implemented to mitigate grid impacts and lower operating costs.

Teaming Arrangements Applicant teams must include:

• At least one class 6-8 truck OEM, tier 1 supplier, or automotive joining equipment manufacturer.

• At least one electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) OEM.

• A truck stops or travel center operator.

• A local servicing utility (IOU, Municipality, or Coop).

Teams are also encouraged to include:

• Research partners from universities or National Laboratories to encourage different perspectives from the research community.

• The Authority Holding Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the demonstration location.

• Participation by an EV charging operator(s) to provide support for operation of the charging stations at the site.

Special Deliverables

• All projects are required to participate in activities with the National Coordinator. DOE will provide a National Coordinator to support collaboration between relevant EERE demonstration projects (including virtual and in person meetings), perform cross cutting analysis based on project data, and amplify successes and best practices. The role of the National Coordinator will be to provide technical assistance and support task execution, communications, stakeholder engagement, project evaluations and the publishing of research findings. Select experts will be identified across the DOE National Laboratories to provide technical assistance. The National Coordinator will work with VTO and DOE to facilitate shared learning across both awardees and key stakeholders during project implementation stages. A third party may also serve to facilitate and coordinate shared learning and to disseminate successes and best practices to wider audiences. The National Coordinator may provide Technical Assistance (TA) to projects through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA) or similar partnering agreements. The National Coordinator will be funded directly by DOE and will not be included as a project cost.

• All projects are required to produce and collect data to demonstrate the ability of the project to provide the intended demand flexibility and grid services. This will be quantified through a measurement and verification process utilizing an evaluation plan, developed with support from a National Coordinator. The project will need to include an analysis based on the counterfactual situation (e.g., unmitigated truck charging load). In order to ensure that data generated and collected by these projects benefits entire industries and fields of knowledge, individual projects will also be responsible for disseminating results.

Applications that include the following are highly discouraged:

• Applications that focus solely on model validation.

• Applications that do not provide a replicable infrastructure model or architecture.

C. Applications Specifically Not of Interest

The following types of applications will be deemed nonresponsive and will not be reviewed or considered (See Section III.D. of the FOA):

• Applications that fall outside the technical parameters specified in Sections I.A.

and I.B. of the FOA.

• Infrastructure that does not use a US Charging Infrastructure Standards.

• Infrastructure that does not include high power Direct Current Fast Charging

(DCFC) and megawatt charging equipment suitable for MHDVs.

• Applications that do not specifically include a variety of class 6-8 electric truck make and models that will be utilized to demonstrate the charging installation.

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• Applications that do not propose a demonstration of the charging infrastructure, vehicles, control systems, and grid integration.

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D. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) It is the policy of the Biden Administration that:

The Federal Government should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity9 for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. Affirmatively advancing equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity is the responsibility of the whole of our government. Because advancing equity requires a systematic approach to embedding fairness in decision-making processes, executive departments, and agencies (agencies) must recognize and work to redress inequities in their policies and programs that serve as barriers to equal opportunity.

By advancing equity across the Federal Government, we can create opportunities for the improvement of communities that have been historically underserved, which benefits everyone.10

As part of this whole of government approach, this FOA seeks to encourage the participation of underserved communities11 and underrepresented groups.

Applicants are highly encouraged to include individuals from groups historically

9 The term “equity” means the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

10 Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government” (Jan. 20, 2021).

11 The term “underserved communities” refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as exemplified by the list of in the definition of “equity.” E.O. 13985. For purposes of this FOA, as applicable to geographic communities, applicants can refer to economically distressed communities identified by the Internal Revenue Service as Qualified Opportunity Zones; communities identified as disadvantaged or underserved communities by their respective States; communities identified on the Index of Deep Disadvantage referenced at https://news.umich.edu/new-index-ranks-americas-100-most-disadvantaged-communities/, and communities that otherwise meet the definition of “underserved communities” stated above.

mailto:DE-FOA-0003344@netl.doe.gov https://news.umich.edu/new-index-ranks-americas-100-most-disadvantaged-communities/ https://news.umich.edu/new-index-ranks-americas-100-most-disadvantaged-communities/ subject line.

underrepresented12,13 in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) on their project teams. As part of the application, applicants are required to describe how diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives will be incorporated in the project.

Specifically, applicants are required to submit a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan that describes the actions the applicant will take to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, support people from underrepresented groups in STEM, advance equity, and encourage the inclusion of individuals from these groups in the project;

and the extent the project activities will be located in or benefit underserved communities. The plan should include at least one SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely) milestone per budget period supported by metrics to measure the success of the proposed actions. This plan will be evaluated as part of the technical review process and incorporated into the award if selected.

Further, Minority Serving Institutions14, Woman Owned Businesses, Veteran Owned Businesses, or entities located in an underserved community that meet the eligibility requirements (See Section III.) are encouraged to apply as the prime applicant or participate on an application as a proposed partner to the prime applicant. The Selection Official may consider the inclusion of these types of entities as part of the selection decision.

12 According to the National Science Foundation’s 2019 report titled, “Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering”, women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minority groups—blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and American Indians or Alaska Natives—are vastly underrepresented in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields that drive the energy sector.

That is, their representation in STEM education and STEM employment is smaller than their representation in the U.S. population. https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf19304/digest/about-this-report For example, in the U.S., Hispanics, African Americans and American Indians or Alaska Natives make up 24 percent of the overall workforce, yet only account for 9 percent of the country’s science and engineering workforce. DOE seeks to inspire underrepresented Americans to pursue careers in energy and support their advancement into leadership positions.

https://www.energy.gov/articles/introducing-minorities-energy-initiative 13 See also. Note that Congress recognized in section 305 of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2017, Public Law 114-329:

(1) [I]t is critical to our Nation’s economic leadership and global competitiveness that the United States educate, train, and retain more scientists, engineers, and computer scientists; (2) there is currently a disconnect between the availability of and growing demand for STEM-skilled workers;

(3) historically, underrepresented populations are the largest untapped STEM talent pools in the United States; and (4) given the shifting demographic landscape, the United States should encourage full participation of individuals from underrepresented populations in STEM fields.

14 Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Other Minority Institutions as educational entities recognized by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), U.S. Department of Education, and identified on the OCR's Department of Education U.S. accredited postsecondary minorities’ institution list. See https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html.

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