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Project Title:
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Review of the FreedomCAR and Fuel Research and Development Partnership, Phase 3
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PIN:
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BEES-J-08-02-A
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Major Unit:
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Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences
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Sub Unit:
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Board on Energy & Environmental Systems
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RSO:
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Zucchetto, James
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Subject/Focus Area:
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Energy and Energy Conservation
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Project Scope
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The National Academies' National Research Council (NRC) will establish a committee to conduct an independent review of the research and development program of the FreedomCAR (Cooperative Automotive Research) and Fuel Partnership, a program undertaken by the U.S. government in collaboration with the U.S. Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) and five energy companies. The committee will hold a number of meetings and collect information on the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership, and other activities, as relevant, in addressing the following tasks:
(1) Review the challenging high-level technical goals and timetables for government and industry R&D efforts, which address such areas as (a) integrated systems analysis; (b) fuel cell power systems; (c) hydrogen storage systems; (d) hydrogen production and distribution technologies necessary for the viability for hydrogen-fueled vehicles; (e) the technical basis for codes and standards; (f) electric propulsion systems; (g) electric energy storage technologies; (h) lightweight materials; and (i) advanced combustion and emission control systems for internal combustion engines (ICEs).
(2) Review and evaluate progress and program directions since the Phase 1 and 2 reviews towards meeting the Partnership's technical goals, and examine on-going research activities and their relevance to meeting the goals of the Partnership.
(3) Examine and comment on the overall balance and adequacy of the research and development effort, and the rate of progress, in light of the technical objectives and schedules for each of the major technology areas.
(4) Examine and comment, as necessary, on the appropriate role for federal involvement in the various technical areas under development, especially in light of activities ongoing in the private sector or in the states.
(5) Examine and comment on the Partnership's strategy for accomplishing its goals, especially in the context of ongoing developments in biofuels, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, the recent enactment of legislation on corporate average fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles, and possible legislation on carbon emissions. Other issues that the committee might address include: (a) program management and organization; (b) the process for setting milestones, research directions, and making Go/No Go decisions; (c) collaborative activities needed to meet the program's goals (e.g., among the various offices and programs in DOE, the U.S. Department of Transportation, USCAR, the fuels industry, electric power sector, universities, other parts of the private sector [such as venture capitalists], and others); and (d) other topics that the committee finds important to comment on related to the success of the program to meet its technical goals.
(6) As a first step in examining the Partnership’s strategy, and given the changes that may take place with the new Administration, the committee at its first full committee meeting will address potential changes in the program strategy and program structure. The committee will write a short interim letter report with suggestions and recommendations on program strategy and structure and aim to deliver it to the sponsor within 1 month after the meeting. The date of delivery of the letter report will be contingent on when the meeting is scheduled and timely input of information from the representatives of the Partnership. The aim is to schedule the meeting some time in April 2009 but timing will depend on schedules of sponsor representatives and committee members.
(7) Review and assess the actions that have been taken in response to recommendations from the Phase 2 review of the Partnership
(8) Write a final report documenting its conclusions and recommendations.
The project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy
The approximate start date for the project is October 1, 2008
A final report will be issued at the end of the project in approximately 18 months.
Note: The Scope of Work has been expanded as shown above with the addition of Task 6, which is expected to result in the issuance of a letter report after the committee’s second meeting.
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Project Duration:
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18 months
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