Fuel Fix reports that “two Texas research groups landed government grants to study new technologies that improve fuel efficiency and reduce costs as part of the Obama administration’s promotion of clean vehicles.”  

“The U.S. Department of Energy announced $55 million for 31 new projects, most of which are aimed at meeting the goals of a government challenge issued two years ago, for the U.S. auto industry to produce plug-in electric vehicles by 2022 that are as affordable and convenient as gasoline-powered cars.”  

“Some money also went to research aimed at improving power trains, fuel, tires and auxiliary systems.”