Autonomie, an advanced vehicle modeling and design software package created by Argonne National laboratory with EERE support, is helping U.S. auto manufacturers develop the next generation of hybrid and electric vehicles. Hybrid and electric vehicles require sophisticated electric drive and battery controls. Autonomie allows manufacturers to accurately model and simulate these components before actually building them—saving time, reducing costs, and improving quality.

Autonomie is available to any company for licensing and offers special licenses for nonprofit organizations and universities. In addition, the availability of this software empowers domestic startup companies who may not have the resources to develop their own tools. Several of the university teams participating in the DOE-GM sponsored EcoCAR 3 Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition are also using this software to gain hands-on experience designing and building next generation cars.

Beyond industry, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency are contracting with companies that are using Autonomie to inform the development of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. By helping regulators to understand the effect of advanced vehicle technologies on fuel economy, Autonomie enables the creation of achievable but ambitious standards.

The Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) develops and deploys efficient and environmentally friendly highway transportation technologies that will enable America to use less petroleum. These technologies will provide Americans with greater freedom of mobility and energy security, while lowering costs and reducing impacts on the environment.

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) success stories highlight the positive impact of its work with businesses, industry partners, universities, research labs, and other entities.