Positive Impact

EnerG2’s new plant will produce enough advanced carbon material to produce 60,000 electric drive vehicles each year.

Location

Washington

Partners

EnerG2, State of Washington State Energy Program

EERE Investment

$21.3M

Clean Energy Sector

Sustainable transportation

EnerG2, supported by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds from EERE, built a new plant to produce nano-engineered carbon materials for batteries and other energy storage devices that can be used in hybrid, electric, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric vehicles. EnerG2’s proprietary Carbon Technology Platform supports manufacture of this particular form of carbon, which can be used in ultracapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and advanced lead acid batteries. These batteries enable electric drive vehicles to consume less petroleum and produce less pollution than conventional vehicles. At full capacity, the EnerG2 plant will produce enough advanced carbon material to produce 60,000 electric drive vehicles each year. In addition to ARRA funds, the company has raised more than $23 million in venture capital, received a $1.8 million grant and loan package through the State of Washington’s State Energy Program, and has invested more than $7.4 million of its own money. Prior to EERE’s engagement with EnerG2, the company was using outsourced facilities to produce these materials; most other producers of similar materials are located in Asia. Now, domestic manufacturers are supplying most of the project’s equipment, and this project is helping to build out a domestic industry that creates jobs for U.S. workers. EnerG2 created more than 200 temporary construction jobs during the course of the project and expects to fill more than 35 permanent position jobs when running at full capacity.

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.