Feds award $23M for new vehicle technology

Projects across Michigan intended to accelerate the research and development of new vehicle technologies are getting more than $23 million in support.

The funding from the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy was announced last week by U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin of Michigan.

It's part of President Barack Obama's efforts to boost plug-in electric vehicles, or PEVs.

The Department of Energy has announced a total of $55 million for 31 projects across the country.

More than $23 million will be distributed to seven Michigan projects led by Ford, Chrysler, Delphi, Ricardo and Michigan State University.