Congressman Sander Levin

Building Advanced Batteries

Advanced battery manufacturing is a critical gap in America’s industrial base, and one we must close. The domestic auto industry is committed to producing electric vehicles that will reduce emissions and help end our dependence on foreign oil. But we cannot trade our dependence on foreign oil for a dependence on foreign batteries. Michigan is well positioned to become the advanced battery capitol of North America, but it requires a partnership of effort between the federal government, industry, and the State of Michigan. I have been active in forging this partnership.

Nearly all batteries for hybrid electric vehicles are currently made in Pacific Rim countries. Although federal spending on advanced batteries has risen rapidly in recent years, Japan – the acknowledged leader in advanced battery production – has been investing in this technology for many years. We are coming to the game late and must build capability quickly to catch up.

In early 2009, as Congress and the Obama Administration began working on an economic recovery package, I circulated a letter to Speaker Pelosi and the House Appropriations Committee to urge funding for advanced batteries. Thirty-five other House members joined the effort. Congress ultimately included $2 billion in the recovery package for grants for manufacturing of advanced batteries, electric motors and electronics. This new grant program is a vital component of a national effort to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign fuels, lower emissions, and create an entire new domestic industry. It puts us on a path to ensure that the vehicles of tomorrow, and the batteries that power them, are built right here in America.

(Updated June 18, 2009)