Technical Assistance/Technical Response Service

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) leads a group of in-house and contracted experts to provide technical assistance and information that helps improve transportation efficiency and advance the use of domestic fuels and technologies. The Technical Assistance project and Technical Response Service connect transportation stakeholders with objective information that can smooth integration, reduce risks, and ensure their alternative fuel and advanced technology projects are conducted efficiently and cost effectively. These efforts can also identify technology gaps and help inform ongoing research to improve fuels and advanced vehicle technologies, with industry and consumer needs in mind. Fleets across the nation have made great progress integrating alternative fuels, advanced vehicles, and fuel-saving measures into their operations. These efforts have reduced transportation energy costs, improved resiliency, contributed to improved air quality and earned fleet managers recognition as sustainability leaders. Yet as fleet managers evaluate their options to use alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, they frequently need additional information or expert guidance to make informed decisions or overcome technical issues they encounter. Similarly, policymakers, analysts and other transportation decision makers need objective information from expert sources to inform research investment, incentive programs, and projects. To address these challenges, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) offers technical assistance that connects stakeholders with experts who can provide objective information, and answer questions about, and assist with, alternative fuels, fuel economy improvements, and other emerging transportation technologies. The type of technical assistance provided (or requested) runs the gamut, from fielding one-time questions that can be answered with a list of resources to in-person assistance from a subject matter expert on how a particular technology functions. Through these trusted, time-tested methods, DOE has helped fleets and other stakeholders deploy hundreds of thousands of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and fueling stations that serve a growing market. The project is continually evolving to tackle the biggest integration barriers, contribute new expertise, and inform emerging technology research needs.