The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), headquartered at West Virginia Universitys National Research Center for Coal and Energy, has been awarded a $6.9 million grant through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). The grant will allow NAFTC to spearhead educational outreach initiatives related to the manufacture and deployment of electric vehicles, batteries and components.


The award was one of 48 advanced battery and electric drive projects that will receive $2.4 billion in funding under ARRA . The projects were selected through a highly competitive process by the U.S. Department of Energy and are intended to accelerate the development of U.S. manufacturing capacity for batteries and electric drive components, as well as the deployment of electric drive vehicles.


Not only does this grant solidify the Universitys place on the cutting edge of energy research and education, but it provides us with an important opportunity to inform the public on advances in alternative fuels,President James P. Clements said.This is a testament to WVU s exceptional people and partnerships.


This award comes as a result of years of hard work and dedication within an industry that continues to change,said Al Ebron, NAFTC executive director.It creates a great opportunity to expand our partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and expand our network of national training institutions and work with other industry partners.


The NAFTC s funding is for education and workforce training programs to guide researchers, technicians and service providers, and to conduct consumer research to accelerate the transition to advanced vehicles and batteries.


We are extremely excited about this project,Ebron added.The project will allow us to provide education and outreach to the general public, secondary school students, pre-service and in-service automotive technicians, instructors and others to promote the use of advanced electric drive vehicles across the U.S. The announcement of this award illustrates the Governments dedication to the adoption of advanced technology vehicles, and the need for education and outreach to promote their widespread acceptance and use by the public.


The DOE awards were announced in locations throughout the U.S. Wednesday by President Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.


WVU s NAFTC , which was founded in 1992, is the only nationwide training organization dedicated to improving air quality and decreasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil by promoting, supporting and expanding the use of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. It develops and disseminates curricula for auto technicians, fleet managers, automotive trainers and others in the AFV field.


With 40 National Training Centers from Maine to California, the organization provides Training with Impact through its experienced instructors and real-world shop facilities. The NAFTC produces the nation’s largest non-profit consumer education programNational AFV Day Odysseydesigned to create public awareness and enthusiasm for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.


The NAFTC offers training in the form of classes and workshops on a wide array of topics such as biodiesel, ethanol, hybrids, hydrogen, fuel cells, natural gas, battery-powered electric vehicles, and propane. Courses on transient emissions testing and AFV applications for forklift and material handling are also available. Previous audiences have included automotive technicians, employers, fleet operators, training institutions, public interest groups, and private entrepreneurs.


Additional information on the NAFTC can be found at www.naftc.wvu.edu .


DOE s news release is available here: http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/daily.cfm/hp_news_id=192