From CNET: Posted by Elsa Wenzel
The Department of Energy announced a $30 million effort Thursday with Ford, General Motors, and General Electric to bring to market by 2014 plug-in hybrid electric cars that drive 40 miles on a single charge.

"The projects announced today demonstrate a shared public-private sector commitment to advance clean vehicle technologies and will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil while also confronting the serious challenge of global climate change," Andy Karsner, assistant secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said in a statement. He made the announcement Thursday at a conference on plug-in electric vehicles sponsored by the Brookings Institution and Google.org.....

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Let's hope the government chooses wisely. Targeted funding could be helpful, as long as its something indsutry asks for, and as long as it doesn't undermine other technologies being developed by competitors.

I hope that the Government will give more solar PV rebates to electric car buyers like the Volt. This will encourage electric vehicle adoption, solar PV installation, and a greener environment for all. People will be encouraged, because they have grid-tied solar PV within financial reach, and that means their energy used for car will be almost free. And the solar PV can supply electricity during peak times, while most vehicles are charged off peak times.