DOE Opens $50M for Small & Medium Manufacturer EV Conversion Grants

Full Applications are due October 15th, 2024 at 5:00pm ET.

Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (this program is accepting applications)

Opportunity: Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Section 50143 Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grants for Electrified Vehicles: State Partnerships for Small and Medium Sized Manufacturers (SMMs)

Overview and Eligible Uses:

This funding opportunity is designed to support states in converting internal combustion engine (ICE) manufacturing facilities into those that produce electric vehicles (EVs) and related components, aligning with the objectives of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Section 50143. The program emphasizes the importance of advancing domestic production capacity for efficient hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. In addition to promoting technical innovation, the program supports broader goals, including equity, worker engagement, and ensuring that 40% of the benefits of federal investments reach disadvantaged communities as outlined in Executive Order 14008.

Funds may be used by states to make subgrants to ICE-related vehicle assembly or component manufacturing facilities that plan to transition to producing EVs or their components. All work must be performed within the United States. Applications focusing on conversion projects that expand domestic production capabilities of electrified vehicles and related materials are encouraged. Projects should also contribute to community benefits, including quality job creation, equity, diversity, and supporting disadvantaged communities. Applications that do not meet these criteria, or come from ineligible states, will not be considered.

Amount:  Estimated Total Award Funding: $50,000,000. Expected Number of Awards: 6.

Allocation by State:

• Michigan: $18.4M

• Ohio: $9.4M

• Indiana: $8.8M

• Kentucky: $4.9M

• Tennessee: $4.5M

• Illinois: $4.1M

Award Type: Grant

Eligible Applicants: 

• Restricted Eligibility: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois

• State, Territory, or District Eligibility:

  • Workforce must include at least 0.5% in the automotive sector (NAICS 3361, 3362, 3363).

  • Must qualify for at least $4 million in grant funding.

• Individuals: U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can apply as subrecipients or subcontractors.

• Domestic Entities:

  • U.S.-based for-profits, educational institutions, nonprofits, state/local governments, and Indian Tribes can apply as subrecipients or subcontractors.

  • DOE/NNSA FFRDCs are eligible as subrecipients, but not as prime recipients.

  • NETL is ineligible for participation.

• Foreign Entities: May participate as subrecipients with an approved waiver; waiver decisions are final.

Key Dates: Submission deadline for full applications: October 15^th, 2024 5:00pm ET. Expected Timeframe for Awards Negotiations: November 2024-January 2025. Expected Timeframe for Awards: February 2025.

Key Links:

Grants.gov opportunity

Infrastructure Exchange opportunity

For a full list of currently available grant programs under the Infrastructure Law and other helpful tools, take a look at our Helpful Resources page.

This tracker will continue to send updates when new funding opportunities are announced.