5 Wins for Clean Energy Innovation in Biden’s Budget
Originally published on the NRDC Expert Blog.
The Biden administration’s 2022 budget released on Friday includes major funding increases for important Department of Energy (DOE) programs to drive clean energy innovation, address the climate crisis, and build a strong and equitable economy. These funding increases complement the investments proposed in the President’s American Jobs Plan (AJP). Now it’s up to Congress to pass AJP and write a government funding bill that reflects the President’s proposals.
Below are five components of the budget that would accelerate clean energy innovation and redirect DOE programs toward our greatest challenges and opportunities.
1. Historic Funding Increases for Clean Energy
The budget includes $4.7 billion in regular-year funding for DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), a $2 billion (or 65%) increase from 2021. EERE houses the agency’s efforts focused on heavy industry, building decarbonization, clean transportation technologies, and renewable power. These programs are underfunded relative to the need for investment and the opportunity to build out domestic clean energy industries. The administration’s budget would give these programs a much-needed funding boost.
The budget also ramps up funding for other clean energy programs at DOE and establishes a new Advanced Research Projects Agency — Climate with initial funding of $500 million, of which $200 million is at DOE.
2. Demonstrations & Deployment to Round Out the Innovation Portfolio
The budget emphasizes funding for demonstration projects and deployment of climate solutions, a welcome pivot from the Trump DOE’s narrow focus on early-stage research and development. The new Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, funded at $400 million, fills a critical gap in DOE’s efforts to commercialize newer, better clean energy technologies, reduce costs, and address barriers to widespread deployment. The $300 million for Build Back Better Challenge grants will help bring the benefits of clean energy to more communities. And the focus throughout the budget on research, development, demonstrations, and deployment will better equip DOE to accelerate clean energy innovation at the scale necessary.
3. Bringing Clean Energy to More Communities
DOE should play a critical role ensuring that more communities see the benefits of technologies like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles. Strong community engagement practices and funding for clean energy projects to benefit low-income, pollution-burdened, and energy transition communities and communities of color can help DOE meet these goals.
The budget includes several new programs to bring clean energy to more communities. For example, it proposes to prioritize the new Build Back Better Challenge grants for marginalized, overburdened, and energy transition communities. It also appears to expand the Weatherization Assistance Program — one of the only existing efforts focused on low-income communities — to enable more households to access funding for cost- and energy-saving retrofits, though the details on the expanded program are not yet clear.
The budget also indicates that EERE’s goal is to accelerate a just, equitable clean energy transition. This explicit focus, while just a start, is an important shift. Historically, EERE and most other offices at DOE have not been designed to support equity and environmental and energy justice.
4. Procurement and Funding to Decarbonize Heavy Industry
Technologies to clean up industrial facilities like steel mills and cement plants are critical to addressing the climate crisis. But these sectors have long been a major gap in DOE innovation efforts. The budget acknowledges that decarbonizing heavy industry should be a focus for both EERE and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. This focus is a great first step toward building out a strong federal industrial sector program. As Congress turns the President’s proposals into a detailed appropriations bill, we hope to see large funding increases for the Advanced Manufacturing Office, funding for large-scale demonstrations at industrial facilities, and support for DOE to expand its heavy industry efforts to include electrification, hydrogen, circular economy measures, novel processes, and carbon capture and storage.
The budget also includes more details on the industrial-sector decarbonization efforts proposed in the American Jobs Plan, including, notably, funding to procure low-carbon materials. The federal government is a top purchaser of industrial products like steel and cement for the construction of roads, bridges, buildings and other projects. Government procurement is thus a critical lever in creating early markets and sustained demand for cleaner materials, alongside direct investments to help ensure U.S. industry is making the cleanest products on the market.
To better leverage procurement to drive innovation, the federal government should support efforts to create a reporting system that helps manufacturers account for all the carbon associated with producing a range of industrial products, and require that all construction projects receiving federal funds take climate pollution and labor protection into account when awarding contracts. We urge Congress to include funding in the FY22 budget for the federal government to support these priorities. Doing so will ensure we capture the significant emissions reduction opportunities associated with switching to lower-carbon materials in projects funded by the American Jobs Plan.
5. Support for State, Local, and Tribal Governments
Action from states and municipal governments is critical to meeting our climate goals; increasing clean energy; and driving adoption of innovative technologies, policies, and business models. Federal funding is necessary to support states and cities in these endeavors, but current programs lack the budget to meaningfully support them.
The budget proposes several new programs to support states and cities, including Build Back Better Challenge grants for states and a new Local Government Energy Program. The success of these programs will depend on the details, but it is promising to see new efforts to support states and cities in the budget. Moreover, these programs build on the block grant funding proposed in the American Jobs Plan to provide an influx of support for states to advance clean energy, building electrification, and efficiency.
The budget also includes funding increases to support tribal nations to advance clean energy. Households on tribal lands lack access to electricity at extremely high rates and often face high costs to connect to the electricity grid. The budget proposes a six-fold increase in funding for the Office of Indian Energy (a $100 million increase) to support American Indian and Alaskan Native nations, including to help address energy access and energy poverty.
Federal clean energy programs have already helped foster a revolution in technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle batteries. Now, we have an opportunity to accelerate clean energy innovation to improve, demonstrate, and deploy the technologies and strategies we need to combat the climate crisis. With the right funding and policies, we can do so in a way that creates strong economic growth rooted in the industries of the future, addresses inequalities in our energy and economic systems, and cuts pollution in places that have borne the brunt of it in the past. President Biden’s energy budget is a major step toward realizing these goals, and Congress should pass a government funding bill that incorporates these proposals and brings the benefits of clean energy to communities across the country.
Kia officially opened its first production hub dedicated to building electric vans. Once fully operational, Kia’s Hwaseong EVO Plant will be about the size of 42 soccer fields.
Kia opens new production hub for PBV electric vans
The dedicated production facility was first announced in 2022 as part of Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business strategy.
Kia’s PBV plant is a cornerstone of its plans to become a leader in the light commercial electric van market by 2030.
On Friday, Kia took a big step by opening the first phase of its production hub. Kia announced on November 14 that it has now officially completed the Hwaseong EVO Plant East portion and broke ground on the EVO Plant West site.
A completion ceremony was held at Kia’s Autoland Hwaseong plant, attended by around 200 guests, including South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Hyundai Motor Executive Chairman Euisun Chung.
The new EVO Plant East is a 98,433 square-meter site with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units. Kia will build the PV5, its first electric van, including the Passenger, Cargo, Chassis Cab, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) models.
The EVO Plant West spans 136,671 square meters and will add 150,000 units of Kia’s upcoming larger PBV vans, including the PV7.
Kia also operates a dedicated PBV conversion center, where it builds custom models based on the PV5, including open-bed trucks, camper vans, and box vehicles.
Combined, the entire PBV Production hub will have an annual capacity of 250,000 units, spanning over 303,750 square meters, or about the size of 42 soccer fields.
Kia is already delivering the PV5 Passenger and Cargo variants in South Korea and Europe, with plans to continue rolling it out to new markets over the next few months.
Last month, the PV5 Cargo set a new Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload.
In Europe, the PV5 Passenger is available with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, delivering WLTP ranges of 183 miles and 256 miles, respectively. The Cargo variant has the same battery pack options, but is rated with WLTP ranges of 184 miles and 258 miles.
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Black Friday and Cyber Monday just got a whole lot more electrifying, thanks to isinwheel. The urban mobility brand known for its powerful electric bikes, electric scooters, and electric skateboards is kicking off its biggest sale of the year from November 14 through December 1. True to its motto – Move Smart, Move Fun – isinwheel blends intelligent tech with pure riding joy, and now you can snag your dream ride for a whole lot less.
During the BFCM event, in addition to generous markdowns, shoppers can stack savings like never before: get an extra 10% off when you buy two items, plus up to $100 in additional discounts on bigger orders ($30 off $500, $50 off $1,000, and $100 off $1,500). Members will earn 5X points that can be redeemed for accessories, and Electrek readers get something special: use promo code electrek50 for an exclusive $50 off any isinwheel product.
Time to ride smarter, faster, and more fun this holiday season – check out the deals below.
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Save on the isinwheel S Nova Pro Commuting Electric Scooter this Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Meet the S Nova Pro Commuting Electric Scooter – built for city riders who want it all: power, comfort, and style. It’s made for commuters who crave more speed and range than your average scooter but don’t want the bulk of an off-road beast.
With 1,000W max power, a top speed of 28 mph, and up to 38 miles of range, the S Nova Pro keeps you flying through the streets with ease. Its 10-inch pneumatic tires smooth out bumps and cracks, giving you steady, comfortable rides from start to finish.
The S Nova Pro Commuting Electric Scooter is now $419.99 (marked down from $599.99), when you use promo code electrek50.
isinwheel H7Pro 1200W High-End Commuting Electric Scooter with Seat
The H7Pro 1200W High-End Commuting Electric Scooter with Seat is designed for riders seeking a premium blend of power, comfort, and versatility. Designed for daily and urban commuting, the H7Pro delivers a convenient, smooth, and safe ride whether you’re zipping through city streets or cruising along park paths.
Powered by a robust 1,200W motor and a 48V 18.2Ah battery, the H7Pro electric bike scooter can hit speeds of up to 38 mph and travel as far as 43 miles on a single charge. That blend of performance and range makes it an ideal pick for speedy runs and long-distance rides.
Its 16-by-4-inch all-terrain pneumatic tires handle almost anything you throw at them – from city pavement to gravel, sand, or even snow – giving you excellent traction and stability across all conditions.
For even more control, the isinwheel Club app lets riders fine-tune their experience. You can switch between speed modes, adjust ambient lighting, monitor battery life, lock your scooter, and access navigation, all from your phone.
Combined with the exclusive electrek50 promo code, isinwheel’s H7Pro 1200W High-end Commuting Electric Scooter with Seat is now $749.99 (marked down from $1099.99) for Black Friday.
isinwheel GT4 2400W Dual Motor Off-Road Electric Scooter
The GT4 2400W Dual Motor Off-Road Electric Scooter is designed for riders seeking serious off-road power and control. With dual 2400W motors and eight riding modes, it hits a top speed of 45 mph and can tackle steep 50% grades without breaking a sweat. Its 12-by-2.75-inch all-terrain tires and dual swingarm suspension deliver a smooth, stable ride whether you’re carving up dirt trails or gliding over rough pavement. The rugged, all-aluminum unibody frame supports up to 330 pounds, and the bright LED lighting system, combined with hydraulic disc brakes, keeps you safe and visible, no matter where or when you ride.
Range anxiety? Not here. The GT4’s upgraded 52V 18.2Ah lithium battery offers up to 50 miles of range on a single charge, making it ready for both long off-road runs and extended city commutes.
You can also take full control of your ride from your phone with the isinwheel Club app. Customize speed modes, monitor your battery health, track your rides in real-time, and even tweak your lighting effects.
For Black Friday and Cyber Monday The isinwheel GT4 2400W Dual Motor Off-Road Electric Scooter is now $949.99 (marked down from $1499.99), as long as you use promo code electrek50!
Black Friday deals on isinwheel’s U8 Electric Bike for Adults
The U8 Electric Bike for Adults packs serious power into a compact frame designed for city riders who don’t want to compromise on performance. Its 1000W max motor makes it a Class 3 e-bike that tops out at 28 mph, giving you the muscle to cruise through long commutes or conquer steep hills with ease. With up to 75 miles of range on a single charge, this cruiser bicycle is built to go the distance, whether you’re commuting, exploring, or just out for fun.
The U8 combines comfort and capability with its 20-by-3-inch fat tires, which grip the road or trail with confidence, and a smooth-shifting professional Shimano 7-speed drivetrain that makes every ride feel effortless. (It’s also available as a 26-inch bike.) The step-thru frame design makes getting on and off simple and convenient – perfect for urban riders on the go.
Its fully removable lithium battery can be charged on or off the bike, so you can top up anywhere and keep it secure when parked. The isinwheel U8 brings together power, comfort, and versatility for an all-around electric bike that’s ready for anything your day throws at it.
The U8 Electric Bike for Adults is now $559.99 (marked down from $799.99) when combining isinwheel’s Black Friday discount and promo code electrek50.
isinwheel V10 Off Road Electric Skateboard with Ambient Light & Remote Control
The V10 Off-Road Electric Skateboard with Ambient Light & Remote Control takes electric skateboarding to the next level. With dual 1500W belt motors (that’s 3000W total), this off-road longboard can hit speeds up to 32 mph and cover up to 28 miles on a single charge. Whether you’re chasing thrills or want a speedy commute, the V10 delivers both speed and stability thanks to its powerful setup and solid build.
Four ride modes let you fine-tune your speed and acceleration, from casual cruising to full-throttle adrenaline. The high-capacity lithium-ion battery keeps the adventure going, letting you carve across city streets or rugged trails without worrying about running out of juice.
The V10’s deck combines bamboo and 8-ply maple with a layer of fiberglass for the perfect balance of strength and flexibility. Its 6-inch honeycomb rubber off-road wheels are built to handle all kinds of terrain –from gravel and grass to dirt and pavement – while staying smooth and responsive.
An ergonomic handheld remote puts control right at your fingertips, displaying real-time metrics like speed, battery life, and mode. For nighttime rides, built-in LED lights boost visibility and style. You can even customize the ambient lighting with effects that range from pulsing strobes to flowing color fades, because every ride should look as good as it feels.
Remember to use promo code electrek50 for an exclusive $50 off any isinwheel product!
Follow isinwheel on Instagram here, on X here, on YouTube here, and on Facebook here.
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Hyundai and Kia scored a win on Friday after the South Korean government pledged to boost EV subsidies by 20%.
Hyundai and Kia get a lift with government EV support
Hyundai Motor, including Kia and Genesis, is going all-in on the US market, pledging to ramp up local production and introduce a range of new electrified vehicles.
Like many others, the new 25% tariffs for exports to the US have already taken a toll on the South Korean auto giant. Hyundai said it took about 1.8 trillion won ($1.2 billion) in tariffs-related losses in the third quarter. Kia reported a 1.2 trillion won ($830 million) hit.
To help it overcome the extra costs, the South Korean government said it will increase EV subsidies by 20% next year.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday (via Reuters) plans to raise EV subsidies by 20%, from 780 billion won ($540 million) this year to 936 billion won ($645 million) in 2026.
South Korea also committed over 15 trillion won ($10.3 billion) in financial support for domestic auto parts and car makers in 2026, including low-interest-rate loans and guarantees.
The government is ramping up investments in next-generation vehicles, aiming to produce fully autonomous cars domestically by 2028. South Korea is dedicating an extra 50 billion won, on top of the 150 trillion won in funding, to advance the new tech. It’s also looking to incentivize automakers to reach specific targets, such as five-minute fast charging, a 1,500 km (932 miles) driving range, and prices on par with gas vehicles by 2030.
Separately, the US and South Korea agreed to lower tariffs on imported goods, including vehicles from 25% to 15%. The lower rate puts South Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia on par with Japanese brands. Japan reached a similar deal with the US in September.
Despite the tariffs, Hyundai and Kia both set new third-quarter sales records in the US. Combined, they sold over 480,000 vehicles, an increase of 12% compared to Q3 2024.
To offset the loss of the $7,500 federal tax credit, Hyundai and Kia are offering some of the most significant discounts on EVs in the US.
Earlier this month, Kia introduced a new $10,000 customer cash discount across its entire lineup. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 remains one of the most affordable EVs in the US, with leases starting as low as $189 per month.
Interested in a test drive? We can help you get started. Check out our links below to find Hyundai and Kia EVs near you.
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