Dingell, Stevens Introduce Vehicle Innovation Act

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) introduced the Vehicle Innovation Act of 2026 to promote investments in research and development of clean vehicle technologies to increase fuel efficiency, reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our supply chains, and support American auto manufacturers and supplies.

"Innovation has always defined the American auto industry, and that must remain the case as we confront the climate crisis. The Vehicle Innovation Act invests in the research and development needed to improve vehicle efficiency, strengthen domestic supply chains, and produce cutting-edge clean vehicle technology. This legislation empowers American workers, companies, and inventors, and will help ensure that Michigan and the United States continue to lead the world in automotive innovation," said Congresswoman Dingell.

"Michigan researchers and manufacturers are leading the charge to make our vehicles and our roads safer. I am proud to join Congresswoman Dingell in introducing our Vehicle Innovation Act, which will invest in critical research and development, strengthen American supply chains, and create good-paying jobs right here in Michigan," said Congresswoman Stevens.

"Auto Innovators thanks Reps. Dingell and Stevens for their leadership in introducing the Vehicle Innovation Act," said John Bozzella, President & CEO, Alliance for Automotive Innovation. "Automakers are committed to a cleaner, safer, smarter transportation future, including major investments that have improved vehicle efficiency and advanced new safety technologies. This important legislation will support critical research and development programs needed to advance those goals while ensuring the United States remains a global leader in automotive innovation."

The Vehicle Innovation Act reauthorizes the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office, which works with manufacturers and suppliers to research, develop and deploy advanced vehicle technologies that improve energy efficiency. The bill also provides the Department of Energy with clear direction to build on successful research programs and encourages the development of a wide array of technologies that have the potential to improve fuel efficiency and reduce traffic congestion.

Examples of potential fuel-saving technologies include vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communications, mild hybrid, engine down speeding, power pack modeling and testing, advanced boosting systems, new vehicle sensing and communication, hydrogen and natural gas refueling and electric vehicle charging technology.

A copy of the legislation can be found HERE.