“We are at a critical juncture in the commercialization of advanced battery technology,” Levin said in a statement. “Battery manufacturers at this moment are assessing the battery production options in the U.S. and other countries.”
“We cannot afford to lose the development and production of advanced batteries to other countries that are willing to offer greater financial incentives than we are.
Levin said while most of the technology to develop advanced batteries was first invented in the US, nearly all of these batteries currently in production come from Pacific Rim countries.
Levin said that Congress has already authorized grants for advanced battery development and production in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. But till now, Congress has failed to appropriate funds for the programs.
