The U.S. Dept. of Energy on Jan. 11 sponsored $187 million for the next five years to advance fuel efficiency for passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, which account for nearly a third of the nation’s energy use. The $375-million program includes $100 million in stimulus funds. The work is expected to result in so-called SuperTrucks and passenger vehicles that consume less energy using hybrid drivetrains and other methods. According to DOE, such technologies could eventually save 100 million gallons of gasoline and diesel per day and cut carbon emissions 20% by 2030.