This is an excerpt from EERE Network News, a weekly electronic newsletter.

December 12, 2012

Announcing the Apps for Vehicles Challenge

By Patrick B. Davis, Vehicle Technologies program manager

Here at the Energy Department's Vehicle Technologies Program, we’re revved up about the next great smartphone app: yours.

That's why we're launching the Apps for Vehicles Challenge, which is looking for the best business plans, app ideas, and product designs that use open vehicle data to help vehicle owners save fuel, save money, and stay safe.

Improving fuel efficiency is a national priority. With the country spending about $1 billion per day on foreign oil, the Obama Administration spearheaded changes to fuel economy standards that will double fuel efficiency for cars and light trucks by 2025. Automotive manufacturers are working to meet this target, but everyday drivers, businesses, and the public sector can also contribute toward meeting these national goals. For example, the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Program is managing some of the most fascinating research projects and deployment programs in the country to support the cars and trucks of the future. Furthermore, in terms of what individual vehicle owners or fleet managers can do, there is an emerging set of tools that leverage open data to improve safety and fuel efficiency. For the complete story, see the Energy Blog.