The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $2.5 million contract to a Bennington company for development of new technologies for vehicles.
Plasan Carbon Composites will develop models for predicting crash response of carbon fiber composites.
The contract, announced yesterday, is one of dozens being that are part of $175 million to be spent over the next five years in 15 states.
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu says the 40 projects will target creation of better fuels and lubricants, lighter-weight materials, longer-lasting electric vehicle batteries and more efficient engine technologies.
Last month, President Obama announced standards for cars and light trucks to boost fuel efficiency to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.