Federal stimulus funds supporting electric vehicles:

— $1.5 billion in grants offered by the U.S. Department of Energy to U.S.-based manufacturers to produce advanced batteries and their components

— $500 million in grants offered by the U.S. Department of Energy to U.S.-based manufacturers to produce other components needed for electric cars, such as electric motors

— $400 million in grants offered by the U.S. Department of Energy to demonstrate and evaluate plug-in hybrids and other electric infrastructure concepts, such as truck-stop charging stations, electric rail and training for technicians to build and repair electric vehicles

— Total: $2.4 billion

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

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Indiana proposed energy program

— $68 million funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and distributed by the Indiana Office of Energy Development

— Emphasis on job creation and creation of permanent assets

— Project selection committee chaired by Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and included representation by the governor’s office, Office of Management and Budget, Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Indiana Office of Energy Development

— Selections were made May 12 and sent to the U.S. Department of Energy for approval; it is unclear whether projects will be approved by the original July 1 deadline

Source: Indiana Office of Energy Development

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Disadvantages of traditional lead-acid batteries in vehicles