The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) today is announcing that it is accepting and encouraging applications under the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program for automotive manufacturing conversion projects that retain high-quality jobs in communities that currently host manufacturing facilities—and announcing that it is planning to provide up to $10 billion in loans for this purpose.

In addition to other ATVM evaluation criteria, Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Project applications will be reviewed considering criteria to ensure that projects minimize risks to project success, including by implementing effective strategies to retain and attract a skilled workforce and avoid labor strife. Examples include retaining existing workers, providing high wages and benefits, including workplace rights, or commitments such as keeping the existing facility open until a new facility is complete, in the case of facility replacement projects.

In the event that an applicant seeks LPO financing for a project that converts or directly replaces an existing factory that has high-quality jobs, LPO will also assess the projected economic impacts of the facility conversion relative to the existing facility, including factors such as contribution to the local economy, employment history, anticipated employment, and duration of its existence. For these projects, LPO will assess the degree to which the proposed project is likely to preserve high-quality jobs, prioritizing applicants that currently pay top quartile wages in their industry as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as well as commensurate non-wage compensation benefits, as applicable. LPO will also consider the degree to which the proposed project, or group of projects, are in communities with a 20+ year history of producing vehicles or supplying parts for vehicles.

Through ATVM, LPO supports manufacturing facilities for eligible vehicles or qualifying components, including projects to build new facilities; reequip, modernize, or expand existing facilities; and/or for engineering integration performed in the United States related to the manufacturing of eligible vehicles or components. Interested applicants who wish to apply as an Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Project will be evaluated and scored based on the criteria above, as well as other ATVM evaluation criteria. Potential applicants are encouraged to engage directly with LPO for no-fee, no-commitment consultations to start a conversation about the project and about LPO's process before formally applying by contacting [email protected] to request a consultation with an LPO staff member.