Vehicle energy storage system safety program

(a) In general In coordination with the program established under section 7(b), the Secretary shall support a program of research, development, and demonstration of vehicle energy storage safety and reliability. (b) Activities In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall support activities— (1) to examine the mechanisms that lead to vehicle energy storage system safety and reliability incidents; (2) to develop new materials to improve overall vehicle energy storage system safety and abuse tolerance; (3) to perform abuse testing; (4) to advance and perform testing techniques; (5) to demonstrate detailed failure analyses; (6) to mitigate vehicle energy storage cell and system failures, including hydrogen fuel storage tank failures; (7) to develop crush-induced battery safety protocols and technical standards to improve robustness; (8) to develop suggested worker safety and emergency response procedures for hazards related to battery manufacturing; (9) to develop new materials and equipment for battery hazard suppression and fire dangers; and (10) to carry out other innovative energy storage safety-focused research and development, as determined by the Secretary.