WASHINGTON (voa) – President Bush is promoting a part of his energy plan that includes money to research more efficient fuel cells for hybrid fuel-electric autos – and tax breaks for those who use the cars.
The president made his comments Monday during a White House event on the South Lawn.
Mr. Bush said that as part of the plan, more than $3 million in tax credits would be given to consumers who use hybrid and fuel cell vehicles over the next 11 years.
He also mentioned a $150 million program called FreedomCAR which focuses on development of fuel cell technologies that run on hydrogen. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham announced the plan in January.
The White House event included cars, powered by a combination of gasoline engines and electric motors, that are to be built by three U.S. companies. The Washington Post reported today that Japanese carmakers, which already manufacture hybrid fuel-electric cars, were angry that they were not included in the presentation.
A White House spokesman said the event was set up in connection with the U.S. car manufacturers.
