Meet David Howell: Deputy Director, Vehicle Technologies Office

As part of National Drive Electric Week the VTO communications team sat down with David Howell, VTO deputy director, to discuss how he got in to battery technologies, what excites him most about his line of work, and how he spends his time outside of the office.

I have been with DOE/VTO since 2003, starting as a technology development manager for advanced battery research.

I am an aerospace engineer by background. I started my career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force working on advanced materials for space structures at the Air Force Materials Laboratory at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.  The R&D supported President Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, a.k.a. “Star Wars”.  In 1991 I accepted a research position at Oak Ridge National Laboratory focused on materials and processing R&D for the defense and space sectors.

In 1999, I took a 1-year career broadening assignment to Washington D.C. to provide technical support for the Department of Energy's “Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles” Initiative (PNGV). I have been involved in DOE vehicle R&D ever since.

Our mission. There are very few areas where you have the opportunity to simultaneously help achieve U.S. energy independence, reduce harmful emissions, strengthen the U.S. economy, and enhance national security. Add to that the diverse R&D pathways to meet our mission goals such as electrification, advanced engines and fuels, lightweight materials, and new mobility modes. Imagine, if we are successful, we have the opportunity to eliminate the transportation sector from the energy and environmental debate. That’s exciting!

For light duty vehicles, it’s the electrification of the vehicle drivetrain from the research and development of advanced batteries to electric motors and power electronics innovations.  For the heavies, SuperTruck is awesome. VTO R&D has lead the way, and I have had the privilege of being a part of it.

I enjoy visits and hikes through the local National and State parks (mainly Smoky Mountains and Shenandoahs). I also enjoy occasional respites to local wineries. I typically plan one major home renovation project each year—I see revamping a “Dormer Room” on the horizon.