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Google launched its RechargeIT initiative in June as part of its efforts to stop global warming, and took delivery of four plugin Toyota Priuses.  Taking its prompting from an assessment by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Google believe that widespread use of plug-in hybrids could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The charge for electrified transportation is heating up, but consumers still can't buy plug-in vehicles – and that's a problem.

Google have decided that "it's time for us to put some money where our mouth is and help accelerate mass commercialisation of plug-in vehicles."

As a result, Google.org has issued a request for investment proposals (RFP) to the tune of $10 million (£5 million) in order to advance sustainable transportation solutions. They are inviting entrepreneurs and companies to show them their best ideas on how they can contribute to this important cause.

Rather than just funding research for research's sake, Google are specifically aiming their money at for-profit companies as they will be able to accelerate plug-in vehicle commercialisation.

To date, Google have already made $1 million in grants to a group of non-profit organisations, and want to expand its impact by spurring innovation in the private sector. While $10 million is a fraction of the total investment needed to transform the transportation sector, Google hope this RFP will help "catalyse a broader response. We need the automakers to bring these cars to market, but plug-in vehicles also need an entire ecosystem of companies to flourish."

In their blog, Google said:
"We realise that this type of open call for proposals is not the usual model for investment, but we wanted to use a process that was open to new ideas and new entrants. Part of our goal is to get as many people as possible to work on solutions to our vehicle emissions challenges. We welcome and expect to receive submissions from a wide variety of companies - from cutting edge battery technologies to innovative service businesses – and from companies of all sizes. We also encourage participants from all over the world to submit proposals. This is a global challenge, and it will take all of us to solve it."