The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $6 million for 11 projects designed to improve potential buyers’ experiences with alternative fuel and plug-in electric vehicles, support training, and integrate alternative fuels into emergency planning.

The DOE’s Clean Cities program works with community efforts to help fleets and consumers find alternative fuel or fuel-efficient solutions that meet their needs. Through the Clean Cities program, these projects address many of the challenges limiting the use of alternative fuel and plug-in EVs, particularly in the areas on-the-road demonstrations, safety-related training, and emergency preparedness, according to the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Five of the projects would enable consumers and fleets to drive alternative fuel vehicles for extended periods of time to help them better understand how these vehicles can meet their everyday needs. One of these projects in Tallahassee, Fla., will allow thousands of visitors in Orlando to rent and receive information on plug-in EVs.

Other awarded projects focus on training for first responders, public safety officials, tow-truck operators, and collision repair specialists, and teach these service providers how to safely handle alternative fuel vehicles.

Click here for the full list of awardees.