The Secretary of Energy, acting through appropriate agencies and contractors, shall initiate and provide for the conduct of research and development in areas related to electric and hybrid vehicles , including— (1) energy storage technology, including batteries and their potential for convenient recharging; (2) vehicle control systems and overall design for energy conservation, including the use of regenerative braking; (3) urban design and traffic management to promote maximum transportation-related energy conservation and minimum transportation-related degradation of the environment; and (4) vehicle design which emphasizes durability, length of practical lifetime, ease of repair, and interchangeability and replaceability of parts. ( Pub. L. 94–413, § 6 , Sept. 17, 1976 , 90 Stat. 1263 ; Pub. L. 95–91, title III, § 301(a) , Aug. 4, 1977 , 91 Stat. 577 .) Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Transfer of Functions “Secretary of Energy” substituted in text for “Administrator” pursuant to section 301(a) of Pub. L. 95–91 , see Codification note set out under section 2502 of this title .