The Energy Department's grant and loan guarantee programs were intended to stimulate employment, foster nascent industries that were likely to be important in the future, and counteract the credit freeze. A123 Systems, a manufacturer of batteries for electric cars, received a $249 million grant from the Energy Department but has laid off some workers and acknowledges that it faces serious challenges. Fisker Automotive, which is building electric cars, received a $529 million loan guarantee but had to lay off some workers at its factory in Delaware early this year.