Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series: Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Electrification-Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series: Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Electrification

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar on Medium and Heavy Duty Electrification, hosted by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center and NAFA, provided a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, challenges, and best practices in transitioning to zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including trucks and buses.<br /><br />Jacob Richard and Mike Hines from CalSTART presented data showing over 59,000 zero-emission trucks deployed across the U.S., predominantly cargo vans, with notable growth in yard tractors due to their suitability for electrification. State-level adoption varies, with California leading but diverse deployments nationwide regardless of political leanings. They highlighted challenges such as high upfront and insurance costs, limited infrastructure, and uncertain policy environments, underscoring the importance of incentivizing and educating stakeholders.<br /><br />Mike Hines detailed the zero-emission bus market, emphasizing consistent growth across all states except the Dakotas, driven by transit agencies’ practical assessment of battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies. Despite funding and manufacturing constraints, agencies continue increased adoption, supported by robust planning and shared industry knowledge.<br /><br />Dan Rosenfield from Highland Electric Fleets discussed practical steps for fleets, emphasizing early utility engagement, interoperability between chargers and vehicles, risk mitigation, and leveraging public-private partnerships for financing. He advised bulk purchases and detailed Highland’s turnkey electrification services, including performance-based contracts covering vehicles, chargers, and maintenance.<br /><br />Cheryl Purefoy of Indianapolis-based Indigo shared her agency’s experience moving to a fully electric transit fleet, highlighting community support, infrastructure preparedness with solar power and redundant lines, and lessons learned about battery range and heating solutions. She described training programs for operators and technicians and adaptations to depot facilities to accommodate electric buses.<br /><br />The webinar concluded with Q&A addressing insurance cost disparities linked to residual value uncertainty, heating options for electric buses, and training resources. Speakers emphasized the need for early utility collaboration, ongoing education, and strategic planning to successfully transition fleets to zero emissions.

Keywords

Medium and Heavy Duty Electrification

Zero-Emission Vehicles

Electric Trucks and Buses

CalSTART Data

State-Level Adoption

Infrastructure Challenges

Battery Electric Technology

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Fleet Electrification Strategies

Public-Private Partnerships

Electric Transit Fleet Implementation