Across the nation, Class 8 fleets have logged more than 20 million zero-emission miles, demonstrating the tangible benefits of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Reduced operating costs, enhanced sustainability for clients’ supply chains, and improved driver satisfaction are no longer theoretical, they’re competitive advantages reshaping the freight industry. To support fleets in accelerating this transition, the Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative (JETSI) has introduced two new resources: the JETSI California Battery-Electric Truck Fleet Tool Kit and the JETSI Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Workforce Survey. These tools provide practical strategies and insights to help fleets navigate the learning curve of adopting zero-emission transportation technologies.
California Battery-Electric Truck Fleet Toolkit
Developed by JETSI project partners, including TRC Companies, NFI, Schneider, Electrify Commercial, Black & Veatch, and the Los Angeles Clean Tech Incubator, the BET Fleet Toolkit serves as an introductory guide for fleets beginning their transition to battery-electric trucks.
Inside the toolkit, fleets will find:
- Introduction: A step-by-step roadmap for deploying BETs within your fleet.
- Regulatory Insights: Detailed requirements for fleet compliance in Southern California.
- Taskforce Recommendations: Guidance on forming a team to manage your fleet’s transition.
- Vehicle Procurement Tips: Advice on selecting the best BETs to meet your operational needs.
- Funding Insights: Information on grants, incentives, and funding opportunities.
- Infrastructure Guidance: Strategies for planning and implementing charging infrastructure.
- Public Resources: A curated list of additional tools to support your transition to zero-emission vehicles.
This toolkit reflects the lessons learned by JETSI partners through real-world pilot programs involving BETs and charging infrastructure in Southern California. Although focused on BETs, it underscores the broader push to transition the freight industry to zero-emission technologies.
Download the BET Fleet Toolkit here
Zero-Emission Vehicle Workforce Survey
To complement the BET Fleet Toolkit, JETSI also released the Zero-Emission Vehicle Workforce Survey, which provides helpful insights into workforce readiness and hiring needs within the fleet industry. Conducted from May to July 2024, the survey gathered data from 80 fleets across diverse sectors, including utility, municipal, transit, and regional haul.
Key findings include:
- 60% of fleets surveyed plan to deploy additional zero-emission vehicles within the next two years.
- 45% of fleets identified training and upskilling existing staff as a top priority for ZEV readiness.
- 37% of fleets reported a need to hire specialized roles such as charging infrastructure planners and ZEV technicians.
- 68% of fleets cited funding for workforce development as a barrier to ZEV adoption.
The survey highlights the growing need for workforce development as fleets accelerate ZEV adoption, pinpointing strategies to ensure successful transitions.
Explore the JETSI ZEV Workforce Survey here.
Powering Progress Through Collaboration
The JETSI project and these new resources are supported by nearly $27 million in public funding from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Energy Commission (CEC), Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Committee (MSRC), and South Coast AQMD. With an additional $21.7 million from the Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, Southern California Edison, NFI, and Schneider, JETSI represents a significant collaboration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and boost economic opportunity in underserved communities.
These new resources help equip fleets and industry stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to scale zero-emission technologies effectively. By addressing early challenges and providing actionable recommendations, they underscore the JETSI project partners’ leadership in California’s shift toward more sustainable transport solutions.
For more information on JETSI and its initiatives, visit the JETSI website.
