The State of Sustainable Fleets first-ever Charging Infrastructure Academy webinar series kicked off this week in an effort to support fleet operators as they navigate the complexities of electrification. This educational series, brought to you by Gold Sponsors First Student and Electrada and Silver Sponsor Geotab, provides actionable insights on selecting, deploying, and optimizing charging infrastructure across all stages of fleet electrification.
“We know charging can be complex for fleet managers, so we created the Charging Infrastructure Academy to help them understand the critical elements of a successful charging program,” said Nate Springer, vice president of market development at TRC Companies. “Few opportunities exist to bring together expert early adopter fleets, charging partners, software, and vehicle makers, so we’re delighted to offer a multi-part series to dive deep on charging.”
Now in its sixth year, the State of Sustainable Fleets is the leading credible source of information on the top clean technologies for fleets. The Market Brief has been downloaded more than 10,000 times and is refreshed annually with real-world data directly from early adopter fleets. It provides sector-specific insights into the adoption of four leading clean medium- and heavy-duty vehicle technologies: drivetrains powered with propane, compressed natural gas, electric batteries, and hydrogen, as well as renewable fuels and renewable electricity, against a baseline of efficient diesel technology.
The Charging Infrastructure Academy features expert discussions, each focused on essential components of fleet electrification: planning a fleet electrification program, utility and partner collaboration, and fleet management integration. Industry leaders from companies such as Sysco, US Foods, First Student, NFI, Electrada, Geotab, Volvo, Penske, and ComEd (an Exelon Company) will participate, providing valuable expertise and case studies.
Building Utility and Other Charging Partnerships
The initial webinar, Developing a Fleet Electrification Program, is now available to watch online. The next session will be held Wednesday, April 2, at 10 am PST/1pm ET, with the final sessions at the same time on April 9. Session registration is open and you can register here. As in past years, ACT News, published by TRC Companies, is assisting State of Sustainable Fleets in producing the Academy series.
In the next session, Building Utility and Other Charging Partnerships, experts from experts from Sysco, Electrada, and ComEd (an Exelon Company) will discuss the essential partnerships, especially utilities, for successful fleet electrification projects. Attendees will learn:
- How and when to engage essential charging transition partners such as utilities, charging service providers, hardware and software partners, engineering and construction firms
- How to evaluate electricity rates and programs to understand dollar per kWh or dollar per mile comparisons with existing operations
- What data to collect and share with partners for short- and long-term planning and scale
- How to plan for and avoid common infrastructure delays such as capacity upgrades, hardware backlogs, unqualified installation professionals, and more
- How to prepare for seamless utility, software, hardware, and vehicle integrations for launch and operations
- How to plan for and around construction and installations to minimize operational disruptions
Featured Speakers:
- Cristina Botero, Senior Manager, Beneficial Electrification, ComEd (an Exelon Company)
- Stephane Fosso, Director, Fleet Technology & Electrification, Sysco
- Richard Arndts, Vice President of Engineering, Electrada
Academy Sponsors Announced
The inaugural Charging Infrastructure Academy has been generously sponsored by First Student, Electrada, and Geotab, solution providers that are working with fleets to ensure a smoother transition to zero-emission transport.
“We are grateful to our sponsors for supporting this critical educational initiative,” said Springer. “With their support and expertise, we can provide fleets with the knowledge needed to transition to electrification successfully.”
The Charging Infrastructure Academy webinar series is set to become a must-follow resource for fleet managers looking to stay ahead in the evolving transportation landscape. Registration is now open for all sessions.
Guidance on Policy and Funding
As funding, regulation, and technology continue to change in the clean technology industry for fleets, the State of Sustainable Fleets provides annual guidance on policy and funding in its Policy and Funding Trend Brief, which is available for download today.
“With our Policy & Funding Brief launching this week, and our annual Market Brief launching on the mainstage of ACT Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California, we believe the Academy is the perfect preparation for all things charging infrastructure for fleet managers,” added Springer.
The State of Sustainable Fleets is made possible with the support and expertise of Penske, Volvo Truck North America, Chevron, S&P Global, Dana, and Exelon.
