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2024 Clean Transportation Demonstration Days

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) welcomed more than 150 attendees to two Clean Transportation Demonstration Days, held on March 18 and 19, 2024 in Raleigh and Winston-Salem, NC. These events, offered free of charge, provided invaluable platforms for government entities to explore clean transportation technologies and alternative fuel vehicles.

The vision behind these Demonstration Days stemmed from NCCETC’s commitment to fostering the adoption of alternative fuels and advanced transportation technologies. “Demonstration Days are an important part of our outreach and education efforts because they equip government entities across North Carolina with the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to embrace clean transportation solutions,” said Heather Brutz, Director of NCCETC’s Clean Transportation program.

Comprising a blend of informative classroom instruction, interactive exhibits and thrilling test drive opportunities, the agenda was crafted to provide a descriptive overview of clean transportation technologies. 

 

The highlight of the events was undoubtedly the hands-on exploration of an impressive array of vehicles and alternative fuel technologies on display. From sleek electric vehicles (EVs) to robust buses, utility vehicles and charging equipment, participants were immersed in a showcase of cutting-edge innovation. 

Notably, certain electric and alternative fuel vehicles were available for test drives, allowing attendees to experience the dynamic capabilities of clean transportation firsthand. A few brave individuals even tested out a truck equipped with Viatec’s SmartPTO bucket lift solution which powers an aerial lift with electric power, sparing harmful emissions from an idling engine.

These events underscored North Carolina’s pivotal role in spearheading a monumental shift toward cleaner energy technologies. Bolstered by initiatives such as Executive Orders 80 and 246, which prioritize carbon emissions reduction and aim for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the state is embracing a sustainable trajectory toward the future.

Among the noteworthy exhibits were Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, the GreenPower Motor Company EVStar Passenger Van, Ryvid Anthem Electric Police Motorcycles, Ford F-150 Lightning, Freightliner Trucks’s eCascadia from the City of Charlotte, Electric Motorcycles from the City of Raleigh, a Ford F-150 with a bi-fuel propane autogas system from Alliance AutoGas, a Chevy Silverado demo vehicle with Stealth Power’s idle mitigation system and a Tesla Model PD. 

Heavy-duty vehicles on display included Battle Motors LNT eV Curbtender Rear Loader, Bluebird Electric School Bus, Bluebird Propane School Bus, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Waste Collection Vehicle from GFL Environmental, GoRaleigh’s CNG Transit Bus,  and a battery auxiliary power unit fire truck from the City of Durham.

Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to explore innovative equipment such as Blink Charging’s EV Charging Station and Atom Power’s EV charging solution,  further emphasizing the breadth of clean energy solutions available.

As the curtain closed on these successful Clean Transportation Demonstration Days, the NCCETC remains committed to driving forward the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By empowering government entities and stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to embrace clean transportation technologies, North Carolina continues to lead the charge toward a greener tomorrow.

Explore more pictures from the 2024 Clean Transportation Demonstration Days by visiting this Google Photos album.

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Renewable Propane: A Clean Choice to Power Your Vehicle

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) works with government, non-profit organizations and businesses to help diversify fuel supplies and support cleaner, more vibrant local and state economies. The Clean Transportation program at NCCETC propels the development, awareness and use of alternative fuels and advanced transportation technologies. 

One alternative fuel, propane, is a popular choice across the United States for a variety of fleet vehicle applications including school buses, shuttle buses, vans, taxis and law enforcement vehicles. According to a report by the Gas Technology Institute prepared for the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), there are over 147,000 vehicles on the road in the U.S. fueled by propane.

“NCCETC’s Clean Transportation team is ready to support fleets interested in exploring the financial and environmental benefits of different fuel choices, including propane,” said Heather Brutz, Director of the Clean Transportation program at NCCETC. “Diversifying our nation’s fuel supply with domestic fuels like propane – strengthens U.S. energy security while also reducing harmful emissions.” 

Introduction to Propane for Transportation

Propane, also known as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), is a simple hydrocarbon byproduct of natural gas processing or crude oil refining. Currently the third most common engine fuel source in the world, propane is a clean-burning alternative fuel that has been used for decades to power light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. 

The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) reports that propane has a high octane rating and excellent properties for spark-ignited internal combustion engines. It is stored as a liquid in a pressurized tank onboard the vehicle to maximize energy storage. As the pressure is released, the liquid propane vaporizes and turns into gas that is used in a combustion engine. 

The commercial grade of propane sold for use in motor vehicles in North America is also called HD-5 or Autogas and is a mixture of propane with smaller amounts of other gases. The U.S. Energy Information Association reported that, as of 2020, more than 93% of the U.S. propane supply was produced in North America. More information about propane can be found on the AFDC website here. 

The Benefits of Choosing Propane

Fleets stand to gain numerous benefits from adopting propane vehicles, including potential emissions reductions without compromising on performance. Propane-powered vehicles offer comparable horsepower, torque, and payload capacity to conventionally fueled vehicles. 

As Brutz noted, diversifying the U.S. fuel supply helps reduce overall dependence on imported petroleum. The continued use of alternative fuels and other clean transportation technologies to reduce petroleum consumption increases national energy security while decreasing transportation energy costs for businesses and consumers.

Propane is produced domestically and has high energy density with relatively low cost compared to gasoline and diesel. As one of the most accessible alternative fuels to the general public, propane is a popular choice for high-mileage vehicles. 

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and select dealerships offer a number of medium- and heavy-duty propane vehicle models. In addition to OEM models, fleets and consumers have the ability to convert existing gasoline vehicles using qualified system retrofitters for propane operation. 

In vehicle applications, propane-fueled vehicles have lower carbon dioxide (NOx) emissions in comparison to equivalent gasoline or diesel vehicles. When replacing conventional fuels such as gasoline, propane vehicles also reduce full-fuel-cycle greenhouse gas emissions and source energy consumption. 

Renewable Propane

Renewable propane, which is chemically identical to conventional propane, is produced from biomass-based feedstocks, including used cooking oil, animal fats or 20% dimethyl ether. With all the same great features as conventional propane – reliability, portability, power and reduced carbon emissions – renewable propane has a low (CI) value, depending on its feedstock.

Renewable propane is made from a variety of different feedstocks and sustainable materials. The image below, originally from PERC, shows how renewable propane is made.

The CI value of a fuel is able to measure the environmental impact of its consumption. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) set annual CI standards in 2009 through the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Conventional propane already has a relatively low CI of 79 when compared to diesel, but renewable propane’s CI can be as low as 20.5 depending on the variations in feedstock type which the fuel is produced from. This makes renewable propane one of the cleanest alternative fuels on the market with a carbon intensity value five times lower than diesel.

Last month, the City of Raleigh announced it will be moving a portion of its fleet to run on renewable propane. Rick Longobart, Fleet Operations Manager for the City of Raleigh, shared, “I’m proud to say today that 85% of our fleet runs off of some type of alternative energy.” The City of Raleigh is the first city in the state of North Carolina to use renewable propane to fuel its fleet.

Longobart noted that Raleigh’s renewable propane will primarily be produced from plant based vegetable oil which possesses an ultra-low CI as determined by CARB, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the city’s fleet vehicles. “As we move towards a more sustainable climate and trying to reach our climate action goals of 80% renewable energy or zero emissions by 2050, this is one effort that is going to get us there,” Longobart added.

PERC’s President and CEO Tucker Perkins spoke at the ribbon cutting for a new renewable propane fueling station for the City of Raleigh on September 28, 2023. Perkins identified propane as a pathway with tremendous promise to change the economics of the community and lives of the citizens living in it. 

“As we think about renewable propane, if I had one message to give to you, it’s that, yes it is real,” Perkins said. “The carbon savings are real, the particulate matter is zero, the NOx emissions are virtually zero, and this is a fuel of the future.” 

To learn more about renewable propane and its potential for sustainable transportation, visit PERC’s webpage on the topic. 

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Stream All 13 Sessions from the 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series Online Now

Last month the 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series concluded after bringing together industry experts and top performing fleet managers for 13 webinar sessions over the course of the year. The Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series (SFTWS), now in its 8th year, is offered through a collaborative partnership between the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) and NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA).

The series focuses on sharing real-world use cases and success stories of sustainable fleet operations and strategies. Each webinar session featured in-depth presentations from nationally recognized fleets describing their experience with integrating applications of sustainable fleet technologies and strategies into their fleet as well as the lessons they learned along the way.

“The webinar series showcases the gold standard of fleet sustainability to help others see how clean transportation technologies and practices can fit into their own fleets,” said Heather Brutz, Director of the NCCETC Clean Transportation Program.

Driving Fleet Sustainability and Efficiency

Fleet management is dynamic with constant change, so integration of new strategies and technologies is imperative to stay competitive and meet growing demands of customers. The key to successful deployment of these new strategies and technologies is change management and fostering buy-in on all levels of an organization.

The webinar Creating a Culture for Change & Gaining Buy-In explains the basics of change management and features speakers from top fleets that have created a culture that embraces technology, change and continuous improvement. Panelists included Patti Early, Fleet Fuel Operations Manager at Florida Power & Light; Erin Osterroth, Fleet Services Manager for the City of Medicine Hat in Alberta, Canada; Mark Swackhamer, formerly Director of Transportation for Alvin Independent School District in Texas; and Al Curtis, Fleet Services Director for Cobb County, Georgia.

According to Patti Earley, the objective of change management is not to eliminate resistance to change, but to minimize the impact on achieving the desired goal. “Change management is a structured, planned process at both the individual and organizational levels,” Earley explained.

Among the fastest growing and most promising developments in fleet management is video telematics. Cameras coupled with other sensors and technologies give fleets the potential to achieve improved safety, driver performance and efficiency. This emerging technology and results from real-world fleet applications were explored in Video Telematics Applications & Benefits.

At the 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference, NAFA announced the winners of the 2022 Green Fleet Awards to honor fleets who have enhanced practices to make a positive impact on the environment. Several of the winners joined NCCETC for a SFTWS session – The Best Practices of the Top Green Fleets 2022 – following the announcement.

Rick Sapienza of NCCETC and NAFA’s Chief Executive Officer Bill Schankel joined three of the top five Green Fleets to share their best practices for successful fleet sustainability. “In terms of sustainability, my advice is just to get started,” said Sapienza. “And in terms of applying for the awards, it’s a good exercise- you will certainly learn something new.”

NCCETC is a proud sponsor of the Green Fleet Awards, now in its 15th year of recognizing peak-performing fleet sustainability efforts. The Green Fleet Awards is free to enter and is open to both government and commercial fleets in North America.

Avoiding Potholes On the Road to Fleet Electrification

Public and private fleets across the United States are taking steps to transition away from conventional fuel vehicles, but electrification is a complex and multi-aspect process for fleets with thousands of vehicles or diverse needs. The 2022 SFTWS had several sessions focused on integrating electric vehicle (EV) deployment into long-term fleet planning along with funding opportunities to finance these efforts.

The webinar series kicked off with Integrating Electrification into Fleet Replacement Planning & Right-Sizing. This session covers the basics for identifying candidate vehicles for replacement with a right-sizing analysis to ensure fleets have the optimal number of properly specific vehicles to fulfill their mission.

A fleet right-sizing analysis helps identify when vehicles need to be replaced and how to get the maximum value out of their current assets before replacing them. NCCETC’s Clean Transportation staff is able to provide fleet utilization analyses to help fleets understand utilization across their fleet as a first step in fleet right-sizing.

Several EV deployment cases from fleets leading the way in electrification were presented in Avoiding the Potholes in the Road to Fleet Electrification. Philip Saunders from the City of Seattle spoke of the lessons learned from the city’s transition to EVs so far and their plans for the future. Saunders was joined by Robert Gordon, Deputy Director of Fleet Management at Dekalb County, Georgia. Dekalb’s fleet has over 3600 vehicles – 437 of which are alternative fuel vehicles, according to Gordon.

Another key component of fleet electrification is the charging infrastructure and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) needed to keep EVs running and in service. The Charging Strategies & EVSE Readiness Planning webinar provides an overview of the critical planning required for properly meeting charging needs today, as well as planning for future additions of EVs.

Anne Blair, Policy Director at the Electrification Coalition, shared some of the resources and reflections from the organization’s work on charging deployment throughout the country. Blair discussed challenges and barriers fleets face when electrifying before highlighting how leading fleets have created opportunities to address these obstacles and find solutions.

One example of what worked came from San Antonio where Blink and the city formed a partnership to help alleviate some of the cost hurdles to installing charging stations. “They deployed more than 200 Level 2 charging stations, and 3 DC Fast charging stations throughout the city,” Blair noted. She said that these examples speak to how these partnerships mitigate the high cost of deploying charging infrastructure while also meeting the needs of the communities these chargers are installed in.

SFTWS 2022 also highlighted the use case scenarios where the energy storage capacity of electric vehicle assets could be used for cost avoidance or even a potential revenue stream. Those interested can learn more in The Economic Value Propositions to Make the Business Case for Bi-Directional Charging.

Other session topics featured in the 2022 webinar series included:

To view all of the past webinars and sessions from NCCETC’s Clean Transportation program, Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series, as well as the Sustainable Fleet Technology Virtual Conference series and more, click here.

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center, NAFA Fleet Management Association and The 100 Best Fleets are proud to offer sponsorship opportunities for the online Sustainable Fleet Technology  Webinar Series 2023. Note that there are a limited number of sponsorship opportunities for the SFT Webinar Series.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or learning more about partnership opportunities, please contact Heather Brutz at hmbrutz@ncsu.edu for more information.

Stay tuned for updates about the 2023 Sustainable Fleet Technology Webinar Series online at www.sustainablefleetexpo.com.

Thank you to the sponsors who made the 2022 SFTWS possible.

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Best Strategies for Sustainable Fleet Management Showcased at the 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo

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The 6th annual Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference and Expo returns in-person for 2022! Discover the latest and greatest in sustainable fleet technology, operations and implementation at the 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference on August 31 and September 1, 2022 at the Durham Convention Center in Durham, NC.

The 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology (SFT) Conference and Expo will showcase alternative fuel technologies and operations in the biofuels, electric, natural gas, and propane arenas, with a strong focus on data-driven decisions and best practices. The event will include keynote presentations, over 50 speakers and more than 40 exhibitors with indoor vehicle/equipment on display in the expo hall. Find the full conference agenda for SFT 2022 online here.

Building toward a sustainable fleet is a multi-aspect process that involves planning, understanding, learning, tracking, analyzing, training and changing organizational culture, which can be challenging for individual fleets to navigate. SFT serves as a resource for public and private fleets by leveraging the knowledge of top performing fleets and industry experts sharing their best practices and operations for increasing vehicle fleet efficiency and sustainability.

Attendees of SFT 2022 can expect in-depth presentations from award-winning and expert speakers sharing their best practices and lessons learned to help fleets run more efficiently. Session topics include a strong focus on data-driven decisions, tools and technologies from real-world applications of fleets across the nation. From simple strategies like idle-reduction programs to more complex operations like best practices for managing fleet charging equipment, the conference agenda has it all. Each session spotlights innovative opportunities for effective sustainable fleet management.

Who should attend?

Public & Private Fleet Managers

Purchasing Officials

State Government Leaders

Municipal Government Officials

Non-Profit Stakeholders

Clean Cities Coalitions & Stakeholders

Alternative Fuel Trade Organizations

Sustainability Managers

Academic Leaders & Researchers

Wednesday, August 31 will begin with a welcome and introduction to the 2022 SFT Conference from keynote speaker John Konkel, Director of GM Fleet of General Motors. Later that day, John Konkel will join a panel of industry leaders for the keynote plenary Industry Roundtable: Getting the Win in Sustainable Fleet to discuss the current state of sustainable transportation, opportunities, obstacles and measures needed to meet today’s and future goals. The panel will be moderated by Emmy® Award-winning producer, host and creator of MotorWeek, television’s original and longest running automotive series, John Davis. Other plenary speakers on this panel include President of Alliance AutoGas, Stuart Weidie; Vice President of Volvo Group North America, Dawn Fenton; and Regional Sales Manager of Cummins Inc., Patrick Campbell.

Day two begins with plenary panel Leadership Triple Play featuring Motivational Speaker & Scottsdale-based Leadership Development Coach Ramsey Bergeron of Bergeron Wellbeing, Lonnie Mayne of Red Shoes Living, Inc. and City of Orlando’s Facilities Management Division Manager David Dunn. Two other keynote plenary sessions are also on the agenda for Thursday, September 1: Industry Round Table: Delivering Electrons for Transportation Electrification and Industry Round Table: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Electric Vehicle Portfolio Planning.

Those interested in attending SFT 2022 can find out more during a free pre-conference webinar on August 9 from 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. This preview will feature information on the breakout session topics and highlighted technologies of the program, as well as select presentations from a few of the speakers on the agenda for the conference. Register for the preview webinar for free online now.

This year’s breakout session tracks are Vehicle Applications, Fueling Infrastructure, and Planning and Technology. Session topics will be:

  • Alternative Fuel Vehicle Case Studies
  • Hydrogen
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Biofuels
  • Local, State, and Federal Policies & Resources
  • Considerations & Opportunities for Rural Communities
  • Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
  • Managing Fleet Charging Equipment
  • Fleet Performance & Safety
  • Sustainable Garage & Facility Operations
  • Natural Gas
  • Idle Reduction

Pre-conference events on Tuesday, August 30 include:

  • NAFA Sustainable Fleet Management Training | 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Ride & Drive with Cenntro | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Triangle Electric Vehicle Summit  | 12 – 2 p.m.
  • NAFA 100 Best Fleets | 2:30 – 5 p.m.
  • Green Fleet Awards | 5 – 5:30 p.m.
  • Networking & Reception Event | 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Fleets and stakeholders can take advantage of early bird pricing through July 29, 2022 to register for $199. General admission early bird pricing for SFT 2022 is $249 and will increase to $299 after Friday, July 29. Registration for groups of 3 or more is $149 each, and $50 for students. For additional details, contact Heather Brutz at hmbrutz@ncsu.edu.

Don’t miss out on future updates for the 2022 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference- sign up for the clean transportation newsletter! More information about SFT 2022 can be found online here. Register for the conference here.

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center hosts the annual Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference as part of its mission to advance a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies.

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Success Stories for Sustainable Fleet Management at the 2021 Virtual Conference

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The agenda for the 2021 Sustainable Fleet Technology Virtual Conference has officially been announced! Attendees will be able to tune in for valuable presentations and conversations every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 to 3:30 PM ET starting on September 9 and ending on October 19, 2021.

Sessions at the Fifth annual 2021 Sustainable Fleet Technology Virtual Conference (SFT) will showcase the latest and greatest in sustainable fleet technologies and alternative fuel operations, as well as implementation in the biofuels, electric, natural gas, hydrogen and propane arenas. Session topics and speakers were carefully selected to highlight the current technologies, topics and issues happening in today’s fleet industry as we navigate the rapidly evolving transportation industry.

Richard Sapienza, Director of the Clean Transportation program at NC Clean Energy Technology Center, surveys fleet managers year-round to find relevant session topics suited for their needs. There are a myriad of strategies to achieve fleet sustainability and new clean transportation technologies are always on the horizon, and topics discussed at the SFT are meant to share best practices and lessons learned across the industry.

Currently, both public and private fleets in the United States are gearing up for an electric vehicle revolution as the transition towards vehicle electrification expands. Transitioning entire fleets away from conventional fuel vehicles, however, is a much more complex process than individuals deciding to go electric.

“This transition affects every fleet from light to medium to heavy-duty vehicles, which all have different use cases and needs regarding power levels, charging and range,” Sapienza explained. “You can’t just flip a switch and instantly see the change, but we’re hoping to make that change more accessible for these fleet managers.”

Attendees of SFT can expect to learn and share more about electric vehicle infrastructure planning, alternative and renewable fuels applications and decarbonization uses, idle reduction, sustainable fleet management and more. Session topics include a strong focus on data-driven decisions, tools and technologies from real-world applications of leading edge technologies.

Alternative fuels such as hydrogen and natural gas have proven to be viable ways for fleets to reduce emissions and help conserve fuel. Not only are alternative fuels featured in a session on fleet decarbonization, but attendees can also learn from success stories about propane autogas and natural gas applications in addition to a session focused on hydrogen as a transportation solution.

SFT 2021 features award-winning and expert speakers who will share the best practices to help fleets run more efficiently. From simple strategies like idle-reduction programs to more complex strategies including fleet charging costs and deployment, the conference agenda covers it all. Each session spotlights different opportunities for fleets to find the best solutions for managing a sustainable fleet.

Building towards a sustainable fleet is a multi-aspect process that involves planning, understanding, learning, tracking, analyzing, training and changing organizational culture, which can be challenging for individual fleets to navigate. SFT serves as a resource for public and private fleets by leveraging the knowledge of top performing fleets and industry experts sharing their best practices and operations for increasing vehicle fleet efficiency and sustainability.

“We’re trying to build a community to exchange and share ideas from lessons learned so that we can all avoid the potholes in the road,” Sapienza said. Early-adopters exist for every trend and technology, and fleet managers can learn from them to increase their own fleet’s efficiency both environmentally and economically.

The sustainable fleet practices presented at SFT 2021 provide a process of continuous improvement, fleet modernization and impact and risk reduction, while also working towards decarbonization and cost savings.

Who should attend?

  • Public & Private Fleet Managers
  • Purchasing Officials
  • State Government Leaders
  • Municipal Government Officials
  • Non-Profit Stakeholders
  • Clean Cities Coalitions & Stakeholders
  • Alternative Fuel Trade Organizations
  • Sustainability Managers
  • Academic Leaders & Researchers

Learn more & register for individual SFT 2021 virtual sessions below:

Don’t miss out on future updates for the 2021 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference- sign up for the clean transportation newsletter or stay tuned online at www.sustainablefleetexpo.com.

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center hosts the Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference as part of its mission to advance a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies.

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Sustainable Fleet Series: Best Practices, Fleet Electrification, The 100 Best Fleets in The Americas & more Available to Stream Now

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The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center’s (NCCETC)  2020 Sustainable Fleet Technology Virtual Conference featured the latest and greatest in sustainable fleet technology, operations and implementation. All 17 sessions focused on best practices to make fleets run more efficiently, with award-winner and expert speakers. 

These webinars are available to stream online now with over 30 hours of knowledge and expertise from fleet managers across the country. 

Also available on-demand, The 100 Best Fleets announced their 2020 Winners of The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas. In a later webinar, the top three fleets were featured in “100 Best Fleets: Top 3 Fleets Best Practices” to discuss their approach and best practices to distinguish themselves among the 38,000 public fleets in North America.  

The top fleet, San Luis Obispo County, California, explained how they used their “intent based leadership” program to transform their fleet and achieve 99 percent customer satisfaction. As the Fleet Manager in San Luis Obispo, Rocky Buoy led the multi-year campaign to improve inspections and ensure repairs were completed correctly the first time. 

Buoy stressed the importance of creating a culture “where people want to come to work” and investing in the fleet employees. “It’s paramount that we commit to training and developing our employees; investing in them is investing in the organization’s and their future,” Buoy said.

Governor Roy Cooper made a statement at NCCETC’s “Electrification of Transportation and Climate Change Impact” webinar on September 30, 2020. Governor Cooper discussed Executive Order 80, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent statewide and adopt 80,000 zero-emission vehicles by 2025 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. 

“Carbon neutrality must happen globally by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change,” Governor Cooper stressed. “That will require transformation in all sectors of our economy, including transportation.” 

Governor Cooper also joined 14 other governors and D.C. last summer to strive for all medium and heavy duty vehicles sold to be zero-emission vehicles by 2050. “North Carolina’s VW settlement funds will be invested to speed up school bus and transit electrification and put more chargers within reach of North Carolina drivers,” the governor added.

The “Idle Reduction an Easy Win” webinar featured a panelist of experts who dispelled idling myths and explained why idling wastes fuel, puts excess wear and tear on engines and systems and produces harmful emissions. 

One of the experts on the panel, Patricia Weikersheimer, is a coordinating writer for the Argonne National Laboratory which supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program. “At the national scale, idling in the United States consumes more than six billion gallons, adding up to more than $15 billion each year,” said Weikersheimer. Idle reduction can become a gateway for other initiatives that can reduce carbon emissions and support fleet sustainability. 

Other topics covered in these webinars include “Best Practices & Lessons Learned in Charging Infrastructure Deployment”, “Renewable Fuels, Lubricants & Other Biobased Products” and a roundtable with the Sierra Club to share the results of a survey of local fleet managers and create a form to assist each other through fleet electrification.

To view all of the past webinars and sessions from NCCETC Clean Transportation, Sustainable Fleet Webinar Series from NCCETC and The 100 Best Fleets, as well as the Sustainable Fleet Technology Virtual Conference series and others, click here.

Stay tuned for future updates about the 5th annual 2021 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference online at sustainablefleetexpo.com.

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