The town of Cary, in North Carolina, has worked to implement sustainable fleet technology for over a decade. After purchasing the town’s first electric vehicle (EV) in 2012, the fleet department has continuously sought out ways to incorporate other vehicles to create a “green” fleet.

This past summer, Cary introduced the first electric fire truck on the east coast to their fleet, the Pierce® Volterra™ electric pumper. The vehicle is the first of its kind in North Carolina, featuring a dual power system that can run fully electric, with a diesel backup for calls that require extended efforts or in the case of a power outage.

When the fire department first started looking at EV options, Town of Cary Assistant Fire Chief Parker said they wanted something reliable. The Pierce Volterra is exactly that, and is able to function either fully electric or fully diesel, allowing response times to remain unchanged in various conditions. Since putting the vehicle into operation in June 2025, Chief Parker says there has not been a time where they’ve had to use the diesel backup on a call.

Station 9 is home to the new pumper, where a 150 kilowatt DC fast charger has been installed to maintain the vehicle’s charge. As Station 9 is Cary’s newest fire station, installing the charger did not require as many electrical upgrades as an older station would. The retrofits to the station were minimal, as they already had transformers with available high power.

The pumper is hooked up to the charger each time it returns from a call, ensuring the battery is always fully charged. Chief Parker says this does not add significant time to their operations, as a lot of other equipment on the truck requires charging each time it returns to the station. The charger is mounted from the ceiling, with the cord hanging in line next to their other charging equipment. One of the benefits to having a vehicle without exhaust, is that it does not need to be hooked up to the station’s garage exhaust ventilation system. This system prevents vehicle exhaust from accumulating in the station while the truck is in the bay. Chief Parker noted that there are typically constant issues with these systems in normal operations, so being able to eliminate that risk is a large benefit.

In terms of performance, Chief Parker says they have instant power when accelerating, which is a nice change from the usual turbo lag that they experience in fully diesel trucks. He says it’s very important to get up to speed quickly from an intersection, which is something the new pumper is very capable of. As the Pierce Volterra is relatively new to Station 9, they don’t yet have specific data on the usable electric range of the vehicle. However, Chief Parker says that within its first two weeks of use, the truck was able to respond to an actual dwelling fire, during which several lines were flowed over a three-hour period. In a separate instance, the truck filled in at another station and performed normally during five or six calls throughout the day. When asked if there were any call types or coverage areas where the truck is intentionally not dispatched, Chief Parker says no, and that whichever truck is closest is called to respond, electric or not.

There have been no operational constraints when running multiple high-demand power loads simultaneously when responding to a fire, and the battery box in the truck is able to heat and cool itself to maintain 70° F at all times.

Chief Parker says the truck is very similar to how conventional trucks are operated. The main difference is there are two extra buttons in the cab, where an operator can switch to either diesel mode or electric mode. The mode can be switched very easily, even while the truck is moving on the highway. Chief Parker also says, “The truck is very smart, when it senses low battery, it will switch over to diesel on its own. If you’re inside and you can’t see, you will never know that it went to EV to diesel, or back and forth.” Another difference is that the cab is slightly smaller than conventional trucks due to the size of the battery box. Chief Parker says if they had to design it again, they’d raise the roof to give the firefighters more room, however their guiding principle was to prioritize performance.

Preventative maintenance for the new truck is relatively the same by design. There are a few additional coolant checks but otherwise the safety checks are exactly the same as a fully diesel truck. Chief Parker describes the truck as a “big toolbox”, so they make sure they check the equipment and inventory it every day.

He says they have had no more issues with the electric truck than what they’d have with a conventional truck. When they have experienced an issue, the manufacturer has been able to fly technicians in to repair it. Chief Parker says that they wanted to lead this initiative, recognizing that there would be a learning curve along the way.

Additional training was required for all of the drivers at the Cary Fire Department to ensure everyone felt comfortable operating the truck. “It’s a cultural change; they have to rely on and believe in the equipment to save someone’s life.” The manufacturer, Pierce, and the dealer, Atlantic Emergency Solutions, were present to teach the class and addressed the skills needed to work in high voltage areas. Atlantic Emergency Solutions also had their mechanics attend the training so that they could learn to service the new truck. The state also requires the department to train with mutual aid partners, and Station 9 often covers topics related to the electric pumper.

Chief Parker says the decision to purchase the new truck was “a calculated, intentional, environmental gain for the town.” He says the fire department is always looking for new vehicles because they age out after a certain amount of time. The Town of Cary has a long-standing relationship with Pierce, and when the opportunity came for Station 9 to acquire an electric pumper, they were excited to get the ball rolling.

For those interested in learning more and seeing the truck in person, Chief Parker invites everyone to visit. “We open our doors for people to come see what we’re doing. Come in, check it out, and ask questions. We’re very transparent.”

By: Dawn Haworth, Public Communications Specialist

The Sustainable Fleet Technology (SFT) Conference & Expo is approaching its 10th year as the pivotal event where leading fleets and technology providers convene to drive innovative transportation solutions.

From August 25 to 27, 2026, the SFT Expo will return to the Durham Convention Center in Durham, North Carolina, bringing various indoor and outdoor equipment displays to the “Bull City”.

Professionals across the southeast are attracted to the SFT Expo due to its high-value networking opportunities. The conference audience includes public and private fleet managers, purchasing officials, state government leaders, municipal government officials, non-profit stakeholders, clean cities coalitions, alternative fuel trade organizations, sustainability managers, and university researchers. The scale of the conference allows individuals to enjoy focused, productive conversations that translate directly into new relationships and real business opportunities.

City of Charlotte Fleet Manager Chris Davis says, “I’ve attended the Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference since its inception, and it serves as a cornerstone for networking and learning. Year after year, this conference has given me actionable insights that have influenced my approach to sustainability, enabling me to turn ideas into real-world applications that benefit my entire community.”

In past years, the Expo Hall has sold out with numerous transportation organizations eager for the opportunity to connect with potential customers, fleet decision makers, and academic leaders.

In addition to the bustling Expo Hall, the conference includes educational breakout sessions where attendees can learn best practices for increasing cost-effective fleet efficiency and resiliency. Conference tracks typically focus on policy, funding, advanced vehicle technologies, and heavy-duty infrastructure.

The 2026 SFT Expo will feature twelve breakout sessions across three tracks. The Clean Transportation team at the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), is currently developing each conference session and track. Those interested in contributing to the development are welcome to submit session ideas, abstracts, and speaker information through the conference website.

Dynamic levels of sponsorship opportunities are available to organizations looking for a way to establish their brand as a leader in fleet technology or sustainable transportation practices. Each sponsorship includes an 8’ x 10’ exhibit booth space, up to three indoor vehicle displays, recognition in conference materials and complimentary registrations, along with other benefits.

The Sponsor and Exhibitor prospectus will be available on the SFT Expo website soon!

Sign up for updates about the 2026 SFT Conference & Expo to ensure you don’t miss announcements related to registration, conference tracks and sessions, keynote speakers, networking events, and more.

NCCETC looks forward to hosting the 10th annual event and creating new partnerships while connecting with existing professionals in the clean transportation industry.

By: Dawn Haworth, Public Communications Specialist

Each year, the Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo brings together leading fleets and technology providers to showcase the latest and greatest transportation technologies, fuels and trends. The Clean Transportation program at the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) organizes this event and plans throughout the year to bring expert speakers together with industry professionals.

This year, the event took place August 25-27, 2025, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The three-day event kicked off with a Sustainable Fleet Management Bootcamp & Certificate Program held by NAFA Fleet Management Association.

Pictured above: Rick Sapienza, Dean and Transportation Technologies Director for the Hendrick Center for Auto Excellence at Wake Technical Community College, teaches the NAFA Sustainable Fleet Management Program.

In the afternoon, a Local Elected Leaders Roundtable was held, featuring the Mayor of Winston-Salem, the Mayor of Durham, and council members from across the state.

Pictured above: Greensboro Council Member District 4 Nancy Hoffmann (left) and Mayor J. Allen Joines (right) take a question from the audience during the roundtable.

At the same time, a Ride & Drive event was held across the street from the Convention Center at the 6th and Cherry St. Parking Garage. Conference attendees enjoyed chatting with each other about the alternative fuel vehicles on display, and some chose to take them for a short test drive through downtown Winston-Salem.

Following the Ride & Drive event, participants gathered in the main ballroom to attend the opening keynote address, “Best Practices from Leading Green Fleets.” The panel speakers included Tim Coxwell (Leon County, Fl), Jim Hineson (Port Authority of NY & NJ), and Keith Kerman (New York City DCAS), moderated by Rhea Coutney Bozic (Clean Fuels Consulting).

Pictured above: “Best Practices from Leading Green Fleets” Opening Keynote Panel.

After attendees heard about the best practices from past NAFA Green Fleet award winners, the Green Fleet Awards Ceremony was held, announcing the new Green Fleet winners. Following the ceremony, everyone headed downstairs to the Expo Hall for a reception, which closed out the first day of the conference.

Pictured above: Conference attendees network at the Green Fleet Awards Reception.

Day two kicked off with a morning keynote address during breakfast. City of Raleigh Fleet Operations Manager Rick Longobart and Ron Turley Associates Director of Fleet Consulting Steve Saltzgiver gave a dynamic keynote on “The Pillars of Fleet Success.”

Pictured above: Rick Longobart (left) and Steve Saltzgiver (right).

Attendees then had a chance to explore the Expo Hall, which featured numerous exhibitors and several indoor vehicles on display.

Pictured above: Attendees network with exhibitors during the morning Expo Hall break.

Pictured above: Indoor vehicle displays in the Expo Hall.

The first breakout session of the conference began after the dedicated Expo Hall break. Attendees had three tracks to choose from throughout the conference: Planning, Policy, and Funding; Advanced Vehicle Technologies; and Medium & Heavy-Duty Vehicles & Infrastructure.

The Planning, Policy, and Funding track included the following breakout sessions:

• Funding and Finance: It All Starts with $
• Right-sizing Your Fleet: Balancing Efficiency, Sustainability, and Performance
• Forecasting for Fleet: Predictive Analytics
• Local Government Readiness for Electric Vehicles

 

The breakout sessions in the Advanced Vehicle Technologies track included:

• Telematics
• Cybersecurity: Concerns for Fleet Managers
• Battery Technologies
• First Responder Vehicle Options

 

The Medium & Heavy-Duty Vehicles & Infrastructure track sessions included:

• Hydrogen as a Transportation Fuel
• Renewable Fuels in Fleet Transportation
• Electric Vehicle Charging Maintenance for Fleets
• Keeping the Power On: Distributed Energy Resources for Fleets

 

Pictured above: Individuals attend the breakout session, “Funding and Finance: It All Starts with $.”

After the first breakout session, a buffet lunch was served, followed by a Luncheon Keynote by Boris Kort-Packard, Chief Engineer for Global Vehicles at FedEx.

Pictured above: Boris Kort-Packard gives a luncheon keynote address.

Attendees then returned to breakout rooms of their choice to participate in the second session.

Pictured above: Individuals attend breakout sessions of their choice after lunch.

Before heading to the third breakout session of the day, another Expo Hall break was held.

Pictured above: Participants enjoy the indoor vehicles on display inside the Expo Hall.

The end of day two concluded with the third breakout session, followed by an evening reception in the Expo Hall. Attendees then walked to ROAR Arcade in downtown Winston-Salem for a networking event. Individuals enjoyed the chance to bowl with each other and decompress from a long day of learning, networking, and exhibiting.

Pictured above: Breakout sessions, evening reception, and networking event at ROAR Arcade.

The final day of the conference began with table topic discussions during breakfast, giving attendees an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with subject matter experts in an informal setting.

Pictured above: Individuals participate in table topic discussions during breakfast.

Attendees then returned to the Expo Hall for more networking, prior to participating in the fourth and final breakout session of the conference.

Pictured above: Individuals network among indoor vehicle displays.

Pictured above: “Keeping the Power On: Distributed Energy Resources for Fleets” breakout session.

After the final breakout session, lunch was served and the final keynote address “What Does the Future Hold?” commenced. NCCETC Executive Director Steve Kalland introduced the keynote panel which featured Jed Routh (Kempower), Jennifer Weaver (Clean Fuels Alliance America), Monte McLeod (Sharp Energy), and moderator Dr. Chris Frey (NC State University).

Pictured above: “What Does the Future Hold?” keynote panel (left) and Steve Kalland (right).

This year, NCCETC organized a raffle to reward those who spent dedicated time networking in the Expo Hall. Those who visited a certain number of exhibit booths were eligible to enter the raffle, which offered the chance to win prizes including an iPad, a Roku TV, and more.

Pictured above: Steve Kalland and Heather Brutz announce raffle winners.

The final conference activity was an Alternative Fuel Resiliency Summit, a roundtable discussion of the ways that fleets can increase the resilience of their operations in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. This discussion was moderated by Ian Bailie (Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition) and featured speakers Alan Watts (Renewable Design Associates), Alex Kolpakov (Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition), and Eric Richardson (Windels, Marx, Lane & Mittendorf).

Pictured above: Alternative Fuel Resiliency Summit panel.

Overall, the ninth annual Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo successfully provided on-the-ground experiences for attendees to learn more about increasing fleet efficiency and resiliency, while also allowing time for individuals to connect with peers and experts.

A new conference website will be launching for the 2026 conference! Subscribe to NCCETC’s Clean Transportation newsletter to receive updates or keep an eye out for more information on our website.

By: Paige Starnes, Clean Transportation Intern

Image source: City of Raleigh

On October 15, 2025, the City of Raleigh celebrated the opening of its new Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility at the Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility (NRRRF), a major step toward powering city operations with clean, locally produced energy.

Every day, the NRRRF generates roughly 50 million gallons of wastewater. This waste is a risk to the environment when improperly managed, contaminating surface and ground water, leaching into soils, and even infecting drinking water. In the past, methane generated in this process would have been released into the atmosphere. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere more efficiently than carbon dioxide. In twenty years, methane will absorb 86 times more heat than carbon dioxide. By using organic waste to produce biogas, the methane is reduced through the anaerobic process, displacing fossil fuels, and further reducing emissions. Now with this new facility, the methane is captured and converted into renewable natural gas. The resulting fuel is powerful enough to run more than 70 GoRaleigh buses, turning waste into a resource that helps move residents across the city sustainably.

RNG is a clean alternative to conventional natural gas and can be used in natural gas vehicles. It is created when organic material, such as food waste, livestock residues, or wastewater solids, break down to produce biogas. The gas product of this decomposition is then processed to purity standards. It can be used just like compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquified natural gas (LNG) to fuel transportation services. RNG capture, cleanup, and use in transportation is even more beneficial than CNG as a replacement for diesel fuel. RNG’s decarbonization leads to a net reduction in methane emissions, displacing fossil fuel use.

The new RNG process also helps the city with biosolid management. It reduces the city’s biosolids output by half and creates a soil conditioner. The Bioenergy Recovery Project manages the waste byproducts, or biosolids, and offers a new way to manage them. Whit Wheeler, Raleigh’s Water Director, says, “This project proves that we don’t have to choose between protecting our planet and operating efficiently.”  It also allows Raleigh to get closer to their 80% greenhouse gas reduction goal by 2050.

Image Source: City of Raleigh

At the ribbon-cutting event, Steve Kalland, Director of the NC Clean Energy Technology Center said, “Raleigh’s dedication to sustainability and clean transportation serves as an inspiring example for other cities to follow. As part of our technical assistance programs, we at the Center look forward to helping other communities explore opportunities to pursue similar options in their own communities.” With notable cities like Raleigh leading the way, RNG is proving to be a viable solution for both waste management and climate action.

By: Dawn Haworth, Public Communications Specialist

Each year, the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) celebrates National Drive Electric Month (NDEM) with events to showcase the opportunities alternative fuel vehicles provide. This year, NDEM took place September 12 through October 12, with 196 events organized across the country.

NCCETC hosted three alternative fuel vehicle showcases in North Carolina on September 11, October 4, and October 6.

The September 11 event was held at Wake Forest University’s Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, ahead of the North Carolina State University vs. Wake Forest University football game. This electric vehicle (EV) display & tailgate event featured three red, white, and blue Ford F-150 Lightnings, two Mustang Mach-Es, a Mercedes EQB 300, and four Tesla Models including a CyberTruck.

Catawba College participated in the showcase and got into the tailgate spirit by grilling in the back of their EVs. The college also brought a solar powered battery pack to help power their operations. This event was an excellent way to show the unique ways EVs can apply in various situations.

The next alternative vehicle showcase NCCETC held was another football tailgate on October 4, at NC State’s Carter-Finley Stadium. This event took place right before the NC State vs. Campbell University football game.

The showcase was positioned along the route to the football game, leading to increased foot traffic and interest from passersby. Vehicles featured included a Mini Cooper S Electric, Chevrolet Blazer, Mustang Mach E GT, Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ, Ford F-150 Lighting, Organic Transit ELF, Rivian R1T Launch Edition, Hyundai Ioniq 9, BMW i3, Mercedes EQB 300, Genesis GV60, and several Tesla models.

The Organic Transit ELF is a solar-powered electric-assist tricycle that was a hit and drew attention from people of all ages.

The bright orange Tesla Roadster (the first Tesla model produced) also garnered lots of attention, with tailgate goers stopping by to take photos of the vehicle, sit behind the wheel, and admire its design.

The BMW i3 functioned as a cooler on this hot day, providing many with cold waters and sodas on their way to the game.

As part of NC State’s College of Engineering, NCCETC always looks forward to hosting this event to connect with fellow members of the Wolfpack.

The final showcase held by NCCETC took place October 6 at NC State’s Centennial Campus. This event saw a lot of turnout from first year engineering students, along with other students and professionals who were passing by and stopped to observe the display.

The static vehicles on display included a Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet Bolt, Mustang Mach E GT, Volkswagen ID 4, Ford F-150 Lighting, and several Tesla models.

This event was also a “Ride & Drive”, where individuals with valid driver’s licenses had the opportunity to test drive select EVs. The Ride & Drive vehicles included SPIN scooters and bicycles, Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ, F-150 Ford Lighting, Ford Mustang Mach E, Tesla Model Y, Model 3, and a CyberTruck. The CyberTruck had the most interest by far, with students lining up for the chance to ride in one.

This showcase was a great way to capture the attention of young adults who may be looking to purchase a vehicle in the coming years. By offering an opportunity for students to learn about these alternative fuel vehicles first-hand, many walked away with a new perspective on how these vehicles could fit into their everyday lives.

NCCETC is excited to start planning for next year’s National Drive Electric Month, while continuing to promote electric vehicle awareness throughout the year.

To learn more about EVs and find out about upcoming events, visit learnaboutevs.org.

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to surge, the demand for accessible, reliable charging infrastructure grows in parallel. But for many, especially small fleet operators and residents of multi-family housing (MFH), getting chargers connected to the electric grid can be a needlessly complex process.

To help both utilities and customers navigate this critical part of the EV transition, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) recently released two reports that dive into the barriers and offer actionable solutions to streamline charger service connections.

Insights You’ll Find in the Reports:

• Unique Challenges for Small Fleets & Multi-Family Housing

Disadvantaged communities, in particular, face significant hurdles when it comes to charging access. Smaller fleets and MFH properties often lack the resources or expertise to navigate interconnection processes effectively.

• Customer-identified Best Practices for a Smoother Connection Experience

Real-world input from customers reveals practical strategies for a smoother connection experience—from early engagement with utilities to understanding permitting timelines and technical requirements.

• Utility Innovations to Simplify Interconnections

Utilities are stepping up with new tools and streamlined processes designed to accelerate charger deployment. From digital platforms to improved coordination across departments, these innovations aim to reduce delays and costs.

• The Importance of an “Informational Phase” for Early Planning and Funding

Introducing an early planning phase—where customers, developers, and utilities align on goals, funding options, and timelines—can prevent missteps and improve outcomes down the line.

• Strategies to Ensure No Customer is Left Behind in the Transition to Electric Transportation

Equity remains a central focus. The reports outline strategies to make sure that all communities, regardless of income or housing type, benefit from the EV transition.

As the U.S. gears up for widespread electrification of transportation, the need for efficient, inclusive, and scalable charging infrastructure has never been greater. EPRI’s work offers a roadmap for stakeholders across the industry to build smarter, faster, and more equitable interconnection pathways.

Director of the Piedmont and Coastal North Carolina Clean Communities, Alrik Lunsford, says, “Streamlining Utility Service Connections for Customer Engagement and Small Fleet and Multi-Family Housing Electric Vehicle Charging (CIISR) is and will continue being integral for the roadmap development in the transition of fleet electrification implementation and general public adoption across multiple intersectional boundaries that will benefit rural communities in North Carolina. The Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities look forward to being a continued partner with this endeavor.”

For more information, check out the full reports on EPRI’s website:

Report 1: Simplifying Utility Service Connections for Small Fleet and Multi-Family Housing Electric Vehicle Charging

Report 2: A Grid Connection Roadmap for Utilities to Support Small Electric Vehicle (EV) Customers

By: Dawn Haworth, Public Communications Specialist

Each year, the NC Clean Energy Technology Center’s (NCCETC) Clean Transportation program organizes a Clean Transportation Demonstration Day. This event is catered specifically to government employees, utilities, and military fleet decision-makers who work with alternative fuel vehicles and sustainable fleet technologies. These technologies include idle reduction, off-site charging, mobile charging, and more.

This year’s Demonstration Day took place on May 21, 2025, at the Piedmont Dragway, located in Julian, North Carolina. The following companies and organizations were in attendance:

• Ascendum Machinery
• Brigade Electronics, Inc
• Town of Cary
• Chatham County
• City of Charlotte
• City of Durham
• City of Greensboro
• City of Raleigh
• City of Winston-Salem
• Club Car LLC
• Davidson County
• eBike Central
• Fayat Cleantech Americas
• Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection
• GoTriangle
• Government Finance Officers Association
• Immixt Renewable Fuels
• Kempower
• NC Department of Environmental Quality
• Piedmont Natural Gas
• Subaru of America
• Triangle Clean Cities
• U.S. Energy

Pictured: (Top row, left to right) Heather Brutz, Adam Shearin, John Bonitz. (Bottom row, left to right) Alrik Lunsford, Jesse Duran.

The event kicked off with presentations by Clean Transportation program staff, along with Triangle Clean Cities Director Jesse Duran and Kempower Sales Manager Adam Shearin. Clean Transportation Program Director Heather Brutz gave an overview of NCCETC, followed by remarks from Senior Clean Transportation Specialist Alrik Lunsford, who directs the Piedmont and Coastal NC Clean Communities Coalition. Lunsford recognized Coalition stakeholders and gave more information about the Coalition’s initiatives and upcoming events. Jesse Duran then spoke about the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition, and Adam Shearin shared information about Kempower’s products and services. Clean Transportation Specialist John Bonitz concluded the presentation portion with a Road Course Safety Briefing to ensure attendees were aware of the ride and drive routes and what to do in the event of an emergency.

Pictured: Attendees get ready to test drive a Subaru Solterra (left), and Tesla Model Y (right and bottom).

Attendees were then free to check out the many alternative fuel vehicles on display, and had the opportunity to ride in or drive select vehicles. The ride and drive course route took exhibitors and attendees on the dragstrip to test out the high speeds and other capabilities that alternative fuel vehicles have to offer.

Pictured: eBike Central display.

eBike Central had several electric cargo bikes for carrying packages or people for display and that were available for test rides. These electric bicycles did not travel to the dragstrip, but attendees enjoyed riding them in open parking lot space near the other vehicles on display.

Pictured: Senior Project Manager Shelly Parker ready to network with attendees.

Pictured: Top row: Piedmont Natural Gas display (left), Voltstack Battery Electric Generator (right). Bottom: Propane-fueled Ford E450 and fire truck with APU.

There was an array of medium- and heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicles on display. The City of Durham brought a fire truck with an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), which powers electrical, heating, and air-conditioning while the vehicle is stationary, reducing idling and emissions. Davidson County Government displayed a 2024 Ford E450, which is fueled by gasoline and propane. Ascendum Machinery also displayed a Voltstack Battery Electric Generator that can provide Level 2 charging or meet other energy needs.

Pictured: Ascendum simulator trailer.

Ascendum’s battery electric generator powered their 30ft simulator trailer that attendees could use to simulate driving their heavy loader equipment.  Also on display was a Leeboy eNV55, an electric broom.

Pictured (left to right): 2025 Ravo R5E Street Sweeper, Leeboy eNV55 electric broom.

Pictured: Top: Kempower Tesla Model Y (left), City of Winston-Salem Tesla Model 3 (right). Bottom: Triangle Clean Cities display (left), Piedmont Natural Gas display (right).

Pictured: Brigade 2021 Ford Explorer with 360 video tech display.

Pictured: U.S. Energy’s off-grid Volt Vault DC Fast Charging System, fueled by natural gas.

Pictured: Club Car vehicle ready to be taken on a test drive.

Pictured: City of Durham and Piedmont Natural Gas display vehicles.

NCCETC enjoys hosting this event each year to strengthen relationships with local governments, utilities, and fleet decision-makers. The Clean Transportation program looks forward to reconnecting with these attendees and organizations at the 2025 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo, taking place August 25-27, 2025, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC – the early bird deadline is July 11!

By: Dawn Haworth, Public Communications Specialist

Each year, Earth Month provides an opportunity for organizations to highlight sustainability and promote environmental stewardship in their communities throughout the month of April. In North Carolina, several alternative fuel vehicle displays were held to spread awareness of the benefits that clean transportation technologies have to offer.

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) partnered with several organizations to support their Earth Month events, in addition to hosting a Ride & Drive and vehicle display at NC State University’s Centennial Campus.

The first event of the month took place in Fayetteville, North Carolina on April 12, 2025, and was held by Sustainable Sandhills – a non-profit organization that serves nine counties in North Carolina’s Sandhills region. The Earth Day is Every Day Festival is held annually and raises awareness about environment, economic, and social resources. NCCETC Clean Transportation Project Manager, Shelly Parker, attended this event as an exhibitor and shared resources about what the Center offers. The festival included a Drive Electric Car Show that allowed the public to learn more about electric vehicles (EVs) and see them in action.

On April 15, 2025, NCCETC held an Alternative Fuel Vehicle Display and Ride & Drive at The Corner on Centennial Campus. Volunteer vehicle-owners displayed 12 alternative fuel vehicles, two of which were available to the public to test drive.

Attendees had the opportunity to talk with the vehicle owners to learn more about their experience with alternative fuel vehicles and various transportation technologies.

Pictured: Clean Transportation Program Manager, Heather Brutz, discusses the VW ID BUZZ with vehicle owners.

Pictured: VW ID4 on display.

Pictured: Attendees get an up-close look at the Ford F-150 Lightning.

Pictured: Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQB, and Chevy Bolt on display.

NCCETC enjoys hosting this event annually during Earth Month, and looks forward to organizing additional displays throughout the year.

The next Earth Month event, the Piedmont Earth Day Fair, took place on April 26, 2025, in Winston-Salem, NC. The Piedmont Environmental Alliance organized this community event, and NCCETC was present to support the electric vehicle display. Clean Transportation Program Director, Heather Brutz, attended this event and shared information about the Center’s commitment to sustainable transportation.

East Carolina University (ECU) also hosted an event on April 26, 2025, the 40th Annual Pigskin Pig-Out Party. The “Pig-Out Your Ride Car Show” displayed many alternative fuel vehicles.

Clean Transportation Specialist, Alrik Lunsford, attended the ECU event and connected with attendees and vehicle owners to discuss innovative clean transportation options.

On April 27, 2025, the City of Durham held the Durham Earth Day Festival. This year’s theme was “Our Power, Our Planet”, which highlighted the potential that individuals, communities, businesses, and governments have to drive positive environmental change. Triangle Clean Cities hosted a ride & drive at the festival, which showcased GoDurham’s new electric bus, electric bikes, and more.

These Earth Month events contribute toward the widespread adoption of alternative fuel vehicles through education, outreach, and hands-on experiences like ride & drives. To learn more about clean transportation events that are open to the public, visit learnaboutevs.org. NCCETC holds many alternative fuel vehicle displays and ride & drives year-round, sign-up for the Clean Transportation Newsletter to stay in the loop about upcoming events and initiatives.

By: Dawn Haworth, Public Communications Specialist

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) has launched a new website to promote widespread knowledge about alternative fuel vehicles, LearnAboutEVs.org. In collaboration with the North Carolina Outdoor Advertising Association, digital highway billboards attracting visitors to the website will run throughout March and April.

Photo courtesy of NCOAA.

Currently, the website displays a list of educational electric vehicle (EV) events that take place across North Carolina. These events are open to the public and are aimed at increasing the accessibility of alternative fuel vehicles. Attendees may have the opportunity to drive, ride in, or observe innovative vehicles. Be sure to check out the events section to find events near you!

Additions will be made to the website in the near future. A list of resources will be available for visitors to learn more about EVs. Organizations that provide education about EVs will be highlighted, along with a resource that displays EVs available for purchase. Simple descriptions about how different charging levels work will be provided for Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging types.

Heather Brutz, Clean Transportation Program Manager at NCCETC, says, “We hope that this website is a useful resource for people who are interested in learning more about electric vehicles and who want to learn about upcoming events in North Carolina where they can talk to owners of electric vehicles and possibly test drive one.”

An email newsletter sign-up is available on the website for those interested in staying informed about NCCETC news and the energy industry. Subscribers will be provided with up-to-date information on policy, clean energy, alternative fuels, training courses, conferences, and outreach opportunities.

Visit LearnAboutEVs.org to learn more and subscribe to the newsletter. Don’t forget to check back in the coming months when more resources are released!