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Discovering Idle Reduction Technologies at the Altec Manufacturing Facility

By: Alrik Lunsford, Clean Transportation Specialist

On Friday, March 21, 2025, Altec hosted a manufacturing tour at their Creedmoor facility in Granville County, North Carolina. The purpose of the tour was for attendees to learn about the idle reduction equipment and technologies that Altec manufactures for work crews that provides cleaner, quieter, and safer job sites.  Their idle reduction technologies reduce engine hours, fuel consumption, emissions, and vehicle maintenance.  

Altec employs roughly 450 people.  Some job opportunities include production, equipment service, sales, information services engineering. More specifically, these involve Final Assembly, Mechanic Welding, Machine Operators and Paint Line Loaders. Presently, there are seven assembly lines and Altec is working on adding another line, bringing the total to eight. Each assembly line has six stages.  

One key product assembled here are aerial devices such as lifts, used as hydraulic systems that extend a telescopic arm to help workers stand and perform tasks such as utility work, telecommunications, tree care and construction. Another product made at this facility are Digger Derricks, used to dig holes for utility work. A tertiary product are their Knuckle Boom Cranes that allow for the lifting and placement of loads for precision and flexibility, specifically for reaching into tight spaces and work areas.

Roughly, twenty attendees from Granville County were present for this event. They included Granville County Commissioners and Councilwomen, Town Mayors, representatives from the Granville County Planning Department and Economic Development offices, NC Works Business Services, and Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments, who coordinated the facilitation in the planning and logistics of the tour.

This was the first in person event of 2025 for the Piedmont and Coastal North Carolina Clean Communities coalition, who received full designation Clean Cities and Communities status from the U.S. Department of Energy earlier the same week on Tuesday, March 18. Overall, the mission of Clean Cities and Communities is to advance the nation’s environment, energy security, and economic prosperity through collaboration with communities that build partnerships with public and private stakeholders to create equitable deployment of clean transportation solutions for all.

In addition to Granville County, Piedmont and Coastal North Carolina Clean Communities and the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, its host site, provides services to fifty-six other counties throughout central and eastern North Carolina.  These services include providing education and technical assistance to local and regional governments, businesses, agencies, community members, and other stakeholders and parties interested in supporting the broader mission of clean transportation and environmental sustainability. To receive updates and remain informed about upcoming events, visit www.fuelwhatmatters.org.

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New “Learn About EVs” Website is Live

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!

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Fuel the Future at the 2025 State Energy Conference of North Carolina

The State Energy Conference of North Carolina returns to the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC, this year from April 29-30, 2025. Over 800 professionals attend the event each year to gain insight into the business of energy, technical innovation, diverse resources, and industry opportunities that drive the energy economy in North Carolina.

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) leads the event with the help of many organizations from the clean energy space, ensuring a holistic approach to conference sessions and offerings. This year, the conference boasts 36 different sessions across six tracks, with each session curated to address the most innovative and pressing aspects of the energy industry.

Clean Transportation Project Manager at NCCETC, John Bonitz, is co-managing the Clean Transportation track with Kate Bashford, Project Manager at Appalachian State University’s Energy Center, to create three engaging and informative sessions. These sessions dive into the future of transportation within the state, the impact of policies and infrastructure on electrification, and durable transportation options. Bonitz says, “The unstoppable improvements in the economics of electric transportation make this track necessary: By hearing from young people, exploring new tech and policies, and studying the ways EVs and alt-fuels have improved resiliency, we trust that these sessions will help us all keep up with the speedy pace of developments in cleaner transportation.”

The first session in the Clean Transportation track is titled “Zoomers on the Move: Gen Z on Transportation Now and in the Future”, and will take place on Tuesday, April 29, from 4:25 p.m. to 5:10 p.m. This session will feature a panel of young people from different backgrounds who are engaged in clean energy and transportation. Panelists will discuss their experiences and insights into the educational system that prepared them for an impactful career and what challenges or opportunities they encountered. They will also outline their vision for a transportation system at the state or national level. Currently, the planning team has invited several speakers and confirmed two: Audrey Compiano, graduate student in transportation planning at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Tochukwu Aniekwensi, engineering student at North Carolina State University.

The next day of the conference holds the remaining two Clean Transportation sessions. “How Better Policy, Smarter Charging, and Resilient Infrastructure Are Driving Transportation Electrification” will take place on April 30, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This panel discussion will explore how managed charging strategies, innovative equipment, and smart policies are driving the future of clean transportation. A cutting-edge telematics-based charging pilot will be highlighted along with new electric transport refrigeration projects (eTRUs). NCDOT will give an update on their DC Fast charger deployments, and a micro-grid-enabled fleet charging hub will also be discussed. The policy support initiative, Charging Smart, will be presented, which is a program that assists local governments in improving their codes and ordinances for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. John Bonitz will moderate speakers, including Nikki Hensley Lynberg (Innovation and Business Development Analyst at North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives), Heather Hildebrandt (Statewide Initiatives Group Supervisor for NCDOT), and Brian Lips (Senior Project Manager for Policy at NCCETC). Additional speakers will be added prior to the conference.

The final Clean Transportation session will be held at the end of the conference on April 30, 2025, from 1:30pm to 3:00pm, and is titled “Durable Transportation Options in Times of Emergency and Normalcy”. Both the theoretical possibilities and real world practices of hybrid and electric powered vehicles will be discussed, including how other types of traditional and alternative fuels helped provide power to individuals in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Speakers will also look at how specific regulations and technologies can either help or hinder the use of EVs for emergency power backup, mobility or other applications. The confirmed speakers for this session are Sara Nichols, Energy and Economic Development Program Manager at Land of Sky Regional Council, and Skye Golan, Policy Manager at the Electrification Coalition. The speakers will be moderated by Kate Bashford.

For more information about the conference or to look into Sponsor and Exhibitor opportunities, visit ncenergyconference.com. Early bird registration prices are available until March 21, 2025.

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Funding Futures: Analyzing the Impact of the CFAT Grant

By: Paige Starnes, Clean Transportation Intern

Introduction

The Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) grant, supported by funding through the NC Department of Transportation (DOT), has funded projects since 2006. Managed by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), this grant helps support clean transportation projects across eligible counties in North Carolina. These awards have gone to a variety of organizations, and many technologies were funded, reducing vehicle emissions and promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure. This analysis looks at projects funded between 2006 and 2019.

What is behind the CFAT projects?

Since 2006, the CFAT grant has funded over 120 projects and awarded more than $9.6 million across 24 NC counties. A variety of organizations have been awarded funding for their clean transportation projects, including:

– Local Governments

– Utilities

– Freight

– Institutions

– Manufacturers

– First Responders

– Small Businesses

– Other (organizations that didn’t fit into the above categories)

The eligible technologies that have been given funding include:

– Idle Reduction

– Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles

– Liquefied Propane Gas (LPG) vehicles

– Electric Vehicles (EVs)

– EV Charging Stations (EVSE)

– Telematics: technology for vehicle tracking and data analysis.  (After 2015 telematics projects did not pass the criteria to be funded.)

– Biodiesel

– Other (projects that didn’t easily fit into these categories)

The initial estimate for emission reductions caused by these technologies was divided into carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). Other variables analyzed were the number of technologies per award, cost-effectiveness, and the project description. 

Considerations

– How has the CFAT funding been spread out over the years? Which technology got the most attention?

– Which types of organizations have been applying for these funds?

– How much of an impact has this had on reducing emissions like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM)?

– Are certain types of technologies more cost-effective than others in terms of emissions reduction?

– What are the long-term benefits, like job creation and improved public health?

Process

To begin the project, a timeline was created using Excel. This detailed timeline allowed for organized data while providing an overview.  Charts, tables, and graphs were relied on to easily display the trends in the data. For further analysis, scientific sources were utilized.

Findings

From the analysis, here are the main findings shown in images, charts, and tables:

Image 1. How has the distribution of the number of awards varied per county?

Image 2. The most common technology type funded per county based on the amount awarded per technology.

Chart 1. The type of organization CFAT awards were issued to every year. *Other refers to organizations that did not easily fit into the given categories

Chart 2. The type of technology CFAT awards were issued to every year.  *Other refers to diesel filters, diesel retrofits, and other various technologies

As you can see from the two graphs above, we experienced a gap of funding in 2009.

Chart 3. Distribution of technologies awarded from the CFAT grant. *Other refers to diesel filters, diesel retrofits, and other various technologies

Table 1. Total initial estimated emission reductions per category.

Table 2. Average cost efficiency per technology type. ($/kg) *Other refers to diesel filters, diesel retrofits, and other various technologies

Key Takeaways

  • Where is the funding going?

Counties like Wake and Mecklenburg, with high populations, received the most awards. This trend reflects the availability of resources in these areas to apply for and implement CFAT-funded projects. Local governments were the most frequent grant recipients, likely due to their ability to manage large projects. The most-funded technologies included idle reduction systems and EV-related infrastructure, showing that NC is focusing on reducing fuel waste and increasing EV adoption.

  • Emission Reductions

In total, the initial estimated reductions from CFAT projects were over half a million kilograms of pollutants per year. The largest reductions were in nitrogen oxides (NOx), with over 273,000 kg/year. Particulate matter (PM) saw the smallest reduction at just over 6,500 kg/year.

  • Improving Fuel Efficiency

Idle reduction systems turned out to be the most cost-effective in terms of emissions reduction, and electric vehicle charging stations (EVSE) are playing a big role in making EVs more accessible. By reducing idling and fuel consumption, idle reduction systems cut maintenance costs and boosted efficiency. Alternative fuels, such as CNG, LPG, or battery power, also offer tremendous cost savings. There are tax credits, reimbursements, and grants to encourage fleet managers to invest in alternative fuels.

  • Job Creation and Industry Growth

Clean technologies don’t just help the environment, but also the economy. EV adoption has spurred job creation in manufacturing and infrastructure, while biodiesel and CNG adoption have strengthened domestic energy markets. These technologies have a broad impact on the US economy due to their diversification of the nation’s fuels, reducing the need for foreign oil. Reducing idling and fuel consumption is saving fleet operators money, benefiting everyone.

  • Health Benefits

By reducing emissions, CFAT projects are improving air quality, especially in communities that need it most. These areas are disproportionately affected by the harmful effects of climate change and are more likely to experience side effects. For example, Edgecombe County, which has the highest poverty rate in the state, received funding for 25 bi-fuel propane upfits in 2019. This project helps reduce the harmful air pollutants in an area that really needs cleaner air.

What’s Next?

Increasing CFAT funding through Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds would build on the many achievements of the CFAT grant. More resources would allow for expanded projects, ensuring clean transportation technologies become standard across North Carolina.

The CFAT grant has reduced emissions, fostered economic growth, and improved public health. It provides a blueprint for policymakers to allocate resources toward sustainable transportation initiatives. By continuing to invest in clean technologies, North Carolina can lead the way toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future!

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Department of Energy-Funded Charging Smart Program Expands Across U.S.

Free Technical Assistance Now Available to Local Governments in All 50 States

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 14, 2025) — Charging Smart, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-funded technical assistance and designation program is now available in all fifty U.S. states. Charging Smart offers free technical assistance to help local governments accelerate the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure.

By removing barriers to EV deployment, participating communities can unlock economic development, cleaner air, and other local benefits while maintaining project safety. Local governments can earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold designations, providing national recognition of their status as an EV-friendly community.

Charging Smart initially launched in a pilot phase in 2023, providing services to local governments primarily in the South and Midwest, as well as Colorado, Connecticut, and southern California. Nine cities in Minnesota were the first to earn Charging Smart designations in 2024. Eden Prairie, Falcon Heights, Faribault, Inver Grove Heights, Oakdale, Roseville, and St. James, Minnesota earned Bronze designations, while Hopkins and La Crescent, Minnesota earned Silver. These local governments updated their permitting and inspection practices, reviewed zoning rules, and took other measures to increase the accessibility of EV charging infrastructure. Now, cities and counties in any U.S. state can access the benefits of participation.

Charging Smart and its sister program, SolSmart, “really served as a good catalyst for us to make our permitting process faster and more efficient,” said Jason Ludwigson, Sustainability Coordinator for the City of La Crescent. “The programs helped us to reduce barriers to entry, particularly for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, and improved community connections.”

Charging Smart is led by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), with Great Plains Institute (GPI) serving as lead partner on the project. Other partners include RMI, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Forth, the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), EV Noire, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC), the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), and eight Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) coalitions across the country.

“Every community deserves access to the resources and expertise they need to evolve their transportation systems for the future,” said Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. “IREC’s expanded Charging Smart program complements federal offerings with the local technical assistance and resources needed to accelerate EV charging permitting, policy, and projects, creating more transportation options for more Americans.”

“The national launch of the Charging Smart program will help communities simplify EV charging deployment procedures, such as permitting and inspection processes,” said Austin Brown, director of the Vehicle Technologies Office. “This will ease the burden on local governments, reduce the total cost and timelines for EV infrastructure deployment, and advance access to charging across the U.S. – reducing costs for families and pollution for everyone.”

“The national launch of Charging Smart is an opportunity for all U.S. local governments—from large cities to small, rural towns—to deploy practices tailored to their specific needs,” said Ed Gilliland, Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives at the IREC. “Drawing from a well-vetted menu of 150 specific actions, the program offers localities a clear path to achieve designation and become proficient in facilitating the growth of EVs and EV charging.”

“Transportation electrification has the potential to be nothing short of a revolution, though it comes with its challenges. The Charging Smart program can help any community navigate this challenge by combining expert technical assistance, resources, and peer networks. GPI has seen the impact of our work in the pilot phase, with 11 cities across the Midwest earning the first Charging Smart designations. We are grateful for the DOE’s continued support and excited to expand the program nationwide with our partners!” said Mackenzie Love, AICP, Senior Program Manager and Transportation Planner at the Great Plains Institute.

“Local governments play a vital role in advancing clean transportation. Charging Smart equips them with the tools, guidance, and recognition to expand equitable and accessible electric mobility in their communities. We are proud to partner with IREC to empower municipalities in this essential work,” said Forth Executive Director Jeff Allen.

“Municipalities have the power to transform the way people and goods move, to the environmental, social, and economic benefit of their communities. While they face many challenges in their EV charging infrastructure buildout efforts, they should know that they don’t need to reinvent the wheel, and that, through the Charging Smart program, organizations like IREC, RMI, and many others are working to support their work and improve the lives of the people they serve,” said E. J. Klock-McCook, Principal, Carbon-Free Transportation at RMI.

“Expanding Charging Smart to all 50 states is a transformative step toward ensuring every community—urban, suburban, and rural—has the tools and resources to embrace equitable e-mobility solutions,” said Dr. Shelley Francis, Co-Founder of EVNoire. “This program not only accelerates the deployment of EV infrastructure but also helps local governments foster cleaner air, economic growth, and more connected, accessible communities for all.”

“Charging Smart provides a great opportunity for local governments to signal their support for electric vehicles. The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology is excited to help local governments in the Southeast discover their specific pathway to designation,” said Brian Lips, Senior Project Manager for Policy at the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center.

“Charging Smart provides a simple set of actions that local governments can take to support transportation electrification and signal local communities are EV-ready. EEI and our member companies are proud to join in the development of this program as part of our ongoing work to better enable electric transportation and make sure the benefits of an electrified future are shared by all,” said Charles Satterfield, Senior Manager of Electric Transportation at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). EEI serves as an advisory partner for the project.

“Getting charging infrastructure developed in a timely way is essential to achieving the benefits of transportation electrification to all communities. It has been a high priority for the Alliance for Transportation Electrification (ATE) and our work in a task force on interconnection issues between the customer and utility. One of the key steps in the service connection process is getting needed permissions from local governmental entities including city and county. All layers of government – especially state and local government agencies – need to work together to get infrastructure for EV charging stations sited, deployed, and finally energized with the local grid.  We commend the Charging Smart initiative for focusing on these issues and developing clear criteria that local governments, utilities, and charging station providers can reference to help accelerate the rapid building out of this essential infrastructure,” said the Alliance for Transportation Electrification (ATE) in a statement.

Charging Smart is part of DOE’s Energy Ready suite of programs, which help local governments strategically manage the expansion of distributed energy technologies, including EV charging infrastructure, solar power, and distributed wind energy. All Energy Ready programs offer free technical assistance to U.S. local governments, helping them cut red tape, save staff time, ensure safety, and increase economic development associated with these technologies.

For more information on Charging Smart, including how eligible communities can sign up, visit ChargingSmart.org. In addition, the program is offering a free Introduction to Charging Smart webinar on Feb. 4. Register here.

Media Contacts:

Shannon Helm, Communications Director, NC Clean Energy Technology Center, shannon_helm@ncsu.edu or 919-423-8340.

 

ABOUT THE NC CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CENTER

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. For more information about the Center, visit: http://www.nccleantech.ncsu.edu. X (Formerly Twitter): @NCCleanTech  II  LinkedIn

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2025 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Project Grant Funds Available Now

$5,900,000 to be awarded for transportation-related emission reductions

Raleigh, NC (January 13, 2025) – The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at North Carolina State University announces the following request for proposals (RFP) through the 2025 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project. This year’s initiative will offer $5.9 million, focused on reducing transportation-related emissions and supported with federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funding from the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT). The primary purpose of the CFAT project is to reduce transportation-related emissions in 24 eligible North Carolina counties; the secondary purpose is to expand the availability of eligible refueling and charging infrastructure.

Project proposals will be limited to a maximum award of $450,000 with a minimum award of $5,000. Applications will be due Friday, March 14, 2025.  Learn more here.

Projects located in the following counties are eligible for CFAT funding: Cabarrus, Catawba, *Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Granville, Guilford, *Haywood, *Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Nash, Orange, Person, Rowan, *Swain, Union, Wake, (*Represents partial counties).

Projects for electric vehicle charging stations (EVSE) will be accepted within all 100 counties.

Available funds: $5,900,000

Maximum per project award: $450,000

Minimum per project award: $5,000

Application deadline: March 14, 2025

Project period: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027

Click here for the 2025 CFAT Request for Proposals

Click here for the 2025 CFAT Application Form

Click here for the 2025 CFAT RFP FAQs

Click here for the 2025 CFAT Budget Template

Click here for the 2025 CFAT Example Budget #1

Click here for the 2025 CFAT Example Budget #2

Click here and here to learn about previous successful CFAT projects.

Media Contact: Shannon Helm, 919-423-8340, shannon_helm@ncsu.edu

Project Contact for Stakeholder Questions: Heather Brutz, hmbrutz@ncsu.edu OR John Bonitz, jhbonitz@ncsu.edu

ABOUT THE NC CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CENTER

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. For more information about the Center, visit: http://www.nccleantech.ncsu.edu. X (Formerly Twitter): @NCCleanTech  II  LinkedIn

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Interactive Map and Infographics Support EV Charging Accessibility and Preparation in North Carolina

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center’s (NCCETC) Clean Transportation team is committed to developing materials that increase public awareness of the development and use of alternative fuels and advanced transportation technologies. Prior to transitioning to roles at NC State University’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education, former NCCETC Clean Transportation Senior Project Manager Alexander Yoshizumi and intern Hemil Mehta created educational infographics and an interactive map about the various electric vehicle (EV) charging stations that are available in North Carolina.

The infographics include a short history of the different charging systems, power ratings, plug-in locations within 50 miles of North Carolina, the top three counties by charger count, and the average new plugs per year over the past five years. Charts are used to indicate the plug’s power distribution as well as the plug density.

See the infographics that detail the Combined Charging System (CSS), CHArge de MOve (CHAdeMO), and North American Charging Standard (NACS) below:

This infographic communicates that CCS is typically used by car manufacturers in Europe and North America. The chargers were first installed in North Carolina in 2015, and as of 2024 they make up 29% of all fast-charging plugs across the state, with a median power rating of 150kW. There are 599 CCS plugs within 50 miles of NC, with the most plugs located in Mecklenburg county. Over the past five years, the average number of new plugs per year is 105.3. A visualization of the location of plugs within 50 miles of the state is included, along with charts that indicate the power distribution and plug density of CSS stations.

Used primarily by Japanese automakers, the first CHAdeMO plug in NC was installed in 2014. As of 2024, CHAdeMO chargers make up 12% of all fast-charging plugs across the state with a median power rating of 62.5kW. There are 253 plugs located within 50 miles of NC, with the largest number located in Wake county. Over the past five years, there has been an average of 44 new plugs installed each year. A visualization of the location of plugs within 50 miles of the state is included, along with charts that indicate the power distribution and plug density of CHAdeMO stations.

NACS charging stations were first introduced by Tesla, and the first plugs in NC were installed in 2013. NACS plugs are more common than CSS and CHAdeMO stations within the state and make up 59% of all fast-charging plugs across North Carolina, with 1,229 plugs located within 50 miles of the state. The plugs have a median power rating of 250kW and an average of 196.2 plugs have been installed per year, over the last five years. A visualization of the location of plugs within 50 miles of the state is included, along with charts that indicate the power distribution and plug density of NACS stations.

Yoshizumi noted that there are many chargers with very high-power ratings within the state, which puts North Carolina in a great position to advance EV use.

In addition to the infographics, Mehta compiled data about public charging infrastructure in North Carolina and created a visualization that can be used to find the location of charging stations and the average power of the stations measured in kilowatts.

These resources can be instrumental to those who own EVs or are looking to transition to zero tailpipe-emission vehicles. Quickly finding a compatible charging station is essential when driving long distances in an EV. Yoshizumi says, “This is directly supporting transportation resilience work within the state of North Carolina and helps to ensure that EVs are prepared for evacuation as severe weather is projected to increase in the future.”

Both the data included in the infographics and in the interactive map are current as of 2024. The infographics can also be found on the publications page of NCCETC’s website.

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NCCETC Recognized National Drive Electric Week with Three Educational Events

Between the months of September and October lies National Drive Electric Week (NDEW), a week that is dedicated to further educating the public about the possibilities that electric vehicles (EVs) have to offer. This year, NDEW took place September 27 to October 6, 2024, and boasted over 200 events across the United States that brought together EV owners, enthusiasts, fleet managers, and transportation professionals. The Clean Transportation team at the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), held three events to recognize NDEW that took place at North Carolina State University (NCSU) and Wake Forest University (WFU).

On October 3, 2024, the team arranged to bring 25 electric or hybrid vehicles to NCSU’s Centennial Campus.

The afternoon was filled with conversations between EV owners and students eager to learn more.

This event was a “ride and drive”, allowing the public to drive a vehicle of their choice along a designated route. Many students took advantage of this opportunity and enjoyed the chance to experience EV driving in person.

A number of organizations and dealerships attended to support this event, including BMW of Raleigh, eBike Central, Crossroads Ford Apex, NC State Transportation, Duke Energy, Town of Cary, Johnson Alfa Romeo, TEVA, Hendrick Automotive, Johnson Subaru of Cary, and the City of Raleigh.

The team held the next NDEW event two days later on October 5, 2024, during the NCSU football game tailgate. Another slew of vehicle owners and dealerships brought their EVs, with models including an Acura ZDX, Rivian R1T, Tesla Roadster, Chevrolet Blazer, BMW X5i PHEV, Ford Mach-E, and Hyundai IONIQ 5.

This event was an EV showcase rather than ride and drive, which allowed around 100 individuals to stop by and learn about the various vehicles present.

Among individual owners, several dealerships including Hendrick Automotive, Westgate, Sir Walter Chevrolet, MLS Electric, and Johnson Hyundai contributed to bringing EV or hybrid vehicles.

For the final event, the team traveled to Winston-Salem to hold another EV display at the WFU football game tailgate.

North Point CDJ, Parkway Ford, and Volvo of Winston-Salem brought several vehicles to be on display.

Passersby enjoyed connecting with NCCETC’s Clean Transportation team along with EV owners who were excited to share their knowledge.

The Clean Transportation team looks forward to hosting NDEW each year, with the goal of bringing the most innovative vehicles to share with the public. NCCETC would like to thank all of the supporting organizations, dealerships, and individual owners who contributed to the success of the 2024 NDEW events!

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National Drive Electric Week 2024 Showcases the Future of Clean Transportation

This year, National Drive Electric Week (NDEW) will be celebrated September 27 through October 6, 2024. The annual celebration stretches across the United States to raise awareness about the benefits that electric vehicles (EVs) have to offer.

Nearly 200 NDEW events will be held throughout the week that will showcase the various all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Attendees will have the chance to connect with EV owners and enthusiasts to experience electric driving in-person.

North Carolina is home to 10 upcoming NDEW showcases, two of which the NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) will be hosting in Raleigh. The Center will be hosting an additional showcase outside of the week, on October 12, 2024, at Wake Forest University.

Attend one or more of the state-wide events below!

September 28, 2024 | Chapel Hill Public Library, Chapel Hill, NC

At this showcase, attendees will have the opportunity to look inside the Town of Chapel Hill’s EVs and speak with local EV owners. Learn more and RSVP here.

September 28, 2024 | Wake Tech Hendrick Center, Raleigh, NC

“Drive Electric at Wake Tech” will be held at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence at Wake Technical Community College. Owners of the following vehicles have registered to attend: Tesla Model Y, E-Scooter, Fisker Ocean, Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla Model 3, BMW i5, Chevrolet Bolt, E-Bike, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and many more! The Hendrick Center will also conduct scheduled building tours throughout the week that features their Hybrid & EV Program. Learn more and RSVP here.

October 1, 2024 | Carrboro Plaza, Carrboro, NC

Piedmont Electric’s “Electrify Your Ride” event invites the community to Carrboro Plaza to experience the future of sustainable transportation firsthand. All are welcome to learn about EVs and engage with local EV owners. Learn more and RSVP here.

October 3, 2024 | Centennial Campus, Raleigh, NC

NCCETC is hosting an EV showcase and test drive at Venture Plaza at The Corner on NC State University’s Centennial Campus. Attendees can learn about and experience electric vehicles including Ford Mustang Mach-Es, a Fisker Ocean, and various Tesla models. Learn more here and register on this page.

Previous EV showcase on Centennial Campus

October 5, 2024 | FTCC Tony Rand Student Center, Fayetteville, NC

Sustainable Sandhills is hosting an EV Car Show at Fayetteville Technical Community College from 4:00pm-8:00pm on October 5. Expected display vehicles include a Tesla Cybertruck, Audi Q4 e-tron quattro, BMW 740e, Cadillac LYRIQ, Nissan Ariya, Solectria Force, and more! Food trucks will also be on site. Learn more and RSVP here.

October 5, 2024 | NC State University Tailgate, Raleigh, NC

NCCETC will hold a tailgate and plug-in EV car show at the NC State University vs Wake Forest University football game. Due to game-day congestion and traffic, it is recommended that only those with tickets for the game or parking arrangements attend. Owners of a Ford Mustang Mach-E, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Model S have registered to attend. Learn more here and register on this page.

October 5, 2024 | Board of Elections, Hillsborough, NC

EV owners will showcase their vehicles and share experiences and knowledge at this event held near the Eno River Farmers Market. Those who are interested in seeing the inside of EVs and learning more about EV ownership are encouraged to attend! Learn more and RSVP here.

October 5, 2024 | Saint Matthews UMC, Greensboro, NC

An EV showcase will take place at the fourth annual Saint Matthews UMC Fall Festival in Greensboro, NC. The event will spread awareness of environmental stewardship and environmental advocacy. Learn more and RSVP here.

October 6, 2024 | Asheville Tanger Outlets, Asheville, NC

The Blue Ridge EV Club has partnered with Sugar Hollow Solar, Asheville Hunter Volvo, and the Tanger Asheville Outlets to host their eleventh annual National Drive Electric event. A wide variety of EVs will be present, including Chevrolet Bolts, Tesla Cybertrucks, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Nissan Leafs, and more! Learn more and RSVP here.

October 12, 2024 | Tailgate & Car Show, Winston-Salem, NC

This event hosted by NCCETC will highlight electric transportation at Wake Forest University (WFU) with a tailgate and plug-in electric vehicle car show at the WFU vs Clemson football game. Due to game-day congestion and traffic, it is recommended that only those with tickets for the game or parking arrangements attend. Learn more here and register on this page. 

 

National Drive Electric Week is a chance for individuals not only in North Carolina, but across the country to learn about the benefits of EVs and engage with vehicle owners who are eager to share their knowledge. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend your local EV showcase to see the future of clean transportation first-hand!

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The 2024 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo in Photos

Over 300 individuals attended the 2024 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo at the Durham Convention Center in Durham, NC that spanned over three days, providing attendees with various networking opportunities, informational breakout sessions, and opportunities to hear from experts in the clean transportation industry.

NCCETC’s Clean Transportation team organized the conference and worked diligently to bring fleet managers, purchasing officials, state and local government leaders, Clean Cities Coalitions, non-profits, and alternative fuel organizations together to create an unforgettable opportunity for all attendees and exhibitors to connect with each other on the basis of creating a clean vehicle economy. 

During the pre-conference day on August 13, 2024, the NAFA Fleet Management Association announced the 2024 Green Fleet Award winners.

Pictured above: Port Authority of NY & NJ receive an award for ranking second in the list of top Green Fleets of 2024.

Pictured Above: Miami-Dade County, FL ISD Fleet Management receive an award for “Best Policies, Procedures, and Long Term Planning” as well as a recognition for ranking third in a list of the top Green Fleets of 2024.

Pictured Above: Cedric Roberts, CAFM – Birmingham, AL receives an award for “Best Long Term Greening Effort”

Pictured Above: NCCETC Executive Director Steve Kalland speaks with pre-conference attendees at the Green Fleet Awards Reception.

The main conference events began on August 14, 2024, featuring two keynote addresses from Bill Combs, Vice President of Sustainability at Penske Transportation Solutions, and George Fotopoulos, Vice President of the e-mobility Business Unit at Mack Trucks.

Pictured Above: Bill Combs, Penske Transportation Solutions

Pictured Above: George Fotopoulos, Mack Trucks

Pictured Above: Conference attendee Stan Cross participates in the Q&A session with the keynote speakers.

After attending the keynote speeches, the exhibit hall opened featuring an array of sponsors and exhibitors.

Pictured Above: Exhibitors engage with attendees in the Expo Hall.

Both days of the conference offered informational breakout sessions in one of three tracks: Funding & Planning, Advanced Vehicle Technologies, and Fueling & Charging. (Pictured Below)

Outside, clean vehicles lined the street to allow individuals to check out the latest and greatest clean fueling technologies.

Pictured Above: City of Durham fire engine display featuring idle reduction technology

Pictured Above: City of Raleigh electric vehicle display

The final day of the conference began with a plenary panel: Best Practices from Top Fleet Managers, with panelists Guadalupe Federico, Al Curtis, Chris Davis, moderated by LP Monroe. (Pictured Below)

Attendees then had another opportunity to network with exhibitors in the expo hall, before attending the closing plenary panel: What Does the Future Hold? Panelists Jennifer Weaver from the Clean Fuels Alliance America, Marianne McInerney from Mullen Automotive, Jed Routh from Kempower, and Tyler Rhew from Alliance Autogas were moderated by Rick Sapienza. (Pictured Below)

The conference ended with the final two breakout sessions, making for a successful and fulfilling three days of networking with clean transportation experts, and learning from professionals in the field.

We would like to thank our sponsors for all of their support throughout the planning and execution of the conference:

Platinum Sponsors

  • North Carolina Department of Transportation
  • Southeast Propane Alliance (SEPA)
  • Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)

Silver Sponsors

  • Diesel Laptops
  • Kempower
  • NAFA Fleet Management Association
  • Central Pines Regional Council
  • Black Fleet Network
  • InCharge
  • Mullen Automotive

Bronze Sponsors

  • Alliance AutoGas
  • U.S. Soy & Clean Fuels Alliance America
  • Samsara
  • Model 1 Commercial Vehicles
  • Thompson AutoGas
  • Stealth Power

 

NCCETC hopes to see everyone for the 2025 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo on August 25-27, 2025, at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, NC!