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!

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.

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