Program Updates
Breaking Down Silos to Achieve a Just, Resilient, and Clean Future
Just as mitigating the climate crisis is a team effort, so too is the transition to clean trucks and buses. In my first year and a half spent as Global Director for Drive to Zero, I’ve found partnership across the public and private sectors to be one of—if not the—most crucial element to meaningful progress toward our shared goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This kind of collaboration is our team’s North Star. Everyday, we strive to strengthen our global network, share learnings and best practices, and support the accelerated adoption of critical transport innovations and policies.
Earlier this month, we convened the Global MOU signatory countries for our third quarterly call, during which the focus was long-term plans and strategies for grid and charging infrastructure for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (ZE-MHDVs). We heard exciting updates from country representatives, and the group enjoyed two excellent presentations from the International Transport Forum (ITF) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Here are a few key takeaways worth noting:
- Matteo Craglia and Andreas Kopf of ITF shared their perspectives on progress toward the Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) in Greece. To meet AFIR’s minimum infrastructure requirements along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), Greek transportation and energy-sector stakeholders must work together to prepare the grid for EV charging demand, identify priority charging points, and tailor charging infrastructure deployment policies. They recommended developing strategic platforms to improve coordination between electromobility stakeholders to install charging points where they are most needed, avoid grid constraints, and align supply and demand.
- Alycia Gilde, Senior Director for Transportation at the White House Climate Policy Office, provided an overview of the U.S. National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy. The Strategy provides a plan to ensure deployment of infrastructure to meet growing ZE-MHDV market demands, accelerate investment, and assist in utility and regulatory efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. The phased approach will start with favorable investment areas along the National Highway Freight Network and within supporting freight ecosystems. Priority areas will be determined by ZE-MHDV cost-effectiveness, targeting investments, planning, utility upgrades, and deployment, which will ultimately result in more rapid adoption of ZE-MHDVs and infrastructure. Gilde emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration to achieve a zero-emission freight network, including fleets, industry, grid operators, regulators, and communities.
- A representative from Global MOU signatory country Türkiye shared his recent successful convening of different national ministries and private-sector organizations, including the Automotive Manufacturers Association, fleets, and OEMs, to present the Global MOU and promote collaboration for the transition to ZE-MHDVs.
- Our partners from Global MOU signatory country Israel provided a summary from a virtual stakeholder engagement workshop that included several national and international companies, aimed at promoting the transition to ZE-MHDVs. They also announced a new subsidy scheme for the purchase of electric garbage trucks, which launched September 9.
In addition to these presentations and updates, I was encouraged to hear the offers of support during the call. Country representatives asked for insights regarding data collection and sharing, upfront infrastructure-related costs, and grid congestion, and many stepped up to share resources. This is the kind of collaboration that is making the ZE-MHDV vision a reality. This engaged and active network of like-minded leaders will make it happen by working together toward the common goal of decarbonized commercial transport.
As we embark on an event-rich final quarter of 2024, I look forward to welcoming newcomers to our growing community and elevating the policies, practices, and partnerships that we champion. Who are the innovators and knowledge partners willing to take their mission to the next level by endorsing and acting toward our Global MOU goals? Who are the government leaders willing to seize the moment on the global stages of CEM15 in Brazil and COP29 in Azerbaijan, sharing their commitment to economic growth and healthier communities for the people they lead? Which investors will take center stage to finance the energy and transport projects in the Global South to make the transition rapid and just?
If it’s you, let’s talk.
Stephanie Kodish, Global Director, CALSTART / Drive to Zero
Special Features
Welcome to our new Global MOU signatory countries!
We are thrilled to welcome Ethiopia and Mozambique to the Global MOU community. We announced their commitment at Africa e-Mobility Week in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 19. You can watch the video of the announcement here.
Learn more about the Global MOU.
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Industry News
CALSTART releases the ZET Ahead Performance Dashboard
The ZET Ahead Performance Dashboard is an innovative and interactive visualization of the progress of 17 states and the District of Columbia toward zero-emission truck and bus market transformation. The ZET Ahead Dashboard is designed to keep policymakers, industry stakeholders, and advocates informed about the most impactful state actions and investments while also providing a simple and coherent framework for action for other states looking to kick-start their transition to ZE-MHDVs. Check out the tool here.
Registration for EVS 38 in Sweden is now open
The international Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition (EVS) will be back in Europe after a successful edition in Seoul for EVS 37. EVS is recognized as the longest-running premier showcase devoted to electric transportation, technologies, and industry innovation. In 2025, EVS 38 will take place from June 15th until 18th in Gothenburg, Sweden. You can secure your spot by registering here.
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