Program Updates
Milestones and Progress at CEM15
Each year, the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) convenes its members for the CEM/Mission Innovation (MI) joint ministerial meetings. Until this year, Drive to Zero was a CEM/Electric Vehicle Initiative (EVI) campaign. I’m happy to share we’ve now graduated to become the initiative lead of the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle work under EVI—an enduring and exciting role for us!
At CEM15/MI-9, governments, international organizations, private sector stakeholders, academics, and other clean energy experts came together in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, to exchange ideas and celebrate achievements.
We were delighted to partner with colleagues from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Government of the Netherlands to host Powering Sustainable Growth with Zero-Emission Truck Corridors. The event featured meaningful discussions around the impact of increased charging infrastructure for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (ZE-MHDVs), as well as announcements of key global ZE transport milestones, particularly within the Global Green Road Corridors initiative. Here are some of the highlights:
- Alongside our partners, we announced Africa’s Northern Corridor as the ninth of the Global Green Road Corridors, an initiative that aims to establish 10 major routes connecting industrial hubs, cities, and ports as replicable models to spur global ZE-MHDV infrastructure and vehicle deployment. Africa’s Northern Corridor connects Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo with the Port of Mombasa in Kenya, the busiest port in East and Central Africa. The addition of this corridor is a major accomplishment; the commitment to sustainable goods movement along this high-volume route showcases a model of governance, collaboration, and action that will influence the rest of the world in our collective pursuit of the Global MOU targets.
- We released a working paper entitled “Global Green Road Corridors: Enabling Factors for Successful Launch, Development, and Scale,” co-authored by Drive to Zero Program Manager Adrian Serna Tamez and global ZE transport expert Bill Van Amburg. The paper offers seven key elements needed to decarbonize the world’s regional and long-haul road segments, as well as initial recommendations for governments to launch, develop, and operate green road corridors. A special thank you for the helpful insight received from stakeholders across the ZE-MHDV ecosystem as well as ZEVWISE partners WBCSD, UNEP, and The World Bank. Look for the full report to be released at COP29.
- One of the most exciting moments of the event was the premiere of the first episode in our Charging Up Change video series. The series champions the individuals driving the transition to ZE commercial transport across world regions. The first video took us to São Paulo, Brazil, where significant advancements in the electrification of trucks and buses are underway. Interviews with clean energy thought leaders, industry frontrunners, and the City of São Paulo wove a story of progress, urgency, and hope. Our storytellers all came to a similar conclusion: Policy will enable Brazil and other major nations to lead the sustainable transportation movement. Watch the video here, and stay tuned for the next episode, premiering at COP29.
- Finally, we were thrilled to take the stage to introduce 40 new endorsers of the Global MOU on ZE-MHDVs! These new members of the Global MOU community are sub-national governments, fleet owners, infrastructure and utility providers, and knowledge partners from Mexico, Poland, and Africa, among others. A set of additional endorsements were received just following CEM, and we are so pleased to share that, as of this newsletter, our network of endorsers has exceeded an impressive 200 members. What an incredible testament to the growing energy, leadership, and innovation that exists on the ground and in communities that bear the brunt of the climate crisis.
As I reflect on CEM15 and our path forward, I’m reminded of a line from our Charging Up Change video: “Non ducor, duco,” the City of São Paulo’s motto. Translated from Latin, it means, “I am not led, I lead.” Each stakeholder in the commercial transport ecosystem has a job to do, and we simply do not have time to await further instruction. The path is clear. Let’s link arms and lead the way.
Stephanie Kodish, Global Director, CALSTART / Drive to Zero
Special Features
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industry News
DHL Supply Chain USA Tests Tesla Semi and Confirms the Electric Truck’s Impressive Performance
Earlier this month, Global MOU endorser DHL announced its findings after its Tesla Semi trial. In its announcement, the logistics giant shared a glowing review: “The trial included one long haul of 390 miles (625 km) – fully loaded with a gross combined weight of 75,000 pounds (34 metric tons) – confirming the Tesla Semi’s ability to carry typical DHL payloads over a long distance on a single charge.” Read more.
‘Green Bank’ Launches $250M Effort to Electrify California’s Port Trucks
Climate United recently introduced a $250 million plan with electric truck-charging startup Forum Mobility aimed at overcoming electrification barriers for small fleets. The money will help secure low-cost financing for up to 500 U.S.-built Class 8 electric trucks — the largest such order of electric trucks in the country — for small freight companies and independent truckers serving California’s busiest and most heavily polluted seaports. Read more.
Upcoming Events
COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change—better known as COP29—is fast approaching! Sessions begin in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 11 and run through November 22. COP brings together leaders from governments, business, and civil society to advance concrete solutions to the climate crisis.
The transport thematic day is November 20, but transport-related events are taking place throughout the conference. You can find a growing list of those events on our website. If you’re heading to Baku, please plan to join us at the following events:
Events requiring registration:
- Breaking Barriers: A Networking Event to Bring Together the Zero-Emission Transport and Energy Sectors
19 November | 11:00-12:00 | WMB Pavilion Auditorium
This closed-door event will bring together leaders from the transport and energy sectors to foster cross-sector collaboration. It will focus on interactive networking, discussions on decarbonization strategies, and a group photo of Global MOU signatories and endorsers, promoting unity in shaping a sustainable future. Register here.
- Zero-Emission Trucks and Buses: From Ambition to Regulation
20 November | 10:00-11:00 | Israeli Pavilion
This invitation-only event, targeting senior government officials and industry leaders, will feature interactive discussions, sharing of leading examples of ZE-MHDV regulations, and small group conversations aimed at accelerating policy action. The workshop will provide participants with a platform to learn, collaborate, and contribute to achieving the Global MOU targets for ZE-MHDVs by 2030 and 2040. Register here.
Other events:
- Driving Green: Solar-Powered Electric Mobility for Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States
13 November | 13:30 | International Solar Alliance Pavilion
This event presents preliminary findings of a study assessing the readiness of LDCs and SIDS for solar-powered electric mobility. It explores the integration of solar energy into e-mobility solutions, addressing key challenges and opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering sustainable development. The session aims to outline an implementation framework, share best practices, and identify pilot projects for transitioning to solar-powered EVs in these vulnerable regions. This event is co-organized by Drive to Zero, and Global Director Stephanie Kodish will be a speaker and moderator.
- High-level Event: Implementing Zero Emission Transport through Policy and Finance
21 November | 15:00 | Side Event Room 5 (UNFCCC official side-event)
This event will spotlight the growing global momentum towards zero-emission vehicles by announcing new signatories to the ZEV Declaration and Global MOU on ZE-MHDVs, and by showcasing innovative regulatory and financial mechanisms. Discussions will focus on bridging the gap between policy implementation and financing, particularly in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies, to ensure a truly global transition. Through a collaborative platform, stakeholders will exchange ideas, announce new priorities, and emphasize the importance of equitable and resilient solutions for the future of transportation. This event is co-organized by CALSTART/Drive to Zero, ICCT, SFC, The Netherlands, UK, and WBCSD.
Top Headlines
