Stichting Drive to Zero

Stichting Drive to Zero (Officially STICHTING CALSTART) was established January 21 2025 in the Netherlands.

Stichting Drive to Zero convenes and supports a global coalition of governments and industry, providing direct policy guidance, mobilizing market actors, and sharing practical tools to accelerate an equitable, worldwide transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles.

Organisational details

Statutory name: Stichting CALSTART
Public name: Stichting Drive to Zero
RSIN/fiscal number: 867508899
KvK number: 96196254
Address: Automotive Campus 30, 5708JZ Helmond, The Netherlands
Email: info@globaldrivetozero.org

Governance – Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the day-to-day affairs with regard to the functioning of the Stichting Drive to Zero. In accordance with the articles of association, the Board of Directors consists of at least three board members The Board Members are:

Kodish, Stephanie – Chair and Secretary
Follér, Andreas
Peters, Koen Johannes Petrus – Treasurer
Boesel, John Richard

Key principles and guiding principles of Stichting Drive to Zero:

Objectives:
- To accelerate decarbonization of the transport sector;
- To build and promote a clean transport industry;
- To promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and (conventional) pollutants emissions from vehicles and associated infrastructure through policies, technology and market-based approaches;
- To collaborate with other (legal) persons and organization, to participate in and further develop activities in respect of the above objectives
Absence of profit: Stichting Drive to Zero is a non-profit public benefit organization. The Foundation’s income will be used solely to achieve its objects. Any positive liquidation balance of the dissolved foundation may only be allocated to a public benefit organization or to a foreign organization that exclusively or almost exclusively serves the public benefit.

Activities of Stichting Drive to Zero include expanding government and industry commitment to the Global MOU goals of 30% new zero-emission truck and bus sales by 2030 and 100% by 2040, while accelerating the regulatory, financial, and infrastructure actions needed to achieve them. The activities of Stichting Drive to Zero will focus on:

Accelerating zero-emission MHDV adoption by uniting governments, industry leaders, and financial institutions around a shared, time-bound goal to deploy zero-emission trucks and buses at scale.
Co-leading the Global MOU—supporting a growing community of 40+ signatory countries and 230+ industry partners committed to achieving 30% zero-emission MHDV sales by 2030 and 100% by 2040.
Shaping policy and regulation by offering tailored technical assistance, sharing global best practices, facilitating knowledge exchanges, and elevating industry voices to capitalize on regulatory windows of opportunity.
Creating infrastructure certainty by helping governments and utilities align infrastructure investment strategies and develop forward-looking grid planning to support widespread ZE-MHDV deployment.
Mobilizing investment across the ZE-MHDV value chain through the development of targeted financial facilities and by organizing curated matchmaking between investors and innovative clean transportation companies.
Driving implementation and visibility of high-impact projects by working directly with fleets, OEMs, utilities, and public agencies to enable real-world deployments—particularly along emerging Global Green Road Corridors.
Serving as a global convener and standard-setter, officially recognized by the International Energy Agency and Clean Energy Ministerial and actively shaping the global ZE-MHDV agenda through leadership roles at COP, ITF, CEM, NYC Climate Week, and other international platforms.

Financial arrangements

Stichting Drive to Zero is a non-profit organisation, and its income will be used solely to achieve its objectives.

Remuneration policy

The Board Members do not receive any remuneration for the performance of their Board-related duties but. are entitled to a reimbursement of costs incurred in the exercise of their duties and not excessive attendance fee (subject to the discretion of the board of directors).

Capital of the Foundation

The Foundation does not hold more capital than is reasonably necessary for the continuity of the anticipated projects and realization of its objectives. Stichting Drive to Zero does not intend to retain substantial equity within the charitable institution. Any equity held will be limited to what is reasonably necessary to ensure the continuity of its activities and operations. If Stichting Drive to Zero raises more funds than it spends, the board will provide clear justification for retaining any surplus equity, outlining how this amount will support the ongoing work of the foundation. This equity will only be used to further the foundation’s objectives and ensure its long-term sustainability. Additionally, the costs related to fundraising and management of these funds will be kept reasonable in relation to the expenditures made to fulfill the foundation’s mission. The board will ensure that these costs remain proportionate to the charitable activities of Stichting Drive to Zero.

The financial information and statements will be prepared by an external bookkeeper. This report will provide detailed information on Stichting Drive to Zero’s expenses and income, including reimbursements to board members, fundraising and management costs, other operational expenses, and funds raised.

Raising of Funds

In order to continue with our work for the public benefit, Stichting Drive to Zero will implement a diversified fundraising strategy to ensure financial sustainability. It will secure philanthropic funding by strengthening relationships with existing funders and engaging new foundations focused on climate and sustainable transport. The organization will also expand funding for Global MOU signatory countries partnerships with industry players, corporate sponsors, and multilateral organizations for co-funding opportunities. A key focus will be leveraging European Union (EU) funding by joining European platforms for consortium building. Stichting Drive to Zero will actively apply for Horizon Europe grants related to zero-emission transport, infrastructure, and innovation. Additional EU funding sources, such as the Innovation Fund, Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), and LIFE Programme, will be explored. It will also request financial contributions from national governments benefiting from the network, ensuring shared investment in clean transport initiatives. The organization will participate in funding roundtables and networking events to attract new donors. By diversifying its funding sources, Stichting Drive to Zero will secure long-term financial support.

Spending Policy

The Foundation will spend the income received in accordance with the objectives as stated and spending will be done in line with the Board approved budget. Where spending proposals deviate from approved budget by more than 1000€, express approval from Stichting Drive to Zero staff or consultant so authorized will seek separate Board spending approval. Stichting Drive to Zero’s raised funds will primarily be used to advance its mission of accelerating the transition to zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and sustainable transport solutions. Funds will support key activities such as policy advocacy, technical assistance, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing around infrastructure planning for ze-MHDVs. In the short term, funds will be allocated to convene Global MOU signatory nations, expand the network with new nations and endorsers, and develop new collaborative with industry and government partners. Medium-term projects will focus on applying for and managing EU funding opportunities, including Horizon Europe, to support innovation in clean transport. Long-term, funds will be used to support infrastructure for zero-emission vehicle adoption and scale successful projects across regions. The Board of Directors will make decisions on fund allocation based on strategic priorities, ensuring a balanced approach that maximizes impact while adhering to the foundation’s objectives.

The Board of Directors of Stichting Drive to Zero will ensure that fundraising and management costs are kept in reasonable proportion to the grants awarded in line with its objectives.

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