Trucking With Clean Fuel Conference Showcases the Technology and Regulations Behind Commercial Electric and Hydrogen Trucks
On February 23rd, 2023, professionals from trucking and transportation, government, the media, and the public gathered at the Trucking With Clean Fuel Conference and Zero Emission Convoy – an industry event in Bakersfield, CA designed to educate trucking companies, drivers, and fleets about the rising industry of commercial electric and hydrogen trucks.
Organized by the San Joaquin Clean Cities Coalition and Project Clean Air, this pioneering event displayed numerous state-of-the-art commercial EVs. In addition, the event’s conference featured industry leaders who spoke about current regulations and future trends in the sector. The highlight of the event was a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind convoy of emission-free electric commercial vehicles that exemplified what the future of commercial transportation will look like in California and globally.
Convoy of Electric and Hydrogen Trucks Displays the Future of Commercial Transportation
Hosted at The Westchester, the Trucking With Clean Fuel Conference began at 8 a.m. with networking, vendors, and exhibition booths. At 9 a.m. 12commercial electric trucks made a 17-mile voyage to the Flying J Travel Center off Highway 99, north of Bakersfield and took a scenic route through the blooming almond orchards. This revolutionary convoy was the first procession in the world to feature zero emission trucks.
The convoy was comprised of a variety of trucks from various companies, with both electric and hydrogen fuel-cell trucks among the ranks. Notable electric commercial vehicles included:
In addition to the convoy, visitors were encouraged to browse the selection of commercial EVs on display. Electric, hydrogen, and compressed natural gas vehicles were situated around the parking lot, and test drives were given to licensed CDL drivers who attended.
Full-event access included networking opportunities with industry leaders and dealers, a breakfast and luncheon, and all conference sessions.
Industry Leaders Offer Insight, Advice, and Information
Most importantly, the Trucking With Clean Fuel Conference served as an educational compass for those in the trucking industry interested in going electric. A variety of established professionals from the private and public sectors spoke on topics currently affecting trucking companies, drivers, and public transportation stakeholders.
With an ever-changing regulatory atmosphere, many individuals in the diesel and gasoline transportation industry are unsure of how to proceed. Speakers provided guidance on how companies and organizations can prepare for the upcoming future, and outlined the financial incentives for doing so.
Linda Urata with the Kern Council of Governments kicked off the Conference followed by Kern County Board of Supervisor Jeff Flores. The primary speaker of the conference was Bruce Tuter, the manager of the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Mobile Source Control Division. This division of CARB is responsible for tackling the pollution problems caused by California’s road vehicles and devising solutions for promoting the health and well-being of individuals in the community. They primarily do this by developing regulations concerning the production and implementation of residential and commercial electric vehicles. Tuter specifically spoke about the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule, which requires truck manufacturers to gradually increase the percentage of their commercial EV sales over the coming years.
In addition to Tuter’s keynote presentation, the MC of the Conference was Stephen Amstutz with CA Clean Transportation who guided speakers on topics including vehicle technology, infrastructure solutions, energy production, tax incentives (for both vehicles and infrastructure), and other regulations. Speakers and presentations provided by:
- Kat Aldohaish: San Joaquin Air Pollution District
The Conference also featured a wide range of exhibitors including:
Future Leaders in the Zero Emission Industries
The 2023 Trucking With Clean Fuel Conference and Zero Emission Convoy invited the students from Independence High STEM Academy. They were able to interact and ask questions from the OEMs and Exhibitors.
Paving the Way For Commercial Zero Emission Trucks
The 2023 Trucking With Clean Fuel Conference and Zero Emission Convoy was a much-needed gathering for professionals in the trucking, transportation, manufacturing, and environmental policy sectors.
In this time of change and progress, many stakeholders have questions about how this new technology will be implemented and executed. With the help of the conference, individuals involved in the shift toward electrification and hydrogen received clarity and direction on how to proceed with the future of zero emission commercial vehicles.
