The potential uses of electric commercial vehicle fleets will be the topic when the Leonard Transportation Center at Cal State San Bernardino presents the third of six events of its 2020 Inland Empire Regional Mobility Dialogue series on topics relevant to the future of transportation in the Inland Empire.

“Getting ready for Electric Commercial Vehicle Fleets,” which will be held by video conference from 8-10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, will have four experts address the challenges and opportunities of electric commercial vehicle fleets in this rapidly evolving technology.

Attendance is limited to the first 50 registrants, and pre-registration is required. A link to the teleconference will be provided upon registration. Register online at the Leonard Transportation Center’s Mobility Dialogue Series webpage.

The session’s schedule speakers are Aravind Kailas, advanced technology policy director, Volvo Group; Ruth Liddell, project manager, ABB; Rob Crandall, senior project manager, Greenlots Operations Team; and Kim Okafor, zero emission solutions manager, Trillium and Love’s Travel Stop.

According to the California Air Resources Board, the transportation sector accounts for 41 percent of California’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) in the state. Of that, medium and heavy-duty trucks are the second largest contributor, second to only light duty vehicles such as consumer vehicles.

The Volvo Group, along with California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and industry leaders in transportation and electrical charging infrastructure, have developed an innovative partnership to create the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) Project. The project will demonstrate that electric vehicles can boost efficiencies in both the freight and warehouse industries while reducing emissions and increasing air quality.

Specific to the Volvo LIGHTS Project, the EV charging software is going to be a key factor to be able to help operate and monitor the networking of all the charging stations. What equipment is needed and what are the best locations to install these systems? What is the capability of the electrical grid that we have in place?

Following the presentations, attendees will engage in a discussion with an opportunity to share concerns and ideas with transportation professionals, policy makers, students and each other.

Now in its third year, and following a highly successful April 2020 virtual dialogue on responding to change and crisis, the Regional Mobility Dialogue Series of the Leonard Transportation Center at Cal State San Bernardino continues its acclaimed dialogue series on topics relevant to the future of transportation in the Inland Empire.

The series is open to the public with platinum level sponsorship from HNTB Corporation, a national infrastructure solutions firm, the San Bernardino International Airport, and the San Bernardino Valley College.

As part of CSUSB, the Leonard Transportation Center brings people together to provide the facts, discuss the major issues, and work to resolve them. The center is committed to the notion that finding solutions to the mobility challenges in Southern California is much more likely when people from different walks of life are engaged in the conversations.

Kimberly Collins, LTC executive director, said, “We invite anyone interested in being part of the conversation and solution to join us for this innovative and engaging series.”

About Leonard Transportation Center

The Leonard Transportation Center (LTC) at California State University, San Bernardino opened in 2006 with a focus on regional transportation needs. The vision of Bill and Barbara Leonard was to create a center that focuses on the unique transportation opportunities and challenges the Inland Empire faces. Today, the LTC is working to expand its research and student engagement programs. Focal points include transportation management and governance issues, development of new technologies, and transnational studies. Their vision is to work collaboratively to seek solutions to assist residents, businesses, government and nonprofit agencies, and international partners to work together on improving sustainability and quality of life in the Inland Empire. For more information, visit the Leonard Transportation Center website.

About San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)

Conveniently located in the heart of the Inland Empire, close to major freeways and just 60 miles from Los Angeles, SBD International Airport is strategically positioned to meet growing aviation activity including: cargo, business aviation, general aviation, and commercial airlines by providing competitive rates for aviation companies and local businesses looking to stretch their wings and expand their horizons. With extensive stretches of pristine runway and acres of prime land available for aviation development, SBD International Airport is ready to help our community and region reach new destinations.

About San Bernardino Valley College

San Bernardino Valley College will become the college of choice for students in the Inland Empire and will be regarded as the alma mater of successful, lifelong learners. We will build our reputation on the quality of our programs and services and on the safety, comfort, and beauty of our campus. We will hold both our students and ourselves to high standards of achievement and will expect all members of the college community to function as informed, responsible, and active members of society.

About HNTB

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure solutions firm serving public and private owners and contractors. HNTB’s work in California dates back to its founding in 1914. Today, HNTB continues to grow in size and service offerings to clients in California from eight office locations, currently employing more than 350 full-time professionals. Celebrating 105 years of service, HNTB understands the life cycle of infrastructure and addresses clients’ most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide deliver a full range of infrastructure-related services, including award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management. For more information, visit www.hntb.com.

Additional 2020 Sponsors

  • exp. Corporation
  • Foothill Transit Agency
  • Lane Construction Corporation
  • GLA Corporation