Audio:

https://open.spotify.com/show/5tLFTApN7Rz6e9XryEaR77?si=bf7873cbe4854a5f

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newze/id1797582892

https://sites.libsyn.com/563770

This week's content: Dec 15th, 2025

This special edition of NewsNotes features news and updates from CALSTART. We'll be taking a holiday break and return to your inboxes on January 12!

Thank you to all our members for another outstanding year. This newsletter exists because of your hard work and inspiring leadership in the clean transportation industry. It's a privilege to spotlight your successes every week, and we can't wait to see what you do in 2026. Stay Newsworthy!

-- The NewsNotes Team

Our new CEO speaks to Forbes and Automotive News

Our new CEO is hitting the ground running! Michael Berube recently sat down with Forbes and Automotive News to talk about the future of clean transportation and the critical role CALSTART's critical role to will play in helping scale solutions.

In these interviews, Michael brings three decades of cross-functional automotive leadership in government and industry— from senior roles at Fiat Chrysler, Daimler-Chrysler and the U.S. Department of Energy—, to bear in discussing complex topics like explaining the rapid transformation underway in hydrogen technology andto the importance of knowledge expansion in growing the market for electrification. Michael also explains how stakeholders, including nonprofits and the public sector, can help dealers be prepared to answer frequently asked questions about EVs. He declaresnotes that this transition is not a straight line;. gGrowth comes with ups and downs as consumers test the technology and decide what works for their daily lives., while Meanwhile, automakers facemust navigate the challenge of transforming their businesses to meet customer needs, adjusting to a constantly shifting policy landscape, remaining profitable, and delivering on climate goals simultaneously. Read more and engage with our LinkedIn posts here: https://bit.ly/4qibIpt (Forbes) and here https://bit.ly/4q2tywy (Automotive News)

Zeroing in On Clean Ports: Accelerating a Pathway to Zero Emission Freight

December 16th at 10 AM PT / 12 PM ET

Join us for the last Zeroing In webinar of 2025! CALSTART will discuss approaches to port decarbonization efforts nationwide, from planning to deployment of zero emission vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure. We will also discuss how this impacts critical corridor development and freight decarbonization. Additionally, we invite attendees to share their perspectives on strategy, emerging technologies, operational challenges, and opportunities to strengthen CALSTART's role in advancing port and freight-corridor decarbonization.

Email [email protected] to register!

CALSTART's Electric School Bus Network Experts Release New Fleet Transition Planning Resource

CALSTART's Electric School Bus Network team has released the Fleet Transition Plan Component Compendium, a new resource designed to support fleet electrification planning for school districts and fleet electrification stakeholders. This resource outlines the 10 most-common elements of fleet transition plans for school bus fleets, providing a framework to inform planning and implementation efforts.

Access the compendium to align your approach or share directly with school districts.

Discover tools, insights, and resources for Massachusetts businesses.

CALSTART Statement on CAFE Rollbacks

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration introduced a proposal to substantially reduce the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, a program established by Congress in 1975 to incentivize more efficient vehicles. If finalized, the newly proposed standards would lower the baseline efficiency requirements through the end of this decade to levels achieved years ago.

In response to this breaking news, CALSTART Federal Policy Director Levi Kamolnick issued the following statement:

"This proposed change to the CAFE program would pave the way for a future dominated by more fuel-intensive vehicles. CAFE standards have saved an estimated $5 trillion in fuel costs for American consumers and served to help spur innovation and technology. Further improvements are possible and needed since transportation is still the second highest expense for a typical American household, and higher fuel expenses increase costs for businesses."

Read the full statement here.

⚡🚛 On December 3rd, Mass Fleet Advisor hosted an informative session with Massachusetts Business Network (MBN), an educational and community-based platform that provides resources, a business directory, and networking opportunities for organizations and professionals across Massachusetts.

Mass Fleet Advisor, a free program helping fleets across the Commonwealth plan and implement their transition to electric vehicles, discussed how businesses can assess whether electrification is right for them, what funding opportunities like MOR-EV Trucks can mean for their bottom line, and how to map out a long-term plan that saves money while supporting a cleaner Massachusetts.

This webinar replay video explores the tools, insights, and resources that Massachusetts businesses need in order toto think ahead and take full advantage of the financial and environmental benefits of going electric.

Watch the Webinar Replay

New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program Webinar Replay

⚡🚛 NYTVIP recently held two informative webinars on scrappage requirements and utility engagement, and the recordings are available to support zero-emission vehicle planning, ensuring fleets and manufacturers make the most of the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program (NYTVIP). With funding still available for Class 8 vehicles and non-road equipment through the NYSERDA Truck Voucher Incentive Program, fleets and manufacturers are encouraged to apply while funds remain.

Questions about NYTVIP and existing applications should be directed to [email protected]

Watch Engaging Your Utility Webinar Replay

Watch Scrappage-101 Webinar Replay

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