Transition to Zero

The episode of Transition to Zero podcast features an insightful conversation between host Jared Schnader and Dan Raudebaugh, CEO of CTE Center for Transportation and the Environment. Raudebaugh shares his extensive experience in the field, spanning nearly 30 years, and delves into the mission and work of CTE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing clean transportation technologies.

**Key Points:**

- **Introduction to CTE:** Raudebaugh provides a brief history of CTE, outlining its inception and evolution over the years. Founded around 30 years ago, CTE initially focused on managing projects related to electric and hybrid electric vehicles, primarily through partnerships with organizations like DARPA.

- **CTE's Initiatives:** Raudebaugh discusses CTE's multifaceted approach to advancing clean transportation. He highlights three core areas of focus: prototype vehicle development and demonstration, smart deployment practices, and fleet transition planning.

- **Prototype Vehicle Development:** CTE has a track record of successfully building and demonstrating prototype vehicles, including the first hybrid electric Humvee and Bluebird's first battery electric school bus. Raudebaugh emphasizes the importance of nonprofits like CTE in managing projects and funding to support technology providers.

- **Smart Deployment Practices:** Raudebaugh explains CTE's innovative approach of working with end-users to deploy vehicles, utilizing modeling software to optimize routes and charging infrastructure for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

- **Fleet Transition Planning:** CTE assists operators in creating strategic plans to transition their entire fleets to zero emissions, utilizing modeling software to analyze routes and recommend the best options, whether battery electric or fuel cell.

- **Policy Work and Vision:** Beyond project implementation, CTE engages in policy advocacy at both federal and state levels, aiming to facilitate the transition to zero emission transportation. Raudebaugh emphasizes CTE's vision of a carbon-free transportation system in the US and the organization's commitment to working towards this goal.

- **Technology Transition in Transit:** Schnader and Raudebaugh discuss the evolution of clean transportation technologies, particularly in transit. They highlight the role of transit agencies as technology incubators and emphasize the significance of transit in reducing emissions and congestion in urban areas.

- **Challenges and Future Outlook:** Raudebaugh acknowledges the challenges in transitioning to zero emission transportation, particularly in terms of technology readiness and infrastructure development. He shares his optimism for the future, targeting 2050 as a feasible timeline for achieving widespread adoption of zero emission vehicles in the transit sector.

**Closing Thoughts:**

The conversation between Schnader and Raudebaugh provides valuable insights into the efforts and challenges associated with transitioning to zero emission transportation. Raudebaugh's expertise and passion for clean transportation underscore the importance of collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations like CTE in driving sustainable change.

Show Notes: Transitioning Transit Fleets to Zero Emissions

John Havrilla from Wendel, an architectural andengineering firm with an area of focus on facilities upgrades, discusses various aspects of transitioning transit fleets to alternative fuels, focusing on the challenges and solutions encountered in the process.

There was a discussion around first responder training and battery fires. Wendel created a white paper to discuss battery safety that can be found here: https://wendelcompanies.com/indoor-battery-electric-bus-charging/

Working closely with utilities is essential, John explains, as they play a significant role beyond providing power for electric vehicles (EVs). Collaborating on rate structures, managing demand charges, and structuring cost-effective plans for transit clients are key areas of focus. Phasing and transition plans are crucial to optimize utility benefits and accommodate evolving needs over time.

Space constraints pose significant challenges during the transition. John highlights the example of an older facility in Stanford, where structural modifications were necessary to accommodate new equipment for EV charging. Creative solutions, such as innovative placement of charging equipment, are employed to overcome these limitations while ensuring efficient operations.

When planning new facilities, flexibility in design is paramount to accommodate future transitions to alternative fuels. Factors such as reliable power access, site planning for power infrastructure, and potential space reservations for future fueling needs must be considered. The evolving requirements for parts storage and maintenance facilities are also addressed, particularly in the context of transitioning from diesel to electric buses.

Inductive charging technology presents both challenges and potential benefits for zero-emission fleets. While its wireless capabilities are appealing, challenges such as limited suppliers, proprietary equipment, and the absence of standardized approaches must be overcome. Bus manufacturers are hesitant to adopt inductive charging without a uniform standard, highlighting the need for collaboration to establish reliable standards in the industry.

**Introduction** In this episode, Jared Schnader and John Havrilla discuss the complexities of transitioning transit fleets to zero emissions. John Havrilla, an expert in architectural and engineering solutions for transit facilities, provides valuable insights into the challenges and considerations involved in this transition.

**Working with Utilities (21:07.658)** John emphasizes the crucial role of utilities beyond providing power for vehicles. He discusses how collaboration with utilities involves discussions on rate structures, demand charges, and structuring plans for transit clients to ensure economic viability. John highlights the importance of understanding the utility grid's reliability and working hand in hand with utilities to develop transition plans.

**Addressing Space Constraints (24:12.375)** Space constraints pose significant challenges in retrofitting existing facilities for zero-emission fleets. John shares an example of the Stanford garage of CT Transit, where innovative solutions were implemented to accommodate charging equipment and structural modifications. He discusses the importance of creative space utilization and the challenges of placing charging equipment while considering distance limitations.

**Comparing Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Planning (26:34.953)** John contrasts the facility requirements for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. He highlights the critical differences in ventilation, detection systems, and fueling infrastructure. John emphasizes the challenges of ensuring safety and compliance with evolving codes, especially for hydrogen fueling facilities.

**Planning for Future Flexibility (32:20.775)** In planning new transit facilities, John advises considering future fleet transitions and technological advancements. He emphasizes the importance of assessing power availability, reliability, and space allocation for potential alternative fuels. John discusses the need for flexibility in facility design to accommodate evolving fleet technologies and changing operational needs.

**Conclusion** The discussion with John Havrilla sheds light on the multifaceted considerations involved in transitioning transit fleets to zero emissions. From collaboration with utilities to innovative space utilization and future-proof facility planning, the conversation underscores the complex challenges and opportunities in this transition journey.

**Inductive Charging Considerations (38:48.203)** John expresses interest in inductive charging technology as a potential solution for zero-emission fleets. He highlights the challenges associated with inductive charging, including limited suppliers, proprietary equipment, and the absence of a uniform standard. Despite the appeal of inductive charging for its wireless capabilities, John notes the reluctance of bus manufacturers to adopt it without a standardized approach. He underscores the need for collaboration among transit agencies, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to establish a reliable standard for inductive charging, which could unlock its potential as a viable option for future fleet electrification.

In the season finale of Transition to Zero, host Jared Schnader reflects on the inaugural season, sharing insights on the inspiration behind the podcast, unexpected challenges, and the most impactful conversations. Jared discusses how the role of policies, legislation, and technological advances shape the future of zero-emission transit. He also highlights personal favorites and key learnings from discussions about workforce development and the role of DOTs in advancing zero-emission transportation.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the development of this podcast, emphasizing the importance of our first season's guests and tackling complex topics throughout the process. As the season wraps up, Jared shares his vision for the podcast's future and his takeaways about the evolution and potential of zero-emission transportation. Join us for a finale that sets the stage for an exciting next season!

Visit https://transitpodcast.org/ for more information.

Welcome to Transition to Zero, the definitive series bringing you into the facets of integrating innovative and emerging technologies into your fleet systems, brought to you in partnership with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and non-profit technical consultancy CALSTART.

In this seven-part series, host Jared Schnader and the special guests presenting at the CTAA webinars are navigating through the intricacies of Fleet Transition Plans (FTPs), the crucial roadmaps that aid organizations in construction, funding, and upgrades while adopting low- or zero-emission technologies.

🎙 Part 6: Empowering the Workforce for the Future of Electrification

Part six of the series will focus on workforce development initiatives essential for a smooth and successful transition to electrification. Jared is joined by James Hall, the Principal and Founder of ZEB Tech, a workforce development consultancy focused on guiding transit agencies and partners through their transition to a zero-emission fleet. In this episode, they identify the resources transit agencies can use to ensure efficient training and preparation for maintenance and operations teams. James, an experienced representative in workforce development training for the industry, will share valuable insights into the best practices for developing a skilled and knowledgeable team ready to transition to an electric fleet. Tune in to learn how to leverage these resources for your workforce effectively.

📚 Series Overview: This enlightening series is conceived with a vision to empower you with a comprehensive understanding and confidence to utilize FTPs effectively, irrespective of whether your transition is imminent in five years or projected in 50 years. The series elucidates each element of the FTP, providing listeners with nuanced discussions and unfiltered insights into each topic.

🌟 Special Features: Immersive, special episodes with detailed discussions surrounding the CTAA member-exclusive webinar series

Unfiltered conversations with industry experts about the intricacies of FTPs and the elements they are composed of

🎯 Objective: Transition to Zero is tailored to guide you through the dynamic realms of technological advancements and evolving policies, ensuring you're well-equipped to make informed decisions and progress your fleet with assurance.

🌐 Listen & Subscribe: Tune in to Transition to Zero and subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes available on your preferred podcast platform.

Transition to Zero Podcast

CALSTART

The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)

Scott Bogren, Executive Director at CTAA

Welcome to Transition to Zero, the definitive series bringing you into the facets of integrating innovative and emerging technologies into your fleet systems, brought to you in partnership with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and non-profit technical consultancy CALSTART.

In this 7-part series, host Jared Schnader and the special guests presenting at the CTAA webinars are navigating through the intricacies of Fleet Transition Plans (FTPs), the crucial roadmaps that aid organizations in construction, funding, and upgrades while adopting low- or zero-emission technologies.

🎙 Part 5: Utility Partnerships and Facility Planning

In Part Five, we discuss applying the data from route modeling, load profiling, and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) to develop your FTPs. This episode's special guest, Lynn Felcyn from DTE Energy, will provide insights into the essentials of utility interaction. This episode will address common questions and challenges transit agencies face, such as initiating contact with utilities and engaging effectively with the right team members. You will learn the best practices for reaching out to your utility, understanding who to contact, and how to foster a partnership with them.

📚 Series Overview: This enlightening series is conceived with a vision to empower you with a comprehensive understanding and confidence to utilize FTPs effectively, irrespective of whether your transition is imminent in 5 years or projected in 50 years. The series elucidates each element of the FTP, providing listeners with nuanced discussions and unfiltered insights into each topic.

🌟 Special Features: Immersive, special episodes with detailed discussions surrounding the CTAA member-exclusive webinar series

Unfiltered conversations with industry experts about the intricacies of FTPs

🎯 Objective: Transition to Zero is tailored to guide you through the dynamic realms of technological advancements and evolving policies, ensuring you're well-equipped to make informed decisions and progress your fleet with assurance.

🌐 Listen & Subscribe: Tune in to Transition to Zero and subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes available on your preferred podcast platform.

Transition to Zero Podcast

CALSTART

The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)

Scott Bogren, Executive Director at CTAA

Welcome to Transition to Zero, the definitive series bringing you into the facets of integrating innovative and emerging technologies into your fleet systems, brought to you in partnership with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and non-profit technical consultancy CALSTART.

In this 7-part series, host Jared Schnader and the special guests presenting at the CTAA webinars are navigating through the intricacies of Fleet Transition Plans (FTPs), the crucial roadmaps that aid organizations in construction, funding, and upgrades while adopting low- or zero-emission technologies.

🎙 Part 4: Aligning Fleet Transition Plans with Policy

In Part Four, we explore the intersection of policy and FTPs with Pete Gould, Senior Vice President at Boundary Stone Partners, and Orville Thomas, CEO of the California Mobility Center. With policies playing a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of fleet transitions, being informed, engaged, and aligned is essential for every transit agency. Join CTAA, CALSTART, and Boundary Stone representatives as they discuss the influence of federal and state policies on fleet transitions. Part Four will guide transit agencies on effective policy engagement, emphasizing alignment with local, state, and federal policies, particularly for your Low or No Emission Vehicle Program applications. Learn how to align your agency's goals with current guidelines and engage with policymakers to advocate for successful transitions.

📚 Series Overview: This enlightening series is conceived with a vision to empower you with a comprehensive understanding and confidence to utilize FTPs effectively, irrespective of whether your transition is imminent in 5 years or projected in 50 years. The series elucidates each element of the FTP, providing listeners with nuanced discussions and unfiltered insights into each topic.

🌟 Special Features: Immersive, special episodes with detailed discussions surrounding the CTAA member-exclusive webinar series

Unfiltered conversations with industry experts about the intricacies of FTPs

🎯 Objective: Transition to Zero is tailored to guide you through the dynamic realms of technological advancements and evolving policies, ensuring you're well-equipped to make informed decisions and progress your fleet with assurance.

📣 Join the Conversation: Embark on this enlightening journey with us to gain the expertise and insight required to navigate your transition seamlessly. Engage in insightful discussions and deepen your understanding of how to meticulously plan and implement these cutting-edge technologies into your fleet system.

🌐 Listen & Subscribe: Tune in to Transition to Zero and subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes available on your preferred podcast platform.

Transition to Zero Podcast

CALSTART

The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)

Scott Bogren, Executive Director at CTAA

Welcome to Transition to Zero, the definitive series bringing you into the facets of integrating innovative and emerging technologies into your fleet systems, brought to you in partnership with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and non-profit technical consultancy CALSTART.

In this 7-part series, host Jared Schnader and the special guests presenting at the CTAA webinars are navigating through the intricacies of Fleet Transition Plans (FTPs), the crucial roadmaps that aid organizations in construction, funding, and upgrades while adopting low- or zero-emission technologies.

🎙 Part 3: Route Energy Modeling and Total Cost of Ownership As transit agencies manage the complexities of integrating different bus makes and models into specific transit corridors, route energy modeling (REM) emerges as an essential tool to navigate these challenges. In this episode, Brian Ballschmidt, Mike Hynes, and Aditya Kushwah from CALSTART discuss best practices and strategies for monitoring and evaluating operations while accounting for all the factors that make your fleet unique, such as climate, passenger load, charging station design, and hours of operations, among other factors. They also discuss the total cost of ownership (TCO) and how to present its implications to stakeholders.

📚 Series Overview: This enlightening series is conceived with a vision to empower you with a comprehensive understanding and confidence to utilize FTPs effectively, irrespective of whether your transition is imminent in 5 years or projected in 50 years. The series elucidates each element of the FTP, providing listeners with nuanced discussions and unfiltered insights into each topic.

🌟 Special Features: Immersive, special episodes with detailed discussions surrounding the CTAA member-exclusive webinar series

Unfiltered conversations with industry experts about the intricacies of FTPs

🎯 Objective: Transition to Zero is tailored to guide you through the dynamic realms of technological advancements and evolving policies, ensuring you're well-equipped to make informed decisions and progress your fleet with assurance.

📣 Join the Conversation: Embark on this enlightening journey with us to gain the expertise and insight required to navigate your transition seamlessly. Engage in insightful discussions and deepen your understanding of how to meticulously plan and implement these cutting-edge technologies into your fleet system.

🌐 Listen & Subscribe: Tune in to Transition to Zero and subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes available on your preferred podcast platform.

Transition to Zero Podcast

CALSTART

The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)

Scott Bogren, Executive Director at CTAA

Welcome to Transition to Zero, the definitive series bringing you into the facets of integrating innovative and emerging technologies into your fleet systems, brought to you in association with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and the eminent non-profit technical consultancy, CALSTART.

In this 7-part series, host Jared Schnader and the special guests presenting at the CTAA webinars are navigating through the intricacies of Fleet Transition Plans (FTPs), the crucial roadmaps that aid organizations in construction, funding, and upgrades while adopting low or zero-emission technologies.

🎙 Part 2: Fleet Intake Forms In Part 2, we are discussing a crucial component of the Fleet Transition Plan: the intake form. Learn the substantive impacts of each input field with the guidance of this episode's guest, Mike Hynes from CALSTART. CALSTART and CTAA are discussing the relevance and importance of every input on the intake form, correlating it directly with the integrity of your transition plan.

📚 Series Overview: This enlightening series is conceived with a vision to empower you with a comprehensive understanding and confidence to utilize FTPs effectively, irrespective of whether your transition is imminent in 5 years or projected in 50 years. The series elucidates each element of the FTP, providing listeners with nuanced discussions and unfiltered insights into each topic.

🌟 Special Features: Immersive, special episodes with detailed discussions surrounding the CTAA member-exclusive webinar series

Unfiltered conversations with industry experts about the intricacies of FTPs

🎯 Objective: Transition to Zero is tailored to guide you through the dynamic realms of technological advancements and evolving policies, ensuring you're well-equipped to make informed decisions and progress your fleet with assurance.

📣 Join the Conversation: Embark on this enlightening journey with us to gain the expertise and insight required to navigate your transition seamlessly. Engage in insightful discussions and deepen your understanding of how to meticulously plan and implement these cutting-edge technologies into your fleet system.

🌐 Listen & Subscribe: Tune in to Transition to Zero and subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes available on your preferred podcast platform.

Transition to Zero Podcast

CALSTART

The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)

Scott Bogren, Executive Director at CTAA

Welcome to Transition to Zero, the definitive series bringing you into the facets of integrating innovative and emerging technologies into your fleet systems, brought to you in association with the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) and the eminent non-profit technical consultancy, CALSTART.

In this 7-part series, host Jared Schnader and the special guests presenting at the CTAA webinars are navigating through the intricacies of Fleet Transition Plans (FTPs), the crucial roadmaps that aid organizations in construction, funding, and upgrades while adopting low or zero-emission technologies.

🎙 Part 1: Mastering the Blueprint In Part 1, we unfold a high-level overview of what entails an FTP and its imperative nature in today's evolving technological and political landscapes alongside special guests Mike Hynes and Maureen Marshall from CALSTART. Join us as we dissect the relevance of stakeholder engagement, explore the multifaceted utilities of the plan, and discern how having this plan in place can unlock more funding and support.

📚 Series Overview: This enlightening series is conceived with a vision to empower you with a comprehensive understanding and confidence to utilize FTPs effectively, irrespective of whether your transition is imminent in 5 years or projected in 50 years. The series elucidates each element of the FTP, providing listeners with nuanced discussions and unfiltered insights into each topic.

🌟 Special Features: Immersive, special episodes with detailed discussions surrounding the CTAA member-exclusive webinar series

Unfiltered conversations with industry experts about the intricacies of FTPs

🎯 Objective: Transition to Zero is tailored to guide you through the dynamic realms of technological advancements and evolving policies, ensuring you're well-equipped to make informed decisions and progress your fleet with assurance.

📣 Join the Conversation: Embark on this enlightening journey with us to gain the expertise and insight required to navigate your transition seamlessly. Engage in insightful discussions and deepen your understanding of how to meticulously plan and implement these cutting-edge technologies into your fleet system.

🌐 Listen & Subscribe: Tune in to Transition to Zero and subscribe to stay updated on the latest episodes available on your preferred podcast platform.

Transition to Zero Podcast

CALSTART

The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA)

Scott Bogren, Executive Director at CTAA

In this episode of Transition to Zero, hosted by Jared Schnader, Duncan Woodbury discusses the intersection of cyber security and transit infrastructure, highlighting vulnerabilities and shedding light on the steps to mitigate them. Duncan is the CEO and President of Liberas, a cyber-security firm specifically honed in on utilities and their essential connection points.

Key Points:

1. Unmasking Threats in Transit: Understand how cyber threats are not just limited to large organizations but also exist within our daily transit systems.

2. Types of Attacks: What kind of cyber attacks can be executed on transit elements like buses? How does charging infrastructure become a potential target, and what does it mean for the overarching electrical grid?

3. Critical Vulnerabilities: Explore the potential interruptions to charging sequences, risks of data siphoning, and the gravity of gaining unauthorized access to pivotal infrastructure components.

4. The Art of Aversion: With knowledge comes the power to prevent. Duncan shares insights on common failure points in cyber security and presents methodologies to ward off potential threats.

5. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders: A particularly enlightening segment for utilities, transit agencies, and OEMs to understand and adapt to the current cyber landscape in transit.

As the world transitions towards more integrated and technologically advanced transit systems, understanding and thwarting cyber threats becomes paramount. This episode with Duncan Woodbury gives listeners a masterclass in cyber security within the realm of transit, making it a must-listen for everyone involved in the domain.