The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) was named as a qualified provider of zero-emission bus technical assistance through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)’s partnership with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office).

The Joint Office is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), it aims to create a $7.5 billion national electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

Focusing on key corridors and underserved areas, the initiative seeks to bridge gaps in rural and disadvantaged communities, promoting widespread EV adoption.

Collaborating to Provide ZEB Tech Assistance

Collaboration between the Joint Office and organizations, such as NREL, CTE, and others, will allow states, municipalities, and fleet owners to access research capabilities, modeling expertise, and experience in training and community outreach.

As a key technical assistance provider through the Joint Office, CTE will support the preparation of transition plans for transit agencies and school districts looking to add electric buses and shuttles to their fleets. CTE will help public fleet decision-makers identify barriers, resolve challenges, and better understand the technical opportunities of electric buses in their communities.

CTE’s Responsibilities

Specific tasks CTE will provide include creating resources for understanding utility engagement, outlining best practices for EV infrastructure acquisition and siting, and providing assistance for station design.

CTE will also facilitate meetings between localities and utilities to address common issues like grid interconnection and rate structures, fostering collaboration for innovative charging solutions.

“CTE’s experience providing technical assistance to support battery-electric and fuel-cell electric bus deployments is unmatched in the industry. We are excited for this opportunity to partner with NREL and the Joint Office to support bus fleets across the country as they embark upon the journey to zero emissions,” said CTE Executive Director Dan Raudebaugh.

For data sets, tools, and resources to deploy zero-emission, convenient, accessible, and equitable transportation infrastructure, click here.

driveelectric.gov/technical-assistance.