Gladstein, Neandross, and Associates (GNA) and the University of California at Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering – Center for Environmental Research and Technology (CE-CERT) announced the launch of the Low and Zero Emission Readiness (LAZER) Initiative. The new collaboration will support organizations — including transit agencies, refuse operations, trucking carriers, delivery fleets, school districts, municipalities, and more — in evaluating the real-world economic and environmental benefits of advanced transportation technologies.

Across the nation, commercial fleets are increasingly turning to new advanced vehicle technologies and alternative fuels to reduce costs and emissions. The development and use of battery-electric, hydrogen fuel-cell, natural gas, propane, renewable fuels, autonomous, and connected technologies continues to expand at an accelerated pace. 

With an ever-increasing number of technology and fuel choices in the market, the LAZER Initiative will help the commercial fleet operators and their suppliers to validate the economic, environmental, and operational impacts of these advanced technology platforms and alternative-fuel powertrains on a full lifecycle basis.  Confirming an equivalent or lower total cost of ownership, combined with proven environmental benefits, will assist not only end-users and suppliers, but policymakers and other industry stakeholders alike.

GNA and CE-CERT have a long history of working together on projects for a range of leading public and private organizations, including several active projects on behalf of the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Port of Long Beach.

GNA and CE-CERT announced the LAZER Initiative at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, which is taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California this week.