Calstart, a global clean transportation nonprofit, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection recently announced the creation of the New Jersey Fleet Advisor Program, a free technical assistance program that helps medium- and heavy-duty fleets plan for electrification. During its first round, the program will provide free technical assistance to 15 New Jersey fleets interested in learning how to transition to zero-emission vehicles.
A key objective of this program is to help small fleets overcome challenges to electrification, such as bridging knowledge gaps about ZEVs; evaluating charging needs; securing incentives; and engaging with utilities, manufacturers, and permitting authorities. The program aims to promote ZEV adoption and attain state climate and health goals by working directly with fleets.
“Calstart is thrilled to partner with NJDEP to bring personalized fleet assistance to small fleets in New Jersey,” Jennifer Kritzler, regional deputy director, Northeast, Calstart, said. “We truly believe that working one-on-one is the best way to meet fleets’ needs as they begin to think about what the zero-emission vehicle transition means for them.”
See also: Paving a new path: A road map for EV fleet adoption
As the lead consultant for New Jersey Fleet Advisor, Calstart will oversee fleet recruitment, selection, and development of the Fleet Electrification Roadmaps, similar to Mass Fleet Advisor. The personalized Fleet Electrification Roadmap will include:
- ZEV recommendations based on current fleet vehicles’ duty cycles
- Total cost of vehicle ownership projections and an onsite assessment that evaluates capacity for chargers and infrastructure upgrades
- Funding and incentive opportunities with descriptions and application instructions
- A zero-emission transition guide to understanding these types of vehicles
New Jersey Fleet Advisor is open to private, nonprofit, and public fleets that are registered and operate in New Jersey. They must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Medium- or heavy-duty vehicles (gross vehicle weight rating over 6,000 lb.)
- 20 or fewer vehicles in the fleet
- Typically own or lease vehicles for a minimum of 36 months
Priority will be given to fleets in overburdened communities.
