This year is shaping up to be a game-changer for clean transportation. Across North America, electric vehicle adoption is increasing like never before with record sales reports. Natural gas infrastructure for heavy-duty trucking continues to rapidly expand, with fleets regularly deploying NGVs from coast to coast. Also, propane autogas is gaining traction, with sales of LPG-fueled vehicles doubling in 2013 and expected to continue this year; hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are emerging as an increasingly viable option, with several major OEMs debuting fuel cell models over the next few years; and biofuels are benefiting from technology gains and evolved policies.
With so many practical alternative fuel options on the market, the stage is set for the 2014 Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, North America’s largest clean fleet expo. Taking place May 5-8 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California, the conference will showcase the latest advanced technology solutions for all weight classes and alternative fuels, including electric, hybrid, hydrogen, natural gas, propane autogas, and renewables.
The 2014 ACT Expo program was crafted with input from high-volume fleets, including Frito-Lay, the City of Los Angeles, GE Capital, Penske, UPS, Coca-Cola, Ryder System, and many others, as well as a U.S. Dept. of Energy Clean Cities committee and alternative fuel industry associations. Here are a few highlights of the four-day event:
- Fleet-focused agenda. Leading public and private fleets will share how their companies reduced fuel costs and emissions through clean transportation initiatives, as well as provide insight on the total cost of AFV ownership. Breakout sessions will highlight the wide range of options for fueling, engines, efficiency improvements, and much more.
- Our biggest expo hall ever. Transportation industry leaders will take over the Long Beach Convention Center, solidifying ACT Expo 2014 as the largest clean transportation event in North America’s history. With more than 175 sponsors and exhibitors, the expo hall will showcase AFVs and engines for all weight classes; EVs, HEVs and PHEVs, LNG, CNG, and LPG engine conversion companies; vehicle charging and refueling technology; and equipment and station providers.
- Hands-on ride & drive. Attendees will be able to test-drive dozens of AFVs for all applications. Representatives will be on hand to discuss vehicle specs, helping fleet managers avoid trips to multiple OEM dealerships or technology/fuel specific shows.
- Educational technical tours. Southern California is home to many of the largest and most successful AFV and clean infrastructure projects in the world. Attendees can participate in guided off-site technical tours to receive real-time demonstrations and experience fully functioning facilities that utilize alternative fuels every day.
- Co-located industry events. ACT Expo will be co-located with several industry events, including the NGV Global 2014 conference and exhibition, the Propane Education and Research Council Summit, the California Hydrogen Business Council Spring Summit, and a Trucking Efficiency workshop organized by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency and Carbon War Room.
With more than 3,500 stakeholders expected to convene in Long Beach—fleets, technology companies, OEMs, infrastructure developers, fuel providers, and policy makers—ACT Expo 2014 provides the perfect opportunity for fleet managers to make the connections necessary for alternative fuel project implementation. Bottom line: If you are considering alternative fuels, this is the one show you need to be at.
Erik Neandross is CEO of Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA), the clean transportation and energy consulting firm that organizes the Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Learn more at www.gladstein.org and www.actexpo.com.
