Speakers:

• John Kresse, Chief Technology Engineer - Cummins
• Lincoln Wood, Clean Transportation Manager – Southern Company, Board Chair - Clean Cities Georgia
• Ryan Kocher, Director of Engineering for Sustainability & Powertrain – Knight Transportation
• Ben Sharpe, Senior Researcher & Policy Expert - Atlas Public Policy
• Chris Bennett, Vice President of EV, Energy, and Sustainability - Lazer Logistics
• Wade Seaburg, Chief Commercial Officer - Dragonfly Energy

Goal: This panel brings together thought leaders from OEMs, utilities, policy organizations, and private fleets to discuss practical approaches to navigating the current landscape while advancing technology adoption. This event will capture real-world perspectives from across the freight ecosystem, identify priority research areas for FLEET’s future funding rounds, and foster dialogue between industry, academia, and policy leaders to shape a coherent pathway forward.

Who should attend: This event is ideal for fleet operators, OEMs, utilities, policymakers, researchers, students, and industry partners seeking to shape and study the future of commercial vehicle electrification.

Value: Join industry leaders, fleets, utilities, and policy experts to explore the roadblocks and opportunities shaping commercial vehicle electrification. Gain actionable insights, help define key research priorities, and contribute to a white paper that will guide future innovation and collaboration.

Cost to attend: free with registration

Registration Link: www.fleetcenter.org

Description:
This interactive panel brings together leaders from fleets, OEMs, utilities, battery technology companies, and policy organizations to explore how the commercial vehicle sector can navigate rapid regulatory, technological, and market shifts.

The discussion will focus on:

• Session 1 – Barriers to Electrification: Identifying key operational, technical, and regulatory challenges.
• Session 2 – Policy and Infrastructure: Understanding how tariffs, incentives, and infrastructure shape adoption.
• Session 3 – Pathways to Scale: Exploring hybrid solutions, transition technologies, and deployment strategies.
• Session 4 – Research Priorities and Audience Input: Capturing insights and research needs to shape future innovation.

Audience polling and live Q&A will be integrated throughout to make this a highly interactive and impactful session. A post-event white paper will synthesize key insights to guide research and industry collaboration.