Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT), a coalition dedicated to promoting the rapid deployment of infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), has partnered with the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), the trade association for U.S. investor-owned electric companies. The two organizations have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing their shared goal of building and scaling the electric infrastructure necessary to support the widespread use of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs).
Under the MOU, PACT and EEI will focus on initiatives that align with the National Zero-Emission Freight Corridor Strategy. They will work together to ensure the energy grid is prepared to handle the demands of electric MHDVs, helping truck manufacturers and fleet operators comply with federal and state ZEV regulations. The organizations will also collaborate on developing best practices for predicting where and when electric charging loads will arise, streamlining utility processes to ensure timely energization, and supporting state and local policies that reduce the cost and time required to install charging infrastructure.
“PACT’s partnership with the Edison Electric Institute is a critical step toward realizing the benefits of a zero-emission future for commercial vehicles,” said Aravind Kailas, Advanced Technology Policy Director at Volvo Group North America and a founding member of PACT. “Collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, truck fleets, charging developers, and electric companies is essential for an affordable transition to electric trucking.”
Phil Dion, EEI’s Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that medium- and heavy-duty fleets represent a new customer base for electric companies. “By working with PACT, we can integrate these fleets into the energy grid in a cost-effective and efficient way. Together, we are confident we can accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the commercial sector and prepare the grid for the future of transportation.”
This partnership is part of broader efforts to advance the adoption of electric commercial vehicles. In addition to working with EEI, PACT is collaborating with other organizations, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), to push for policies that will facilitate the expansion of the electric grid across several states.
“This is an issue where NRDC, utilities, vehicle manufacturers, and charging developers are all on the same page,” said Max Baumhefner, Director of EV Infrastructure at NRDC. “We are pleased to see these groups come together to build the infrastructure needed to meet our clean air goals.