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In the commercial and private fleet market, electric vehicles have often been viewed as higher-cost investments made primarily to reduce emissions or meet sustainability goals. In the light-duty segment, however, EVs already offer a strong business case, and medium- and heavy-duty applications are increasingly demonstrating a positive return on investment as well. Whether your business relies on simple light pickup trucks, vans, SUVs, sedans, or even medium and heavy-duty trucks to deliver your services, the electric vehicle market has become an attractive option for fleet operators to not only reduce emissions but also generate meaningful financial benefits.

At the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), we know that lasting change only occurs when clean technologies succeed not just environmentally, but commercially. Our newly released 2025 Impact Report reflects our adaptive approach in a complex policy landscape and highlights our dedication to advancing zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty transportation.

Montebello Bus Lines (MBL) is taking a major step toward a cleaner, more connected future with the introduction of its first hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs). These advanced technology vehicles mark the beginning of MBL’s long-term plan to convert its entire 66-bus fleet to zero-emission technologies—delivering cleaner air, quieter streets, and more reliable transit to the communities MBL serves.

Representatives from 45 public transit fleets gather to discuss zero-emission technology, workforce readiness, safety, and fleet operations

Federal policy may seem removed from day-to-day operations, but the rules being written today can influence everything from how grants are managed to how buses are tested and how transit service is evaluated for years to come. This summer, several significant federal proposals are open for public comment, giving transportation stakeholders an opportunity to help shape those outcomes. CTE encourages all stakeholders across the transportation industry to carefully review the federal register notices for these proposed rule changes, and to weigh in with comments where appropriate.

Until recently, the operating demands of agriculture and mining left few practical alternatives to diesel-fueled equipment. Today, advances in battery and hydrogen technologies are beginning to change that equation. As a result, operators are increasingly evaluating zero-emission equipment that can reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and reliability. While adoption timelines vary by application, the market has shifted from demonstration to early commercialization.

Seven innovative zero-emission suppliers and 22 transit agencies from across the country gathered in Urbana, Illinois June 3 and 4 to discuss one of the biggest topics in the transit industry today: Hydrogen for the Long Haul. Organized by the Zero Emission Bus Resource Alliance (ZEBRA) in collaboration with the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Council (HFCBC) and Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (CUMTD), this intimate event was the setting for innovative, collaborative conversations over two days of information sharing. Attendees learned and shared insights about overcoming challenges and scaling opportunities for fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs).

CTE is celebrating the successful adoption of Amendment #67 to the BUILD 250 Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, a bipartisan, five-year transportation package that invests in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs.

The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is celebrating the successful adoption of Amendment #099 to HR 8748, the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026. This amendment, authorizing the Transit Vehicle Innovation and Deployment Centers (TVIDC) Program, will have tangible, positive impacts on transit agencies across the country. CTE thanks Representative Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon for her introduction of the measure, and Science and Technology Committee Chair Babin and Ranking Member Lofgren for their support of the amendment’s passage. CTE looks forward to continued partnership with congressional leaders as the bill advances to the House floor.

As transit agencies across the country work to modernize fleets and reduce emissions, Valley Regional Transit (VRT) is continuing to build momentum in Boise, Idaho. Through a successful award under the Federal Transit Administration’s 2022 Low or No Emission Vehicle Program (Low-No), VRT partnered with the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), Jacobs, and Heliox to deploy seven new 35-foot GILLIG battery electric buses (BEBs) and the charging infrastructure necessary to support them.