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.

Transit agencies across California are planning for and implementing zero-emission bus (ZEB) deployments in response to regulatory requirements, climate goals, and changing operational needs. While ZEB technologies offer significant environmental and public health benefits, they also come with new planning, procurement, infrastructure, and operational considerations that differ from conventional bus deployments. A successful transition and deployment begin with an understanding of ZEB technology and its impact on operations, as well as early coordination across agency stakeholders.

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.

Autonomous technologies are rapidly evolving and poised to reshape transportation across every sector. From self-driving freight and ground support equipment to micro-transit and agricultural machinery, automation is already taking root in a wide range of operational environments. This growth presents opportunities for safer, more efficient, and lower-emission operations—but also brings complex challenges, including integrating advanced systems, navigating evolving regulations, and adapting fleet operations and infrastructure.

The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) has been partnering with the University of Michigan to support the deployment and operation of its electric bus fleet, providing expertise that ensures both high performance and long-term sustainability. Through ongoing Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reporting, CTE monitors the reliability, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency of the university’s New Flyer battery electric buses (BEBs) and Siemens depot chargers.

While America’s coasts frequently command the narrative around zero-emission vehicles, the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation (CityBus), a transit agency in Lafayette, Indiana, is quietly advancing the first hydrogen bus deployment in Indiana.

Transfort, the public transportation provider for the City of Fort Collins, Colorado, has reduced fuel and maintenance costs per vehicle mile for its battery electric buses (BEBs) by 50 percent, driven primarily by fuel savings and more effective charge management. The results demonstrate how zero-emission transit can deliver both environmental and economic benefits when paired with careful operational planning.

Universities across the country are embracing the call to reduce emissions, respond to student and faculty demand for more sustainable campuses, and enhance the overall campus experience. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by transitioning campus fleets to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), thus creating cleaner, quieter, and more resilient transportation on campus.