Arizona Electric Fleet Day 2024 was held at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona on April 3rd. This annual event is intended to support fleet operators and managers of all sizes and sectors by connecting them with information and resources for their fleet electrification questions and needs. The event programming included panels on fleet transition planning, fleet management, an overview of government and utility grants and incentives, as well as emerging trends and opportunities. Event programming was intended to provide fleet owners and influencers with answers to their most anticipated questions and connect them with other stakeholders in the region. There was also an exposition of viable electrification solutions for a B2B/B2G audience, intended to connect planners of capital allocation with expert guidance and solutions.
The event had approximately 210 attendees representing 128 organizations and 30 cities and towns including the Cities of Tucson, Avondale, Phoenix, Sedona, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, Glendale, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Flagstaff, Oro Valley, Peoria, Buckeye, Tolleson, Chandler, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Payson, Chandler, Flagstaff, Litchfield Park, Surprise, Carefree, Goodyear, Nogales, Marana, Cottonwood, Fountain Hills, Wickenburg, Superior. Also in attendance were a variety of exhibitors including Nikola, Tesla, Iron City Polaris, SRP/ICF, ZEVX, APS, Drive Electric Arizona, WattEV, Evolved EV, Elgin Sweeper Company, Santan Ford, RWC Group, Lucid Motors, Positive Energy and Blink.
In addition to a variety of attendees there were a variety of electric vehicles (EVs) on display including an electric fire truck, school bus, class 8 heavy duty vehicle, Tesla Cybertruck, Lucid Air, Rivian, Ford F-150 Lightning and Eco Transit, electric sprinter vans, e-bikes, a Kenworth truck and more.
We had the honor of hosting esteemed guests including Jennifer Toth, Director of the Arizona Department of Transportation, Diane Brown, Executive Director of Arizona Public Interest Research Group, and Mayor John Giles of Mesa, who participated remotely. Director Toth inaugurated the event with insightful remarks on the regional impact of transportation electrification. Executive Director Brown highlighted the wide-ranging benefits of transportation electrification for the people of Arizona, while Mayor Giles elaborated on the abundant opportunities for electric vehicles in the state.
The informational panels provided attendees with crucial information for their fleet electrification planning. Panel one was focused on the process of transition planning, common mistakes, and misconceptions, and how to work with local utilities and other partners to conduct fleet and charging infrastructure assessments. This panel moderated by JoAnne Golden, Sr. Vice President at GNA, was comprised of representatives from SRP, APS, TEP, City of Flagstaff, and Republic Services.
Panel two provided insights from organizations who have started their fleet electrification transition to answer the audience’s burning questions about charging planning and optimization, infrastructure siting and driver adoption. This panel consisted of representatives from City of Mesa, SRP, Southern Glazers, Phoenix School District, Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, and was moderated by Karen Apple, EAV Program Manager at City of Phoenix.
Last but certainly not least was panel three, a panel comprised of experts providing their outlook of what is on the horizon in the next three years and how people should consider integrating these developments into their planning. This panel included representatives from Nikola Motors, WattEV, Waymo, NXU Inc. and GNA.
The event also received press coverage from the Daily Independent, Mesa Tribune and AZFamily 3TV/CBS 5.
Arizona Electric Fleet Day 2024 effectively connected fleet operators and managers with essential resources and strategies for transitioning to electric fleets. The panels, exhibitors, and special guests offered attendees valuable insights and information. Given the increasing shift toward electric fleets, events like this play a vital role in ensuring that fleet operators and managers remain informed and connected to the latest advancements, resources, and solutions in fleet electrification.
