The Center for Transportation and the Environment hosted its 11th annual Zero Emission Bus Conference (ZEB Con) at the San Diego Town and Country Resort from September 26 to 28, attracting a record-breaking attendance of more than 700 enthusiastic participants. Among them were bus and shuttle fleet managers, zero-emission bus OEMs, infrastructure providers, government officials, and climate advocates from across the globe. The conference proved to be a hub of knowledge and inspiration for the electrification of public and private transportation fleets.

ZEB Con 2023 offered 18 educational sessions that facilitated fleet-to-fleet conversations, showcasing the latest software, support technologies, and charging systems for large-scale electric vehicle deployments. Attendees had the unique opportunity to engage with speakers from various corners of the globe, from Philadelphia to Seattle and Cologne to Mexico City, exploring diverse topics such as fuel cell electric vehicles and site evaluation best practices.

The conference commenced with a foundational course, ZEB 101, providing attendees with essential knowledge about zero-emission vehicle and infrastructure technologies. Noteworthy conversations with organizations like the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) shed light on their research and innovation support programs, emphasizing the urgency of transitioning to zero-emission fleets.

Transit agency speakers, including prominent names like Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Spokane Transit Authority, Foothill Transit, Alexandria Transit, AC Transit, New York MTA, among others, shared invaluable insights into their experiences, contributing to a wealth of collective knowledge. These interactions highlighted the significance of global collaboration in creating a sustainable future for public transportation.

In addition to the enriching educational sessions, ZEB Con 2023 offered attendees exclusive tours of local electric bus sites, including San Diego MTS and North County Transit District. These immersive experiences showcased real-world applications of electric transportation technologies, inspiring attendees and reinforcing the possibilities of a zero-emission future.

ZEB Con networking opportunities included the Happy (Bus) Hour reception featuring battery and fuel cell bus displays from BYD | Ride, ENC, ABC Companies, Proterra, Model1, New Flyer, GILLIG, and Lightning eMotors as well as Tuesday evening's Welcome Reception.

Next Stop: Philadelphia

We are thrilled to announce that ZEB Con 2024 will take place August 27 - 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, PA. Building on the momentum of this year's conference, ZEB Con 2024 promises to be a nexus of innovation and collaboration. Save the date and join us in driving the next wave of zero-emission bus innovation in the heart of Philadelphia.

For more information and updates about ZEB Con 2024, stay tuned to www.zebconference.com. Together, we'll continue shaping a greener, emissions-free future-one electric bus at a time.