Projects
Volvo LIGHTS
Our team helped spearhead the development of an ecosystem blueprint for battery-electric trucks, and educated stakeholders through a comprehensive communications strategy, educational events, and a detailed lessons learned guidebook.
Challenge: Spotlight Development of Electric Truck Ecosystem
Volvo LIGHTS was a unique collaboration between the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), Volvo Trucks and 12 other organizations to pioneer a range of vehicle, charging and workforce development innovations critical for the commercial success of battery electric trucks and equipment. While the project partners were tasked with developing a blueprint for an ideal battery-electric truck ecosystem, our team was tasked with educating a broad range of stakeholders about the unique project approach, key results, and lessons learned.
Solutions: Multi-Channel Outreach & Education
Project Development & Administration
In partnership with South Coast AQMD and Volvo Trucks, our team developed the vision and team for the Volvo LIGHTS project to serve as an important step toward transforming goods movement. LIGHTS provides a blueprint to successfully introduce zero-emission battery electric trucks and equipment into the market at scale.
- Developed the winning $44.8 million dollar grant from the California Air Resources Board’s Zero- and Near-Zero Emission Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) program
- Ensured all project deliverables were on track and on budget
Website Design & Development
To educate key transportation stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges of widescale electrification of freight transportation, our team facilitated the strategy, content, design and development of the Volvo LIGHTS website. The website was consistently updated throughout the project with:
- Educational content on fleet electrification
- Media releases and news coverage
- Project photos and videos
- Downloadable fact sheets and slides
Innovation Showcase
In collaboration with the project team, our team produced an Innovation Showcase at TEC Equipment’s state-of-the-art Fontana dealership. In addition to taking a test ride in the pilot Volvo VNR electric truck, attendees participated in interactive educational sessions that spotlighted:
- Strategies to provide reliable and cost-effective power to fleet operators
- Partnerships with local colleges to introduce new workforce development opportunities
- How truck GPS data collection and analysis efforts has the potential to improve truck routing
Communications Strategy
Our team maximized knowledge transfer from the multi-year project by supporting partners with ongoing communications, including educational articles, participation at industry events, managing media releases for project milestones, producing educational videos, and submitting winning award nominations.
Roundup Event
Our team helped organize a wrap event to share insights from the Volvo LIGHTS project partners on the lessons learned from participating in the project. The event featured:
- Offsite tours to see real-world project locations firsthand
- Roundtable sessions spotlighting real-world experience gained deploying HDBEVs, as well as community benefits realized (workforce development, reduced noise and air pollution)
- A parade of the Volvo VNR Electric trucks demonstrated during the project
Learned Guidebook
Our team drafted and designed a 25-page Volvo LIGHTS lessons learned guidebook to report key project findings. The book included key insights gained during the three-year project in relation to:
- Establishing new partnerships
- Demonstrating Class 8 BEV innovations
- Advancements in warehouse equipment
- Reliable cost-effective charging infrastructure
- Strategies to reduce total cost of ownership
- Cutting-edge job training
- Robust sales and service support
Results: Award-Winning Project and Broad Industry Reach
Throughout the three-year project, our team achieved our goal of helping the project partners fund and develop a robust ecosystem blueprint for battery-electric trucks. We shared the project results and lessons learned with a broad range of stakeholders – including fleets, public agencies, first responders, dealer staff, and more. Key success metrics included:
$44.8M
In grant funding secured for the project
350+
Unique articles written in trade and mainstream outlets
5
Project awards secured for innovation and sustainability impacts