Forth Roadmap Conference: Be a Part of the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Conversation

The countdown is on. This September, transportation leaders from across the country will gather at the Forth Roadmap Conference, the nation’s premier event for transportation electrification. Bringing together policymakers, utilities, automakers, charging providers, fleet operators, advocates, and technology innovators, Roadmap creates a unique opportunity to tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the future of electric mobility.

At a time when the transportation industry is navigating an ever-evolving policy environment alongside a growing demand for cleaner freight solutions, there has never been a more important moment to come together. Meaningful progress depends on collaboration, and Roadmap provides the forum where ideas become action.

This year, CALSTART is proud to partner with Forth to introduce the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Track, powered by CALSTART. This is a totally new conference track dedicated to advancing the conversations driving commercial transportation forward.

“We have always deeply respected CALSTART’s work, especially in medium and heavy-duty electrification. We’re excited to bring their expertise and network to Roadmap this year,” said Jeff Allen, Executive Director of Forth.

As the first medium- and heavy-duty vehicle track in the conference’s history, this new addition expands Roadmap’s programming to address one of the fastest-moving segments of transportation electrification. From freight and ports to incentive programs and federal policy, attendees will gain valuable insights from industry experts working on today’s most pressing challenges.

“We’re excited and honored to partner with Forth to expand the Roadmap experience, integrating robust medium- and heavy-duty vehicle discussions as well as many other areas of mutual commitment,” said Michael Berube, CEO of CALSTART. “Together, with our shared visions in one room, we can—and will—transform the transportation industry to fight climate change and improve public health.”

Explore the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Track

The CALSTART-powered track features three sessions designed to help attendees better understand the policies, partnerships, and practical solutions shaping the future of commercial vehicle electrification.

Turning Policy into Practice: Leading MHD Electrification Initiatives

Monday, September 14 | 10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Learn how successful medium- and heavy-duty incentive programs are built from the ground up. Moderated by CALSTART’s Betz Mayer, this session will bring together leaders managing some of the country’s most impactful transportation electrification initiatives to discuss program design, implementation, and strategies for advancing economic growth alongside cleaner transportation.

Electrifying America’s Ports: Strategies to Unlock Freight Decarbonization

Monday, September 14 | 1:00–2:15 p.m.

Ports are uniquely positioned to accelerate freight electrification, but deploying zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure requires collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Hear from leaders including Colleen Liang, Director of Environmental Programs and Planning at the Port of Oakland, and CALSTART’s Valerie Thorsen as they share real-world lessons, challenges, and strategies for reducing emissions across port operations.

Transit Resilience: Advancing Zero-Emission Bus Solutions

Tuesday, September 15 | 10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Across the country, transit agencies are adopting zero-emission buses (ZEB) to modernize transit systems, support high-quality local jobs and improve quality of life in the communities they serve. However, this shift brings new operational and financial challenges for transit agencies who are also managing tight budgets, staffing shortages, and increasing service demands. This panel will highlight practical strategies for deploying zero-emission fleets— including funding, green tech innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development—while building more resilient, future-ready transit systems.

Plenary: Federal EV Policy: United for Progress

Tuesday, September 15 | 2:45–3:45 p.m.

Federal transportation policy continues to evolve, creating both new challenges and opportunities for the clean transportation industry. This plenary session will feature Michael Berube alongside Cat Plein of Forth and Hana Creger of The Greenlining Institute as they explore how industry, government, and advocacy organizations can work together to align policy, funding, and partnerships to accelerate affordable electric transportation nationwide.

Join Us at Roadmap

Whether you’re involved in shaping public policy, managing fleets, deploying charging infrastructure, or advancing new technologies, the Forth Roadmap Conference offers an unmatched opportunity to connect with the leaders driving transportation electrification forward.

We’re excited to help expand this year’s conference through the new Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Track and look forward to the conversations, collaborations, and innovations that will emerge.

CALSTART members receive 10% off full conference tickets when they use the code below!

Code: CALSTART

Register today: https://www.roadmapForth.org/2026/register?code=CALSTART

Interested in sponsoring? Contact CALSTART’s Membership Engagement Manager, Rachel Baker, to find out how: rbaker@calstart.org.