The fleet electrification market is just getting started, particularly for trucks and vans. But with little on-road experience or operational data to reference, how do fleet operators make informed buying decisions?

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is one of the first organizations with answers. NACFE’s Dave Schaller will present findings from a real-world study at the second Fleet Forward: The Tour stop in suburban Chicago on June 16.

In late 2021, NACFE conducted “Run on Less – Electric,” a month-long demonstration with 13 different models of battery-electric trucks in actual fleets. The tests pulled telematics data from vans and medium-duty box trucks in various delivery operations and duty cycles, along with heavy-duty trucks in regional, drayage, and terminal operations.

“Electrification is not simple, but there are fleets making the step successfully already,” said Schaller. “In my session I’ll share data that can help fleets understand the EV metrics they'll need to make better decisions on their path to electrification.”

Schaller’s seminar convenes 11am to 11:30am CST on June 16. Schaller will also provide his expertise as a table head during the breakfast roundtable sessions. In this seminar, attendees will be able to rotate among eight tables with topics covering different aspects of fleet electrification. Schaller’s table topic is “Which commercial EVs are right for me?”

Registration for the Chicago stop is open now. The Chicago Tour stop will take place at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook Illinois.

An offshoot of the Fleet Forward Conference, Fleet Forward: The Tour consists of one-day, regional events in which fleet operators can drive EVs and experience other new technologies behind the wheel. The Tour is free for qualified fleet managers.

The day also includes seminars and networking opportunities that focus on subjects such as infrastructure planning, charging strategies, funding opportunities, and electrification market trends. During lunch and networking breaks, attendees can interact with tabletop exhibits.

The ride and drive will feature vehicles from Tesla, Volvo, Nissan, and Polestar, along with commercial EV makers ZEVx, Cenntro, and Lightning eMotors.

After Chicago, The Tour will stop in Dallas on September 15. The Fleet Forward Conference will convene in Santa Clara November 9-11.