Draft:Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE)

The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) was founded in 1993 as the Southern Coalition for Advanced Transportation. Originally established under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Program, CTE was one of the first regional consortia organizations dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation technologies. Since its inception, CTE has significantly expanded its reach and scope, managing over $1.2 billion in federal, state, and local cost-shared research, development, and demonstration programs focused on zero-emission vehicles.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CTE operates independently, free from shareholder influence, which allows it to focus on evaluating and advancing the most innovative U.S. technologies for commercialization. Under the leadership of Executive Director Dan Raudebaugh, CTE has forged key partnerships with government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Federal Railroad Administration, among others. These collaborations have positioned CTE as a leader in the development and deployment of battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles, along with the necessary infrastructure to support them.

Through its initiatives, CTE has played a pivotal role in integrating cutting-edge technologies from small, emerging companies into the broader transportation and energy sectors. Its work has contributed to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, improving air quality, and creating jobs in the clean technology industry.

History of Impact

1993: Hybrid Electric Humvee Prototype CTE demonstrated the potential of hybrid technology with a prototype of the Hybrid Electric Humvee, doubling its fuel economy, halving acceleration times, and increasing its silent watch time tenfold.

1994: Hybrid Electric HMMWV The successful development of the Hybrid Electric High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) highlighted hybrid technology’s ability to improve fuel efficiency and operational capability in military applications.

1996: First Battery Electric School Bus CTE partnered with Blue Bird to develop the first battery-electric school bus, setting the stage for the adoption of electric vehicles in the public transit sector.

1998: Flywheel Safety and Containment CTE conducted pioneering work on flywheel energy storage systems, ensuring their safety and reliability in transportation applications.

1999: GDOT TDM Measurement and Evaluation The organization worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation to assess and measure transportation demand management (TDM) strategies.

2001: Change of Name to CTE The organization transitioned from the Southern Coalition for Advanced Transportation (SCAT) to the Center for Transportation and the Environment, expanding its national presence and mission.

2005: Southern Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Coalition CTE founded the Southern Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Coalition under a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The program involved 34 public and private organizations working to explore fuel cell applications in transportation systems.

2005: National Fuel Cell Bus Program CTE was named one of three consortia responsible for managing the National Fuel Cell Bus Program, advancing fuel cell technologies in public transit.

2008: First Proterra Bus CTE secured funding and led the development of the first U.S.-built, full-size electric bus, marking a milestone in electric bus technology.

2010: Fort Lewis Hydrogen Generation and Fuel Cell Bus Deployment CTE managed the deployment of hydrogen generation and fuel cell buses at Fort Lewis, Washington, showcasing the potential of hydrogen-powered transit.

2011: First ZEB Con CTE launched the inaugural Zero Emission Bus Conference (ZEB Con), now an annual event, focused on advancing zero-emission bus technologies.

2012: Landfill to CNG Conversion CTE facilitated the conversion of landfill gas into compressed natural gas (CNG) to fuel 200 vehicles in Atlanta, demonstrating sustainable waste-to-energy solutions.

2014: Creation of Low-No Program CTE played a key role in developing the Low-No Program, securing long-term funding to support the national deployment of zero-emission buses.

2015: First U.S. Transit Agency Transition to All-Electric Fleet CTE oversaw the transition of the first U.S. transit agency in Seneca, SC, to an all-electric fleet.

2015: Hydrogen Fueling Stations in California CTE managed the installation of more than 19 public light-duty hydrogen fueling stations and three heavy-duty hydrogen stations in California, advancing hydrogen infrastructure for transportation.

2016: Inaugural International Zero Emission Bus Conference In collaboration with the Mayor of London, CTE hosted the first international Zero Emission Bus Conference, bringing together global stakeholders to discuss sustainable transportation solutions.

2018: Fuel Cell Electric Top Loader CTE managed the development of a fuel cell electric top loader at the Port of Los Angeles, integrating range extension and wireless charging capabilities.

2019: Stockton School Bus Project CTE supported the deployment of zero-emission school buses in Stockton, California, further advancing the adoption of electric vehicles in public transportation.

Recent Achievements (2019–Present) Since 2019, CTE has continued to lead innovative projects in zero-emission transportation, including collaborations on fuel cell electric trucks, battery electric buses, and sustainable infrastructure. Its ongoing work with transit agencies, government partners, and the private sector continues to drive the transition to clean, sustainable transportation.

Core Service Areas

The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) specializes in advancing sustainable transportation technologies, particularly for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. With extensive experience in developing, implementing, and managing cutting-edge projects, CTE collaborates with vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, and fleet operators, including transit agencies and logistics organizations nationwide. CTE is committed to taking emerging technologies from concept to commercialization through its comprehensive service offerings:

Technology Development CTE works closely with industry partners to develop and refine advanced transportation technologies. Through rigorous research, testing, and prototyping, CTE helps bring innovative solutions from the lab to the real world, driving the future of sustainable transportation.

Smart Deployment CTE provides strategic deployment services, ensuring that new technologies are integrated effectively and efficiently into real-world transportation systems. This includes optimizing fleet operations and facilitating the infrastructure necessary to support the successful implementation of zero-emission vehicles.

Transition Planning CTE assists organizations in planning their transition to clean, zero-emission fleets. From evaluating current fleet needs to identifying the most effective technologies and deployment strategies, CTE ensures a smooth and successful transition to a more sustainable and cost-effective future.

Advocacy CTE advocates for policies that support the widespread adoption of zero-emission technologies. By working with policymakers, industry leaders, and communities, CTE helps shape legislation and regulations that advance environmental sustainability and promote the growth of the clean transportation sector.

Grant Writing as a Service CTE offers expert grant writing services to help organizations secure funding for their advanced transportation projects. With a proven track record of success in securing federal, state, and local funding, CTE supports clients in navigating the complex landscape of grant opportunities and managing the administrative aspects of funded projects.

These core service areas enable CTE to provide end-to-end solutions for the transportation industry, accelerating the transition to a clean, sustainable future.

References

www.cte.tv