Accelerating Fleet Electrification: Utility Programs and Lessons from the Field Cheshta Balwani, Distributed Energy Solutions Leader

• As California advances toward ambitious decarbonization goals, the electrification of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets is emerging as a cornerstone of the state’s clean transportation strategy. Electric utilities are uniquely positioned to support this transition by offering infrastructure readiness, technical expertise, and strategic guidance. This session will highlight how utilities are enabling large-scale fleet electrification, with a focus on: Utility EV Fleet Programs: SDG&E’s Power Your Drive for Fleets Program, which provides make-ready infrastructure to support EV charging deployment for fleet operators; and will provide real-world examples of fleet electrification projects, showcasing effective collaboration between utilities, fleet operators, and technology providers. The audience will take away lessons from practical takeaways from deploying grid upgrades and EV charging infrastructure, including permitting, construction, load forecasting, and stakeholder coordination.