Fleet managers attending the inaugural Fleet Forward: The Tour in Atlanta on March 31 will have an opportunity to drive and experience four commercial electric vehicles:

• Cenntro LS 400

• Lightning eMotors - Ford Transit 350HD Passenger Van

• ELMS Urban Utility Class 3 electric truck

• ELMS Urban Delivery van (static)

Attendees will also have an opportunity to network with representatives from each of these electric vehicle makers. As well, passenger vehicles from BMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, Nissan, and Polestar will be during the Ride and Drive portion of the event, sponsored by Element.

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 four seminars and networking opportunities. Seminars will be presented by Muffi Ghadiali, head of Ford Pro Charging, Al Curtis, director fleet management for Cobb County Georgia, Frank Morris of Clean Cities-Georgia, Anne Blair and Jared Walker of Electrification Coalition, and Chris Brown, digital editor of Automotive Fleet.

Seminar topics will focus on charging strategies, funding opportunities, and electrification market trends, as well as workforce readiness and technician training.

During lunch and networking breaks, attendees can interact with tabletop exhibits. The Cobb County Georgia fleet will display components from an actual Ford Hybrid SUV and discuss safety and functional aspect of these high-voltage components.

The first tour stop will take place at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast hotel in Peachtree Corners. After Atlanta, The Tour will stop in Chicago on June 16 and then Dallas on Sept. 15. The Fleet Forward Conference will convene in Santa Clara, Calif., Nov. 9-11, with more info coming soon.