When it comes to electrification, California leads the nation in concentration of chargers, available incentives, EV supply, and support networks — as well as the strictest regularly and compliance environment of any state. As California goes, others follow.

This head start has been enabled by subject matter experts such as Richard Battersby from the City of Oakland. Battersby will bring his years of knowledge of EV fleet deployments to the educational agenda of Fleet Forward’s Tour stop in Phoenix, Ariz. on Feb. 23.

In the seminar, “From the Trenches: Advice on Fleet Electrification from California,” Battersby will share his on-the-ground insights into planning infrastructure, accessing grants, and procuring and operating electric vehicles, as well as navigating regulations and staying up to date on compliance.

“Richard has been in the trenches from the beginning on fleet electrification,” said Chris Brown Fleet Forward’s conference chair. “His knowledge sharing will help fleets just starting their journey to make the right decisions from the beginning.”

Fleet Forward: The Tour, an offshoot of the Fleet Forward Conference, is a one-day, regional event — free for fleet operators — where fleet managers can drive EVs and experience other new technologies. The day also features seminars, networking opportunities, and lunch.

Other seminar topics include “Road Safety in Arizona: A Data-Based Analysis & Solutions” by Allen Jay of Mobileye, a panel presentation of fleet managers on their paths to electrification, and a lunchtime session presented by Arizona utilities, “Fleet Electrification: Incentives, Assessments, and Where to Start.”

The Ride & Drive, sponsored by Element Fleet Management, will feature these vehicles:

• Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV

• Exro Technologies Electric Demonstration Humvee

• Lightning eMotors ADA Transit

• Ford E-Transit

• Ford F-150 Lightning

• Ford Mustang Mach-E

• Nissan Ariya

• Nissan Leaf

• Polestar 2

• Volvo XC40 Recharge

Registration for the Phoenix Tour stop, taking place at the Mesa Convention Center, is open now.

The 2023 Tour stop schedule includes Atlanta/Peachtree Corners on March 30, Chicago on June 7, New York metro on Sept. 13, and Dallas on Oct. 3. The larger Fleet Forward Conference convenes Nov. 8-10 in Santa Clara, Calif.