Sustainable fleet solutions are becoming increasingly important as industry leaders navigate electrification, sustainability goals, and emerging technologies. Building a sustainable fleet requires balancing infrastructure planning, operational costs, workforce training, developing technologies, funding opportunities, and long-term resiliency while maintaining efficient operations. As the transportation sector continues to evolve, making informed, strategic decisions is essential to building the sustainable fleets of the future.
These conversations are at the center of the 2026 Sustainable Fleet Technology (SFT) Conference & Expo, hosted by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center. Focused on helping organizations create and maintain sustainable fleets, the conference brings together leading fleets and technology providers to explore challenges, share solutions, and discover new opportunities. Through keynote presentations, educational breakout sessions, a hands-on expo hall, and networking events, attendees will gain practical insights and strategies for increasing fleet efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability.
The conference’s practical, solution-focused approach brings attendees back year after year. Chris Davis, Fleet Manager for the Charlotte Department of Transportation, says, “I’ve attended the Sustainable Fleet and Technology Conference since its inception, and it serves as a cornerstone for networking and learning. Conference sessions provide valuable and detailed information, offering innovative ideas for pursuing sustainable fleet transitions and operations that support environmental goals.”
Practical Solutions for Every Stage
Whether organizations are beginning their sustainability journey or addressing technical challenges, the SFT Conference & Expo offers educational opportunities for every experience level.
Fleet professionals new to sustainable transportation can build a strong foundation by attending the session, “What is the Low-hanging Fruit? Sustainability for Beginners,” focused on immediate, low-cost strategies for reducing environmental impact while maintaining daily operations.
Cedric Roberts, Fleet Director for the City of Birmingham, encourages organizations to focus on practical, achievable progress. “You don’t have to overhaul your fleet overnight. Our transition starts with small, smart steps that build confidence, data, and momentum.”
Roberts will participate as a panelist in the Fleet Data & Operations track, including the “What is the Low-hanging Fruit? Sustainability for Beginners” and “Replacement Planning” sessions.
For organizations advancing their sustainable transportation efforts, the conference explores operational and policy decisions that support long-term fleet success. Sessions cover topics such as vehicle technician training and retention, EV charging policies, and vendor management and performance.
To view the comprehensive list of breakout sessions, visit the SFT Conference schedule.
Industry Leaders Behind the Wheel
Hearing from experienced fleet leaders is a hallmark of the SFT Conference & Expo. Keynote presentations provide valuable perspectives on emerging technologies, market trends, and the future of sustainable fleet operations.
Magnus Gustafson, Vice President of the Conventional Product Line at Volvo Trucks North America, leads the strategy and development of the company’s truck portfolio. Gustafson will deliver the keynote address, “Insights about the Trucking Industry,” on August 26, exploring trends in sustainability, efficiency, and smart vehicle technologies shaping the future of commercial transportation.
Monil Malhotra is President of Kempower North America and a member of the Kempower Global Leadership Team. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Kempower manufactures scalable DC fast-charging solutions that support the electrification of commercial fleets and public transit. Malhotra will deliver the afternoon keynote address on August 26, sharing insights into the future of charging infrastructure and fleet electrification.
The “Best Practices from Leading Green Fleets” keynote plenary features insights from fleet leaders:
- Jeff Booton, Senior Director of Maintenance, Denver International Airport
- David Clevenger, Senior Vice President of Fleet and DC Maintenance, City Furniture
- Jeff Hermann, CEO, Hermann Total Distribution Services
Representing diverse fleet sectors, these experienced professionals will share strategies and best practices for improving efficiency, sustainability, and overall fleet performance.
The conference also features the keynote plenary, “What Does the Future Hold?”, with fleet experts:
- Sara Nichols, Energy & Economic Development Manager, Land of Sky Regional Council
- Steve Whaley, Alternative Fuels Manager – East, Blue Bird Corporation
- Erika Myers, Executive Director, Charging Interface Initiative North America (CharIN Inc.)
- Ben Greenberg, North Carolina Trucking Association
This panel will explore emerging technologies, trends shaping the clean transportation industry, and how evolving changes may impact future fleet operations.
Connections that Carry On
Connecting with leaders shaping the future of sustainable transportation is another valuable feature of the SFT Conference. From expo hall receptions and the NAFA Green Fleet Awards Ceremony to a Durham Bulls Baseball game, attendees have numerous networking opportunities to build meaningful relationships.
For Chris Davis, those connections have made an impact. He notes, “The conference has provided me with the knowledge and relationships that have helped me advance my career while supporting Charlotte’s Sustainable Energy Plan.”
The expo hall provides opportunities for conversations with industry experts and allows attendees to explore EVs and other innovative fleet technologies firsthand. These interactions foster continued collaboration and idea-sharing across the sustainable transportation industry.
Driving the Future of Sustainable Fleets
The continued impact of the SFT Conference & Expo is best reflected by the fleet professionals who return annually.
As Cedric Roberts explains, “[The Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference] keeps my fleet competitive, compliant, and financially efficient. It ensures Birmingham Fleet isn’t just reacting to technology, but we’re anticipating it.”
Davis reinforces that sentiment, stating, “Year after year, this conference has given me actionable insights that have influenced my approach to sustainability, enabling me to turn ideas into real-world applications that benefit my entire community.”
Registration is open for the 2026 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo, taking place August 25-27 in Durham, North Carolina. Visit the SFT Website to learn more and register.
