Driving the Future: PACT’s First Annual Meeting and Policy Summit
Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT) brought together representatives from member companies and stakeholders across the transportation electrification value chain for PACT’s inaugural Annual Meeting and Policy Summit in Washington, DC in March. Through deep dives and strategy discussions, the event provided big-picture insights as the coalition works to accelerate the deployment of medium- and heavy-duty (M/HD) electric vehicle infrastructure nationwide.
As noted by PACT Board Chair Dawn Fenton, PACT’s first year saw remarkable progress: a tripling in membership, deep engagement in key states, and increased recognition and visibility as the voice for M/HD electric vehicle infrastructure. Looking ahead, she noted that while potential policy changes create uncertainty, PACT will continue to build partnerships with industry leaders, utilities, and state and local agencies, as it works to accelerate the technologies and infrastructure essential for electrification at scale.
“Our mission remains the same: to accelerate the deployment of accessible and reliable charging infrastructure to support the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle market.”
Delivering the keynote address, Brigham McCowan, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute didn’t sugarcoat it: energy transitions need long-term regulatory and policy certainty. The U.S. energy grid is not ready to support electrification at scale. McCowan noted that China’s CO₂ emissions continue to offset global reduction efforts, underscoring the need for stronger domestic policies.
Beyond policy, McCowan touched on the evolving role of artificial intelligence and data centers in shaping future energy demands, creating both challenges and opportunities for transportation infrastructure. Addressing these changes proactively will be critical to ensuring grid stability and reliability as more M/HD fleets transition to electric.
A discussion on transportation electrification produced several key takeaways regarding industry trends and policy challenges. Despite potential changes in funding at the federal level, state-level funding for transportation electrification remains relatively secure. However, the evolving funding landscape will require patience and strategic planning from all stakeholders.
In discussions on fleet electrification, industry experts explored key drivers and how businesses are leveraging partnerships with utilities, policymakers, and charging providers. Despite short-term uncertainty due to federal policy shifts, long-term plans for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) remain intact. Companies are focusing on proactive planning strategies to ensure infrastructure readiness for future demand.
To accelerate the transition, priorities include large-scale infrastructure investment, battery advancements to improve total cost of ownership (TCO), and overall reduction in EV technology costs to eliminate reliance on subsidies. There are also opportunities to align electrification with other load growth needs, such as building electrification or data centers.
The bottom line: the success of transportation electrification initiatives hinges on strategic planning, regulatory adaptation, and ongoing engagement among all stakeholders. Continued technological advancements, strategic infrastructure investments, and regulatory alignment are crucial for the long-term success of fleet electrification.
Looking ahead, PACT will remain proactive, engaging with policymakers at every level. We know that electrification is not just about sustainability; it’s a driver of business success and economic activity. As Fenton put it, “This is not just about infrastructure, it’s about competitiveness. The future of transportation is electric. Let’s make sure we’re driving the change.”
