Just back from an incredible ACT Expo where the energy, innovation, and collaboration around fleet electrification were on full display.

As the founder of S Curve Strategies, I’ve attended many industry events over the years, but ACT Expo 2025 stood out. From future-proofing infrastructure to scaling school bus and last-mile delivery electrification, the conversations reinforced what we’ve long known: success in transportation electrification hinges on smart planning, meaningful collaboration, and strategic execution.

The badass Jennifer Ramsey, CEO of Cummins, talking about her vision for the company and the transition to electric.

Key Themes from this Year’s Event

Infrastructure Must Be Future-Ready
Utilities and fleets emphasized the importance of building with the end in mind. Speakers from Con Edison, Bechtel, and First Student stressed that short-term fixes can lead to long-term inefficiencies. Projects that plan for full fleet electrification from the outset, rather than retrofitting later, are more cost-effective and scalable.

Women in EV Meet up at ACT Expo — Women in EVs Meet Up

Partnerships Are the Foundation
The most successful projects are those built on strong collaboration. From utilities to EPCs, charging solution providers to fleet managers, no one can do this alone. At First Student, for example, their ability to electrify hundreds of school buses was tied directly to early engagement with utilities and infrastructure partners.

Charging Innovations Are Rapidly Evolving
Voltera and Ford Pro are reimagining how and where fleets charge, from megawatt charging capabilities to rapidly deployable gantry systems. Conversations also spotlighted how charging hubs can serve multiple fleets and become long-term community assets, reducing idle time and increasing energy resilience.

AI and Digital Tools Are Driving Efficiency
AI is being leveraged in everything from predictive maintenance to route optimization and vehicle diagnostics. As more fleets embrace software-defined vehicles, AI will play a critical role in streamlining operations, reducing costs, and improving safety.

School Buses Are a Prime Electrification Opportunity
From the East to West Coasts, school districts are making real progress toward the 2035 mandate for zero-emission school buses. At S Curve Strategies, we’ve seen firsthand how school mobility is a compelling case for electrification—cleaner air for students, lower maintenance costs, and potential grid services through V2G technology.

Wireless Charging and Electrified Roadways Are Coming
It may sound futuristic, but wireless charging in-motion is already being piloted in Utah, Indiana, and Michigan. These systems look to extend vehicle range without downtime and open new use cases for electrification across heavy-duty and last-mile logistics.

The U.S. Must Catch Up to Global Leaders
It’s something I’ve said in front of audiences all year: the U.S. is woefully behind China in EV manufacturing and deployment. China’s BYD is posting massive growth, unveiling record-fast charging tech, and rapidly expanding into new markets. Meanwhile, American fleets and manufacturers are still navigating infrastructure hurdles, policy shifts, and funding gaps.

What This Means for S Curve Strategies Clients
ACT Expo reaffirmed the importance of the work we do: building regional electrification roadmaps, engaging stakeholders early, and helping fleets and utilities move from pilot to scale. We understand the complexity of electrification, and we bring the expertise to navigate everything from grant funding and EV infrastructure design to customer experience and load management.

If your fleet, utility, or region is ready to take the next step in electrification, we’d love to support your journey.