Las Vegas, May 21, 2024 – Act Expo 2024 kicked off this morning with an inspiring keynote address by Erik Neandross, president of GNA, now a subsidiary of TRC. Speaking to a record audience gathered in Las Vegas, Neandross highlighted the impressive advancements in the commercial transportation and clean energy industries over the past year.
Exponential Growth and Key Projects
From the outset of his speech, Neandross expressed his gratitude to the participants, the main sponsors—Daimler Trucks North America, Penske Transportation Solutions, and Shell—as well as the more than 400 exhibitors present. He then provided an overview of significant innovations, including the massive deployments of electric trucks by companies such as Cisco, Pepsi, NFI, Schneider, Amazon, and US Foods.
Two specific projects were particularly emphasized. The first is a 119-acre solar-powered depot with three-megawatt MCS chargers, marking a world first in public charging stations. The second, a facility with 96 heavy-duty EV charging stations powered by a nine-megawatt microgrid, represents a significant advancement towards autonomous and sustainable energy infrastructure.
A Rapidly Expanding Industry
Neandross also discussed the annual ActExpo awards, recognizing pioneering fleets such as Amazon, UNFI, Revel, Beaverton School District, Schneider, Pepsi, First Student, and Cisco for their leadership and commitment to sustainability. He praised the continuous growth of the industry and the increased resources of GNA following its acquisition by TRC, a major player in engineering and digital solutions.
Massive Investments and Sustainability Commitments
According to Neandross, the annual "State of Sustainable Fleets" report can be summed up in one word: growth. He highlighted unprecedented private and public investments, mentioning projects like Honda's electric vehicle production plant in Canada and Toyota's plant in Indiana. Neandross underscored the importance of investments in infrastructure and low-emission fuel technologies, such as renewable diesel and renewable natural gas.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the challenges mentioned, such as concerns about electric vehicle sales and California's stringent regulations, Neandross remains optimistic. He compared the industry's growth trajectory to that of stock markets over 30 years, anticipating exponential progress despite short-term fluctuations.
Neandross concluded his speech by highlighting the three main drivers of this "perfect storm": massive global investments, increasing sustainability commitments, and strengthened regulations. He invited participants to fully engage in the event, share the knowledge gained, and return next year with their own success stories to present.
Act Expo 2024 promises to be an exceptional showcase for clean technologies and innovations. With a rapidly growing industry supported by colossal investments and firm commitments to sustainability, the future of commercial transportation looks greener than ever.
Anthony Mainville
