Zeti news
Dan Grossman, Zeti’s strategic advisor and experienced leader in automotive and shared mobility, will be moderating the MOVE America session titled “Monetizing in car services: getting the most out of AI and vehicle software.” This takes place on Day 1 at 3:20 during MOVE America 2025, highlighting Zeti’s engagement at the forefront of mobility, AI and EV innovation.
In this month's newsletter
Ford unveils new ‘Model T moment’ for EV fleet future
Ford is repositioning itself with a bold $5 billion push into a universal EV platform and a midsize electric pickup, priced around $30,000 and slated for 2027, reducing parts by 20%, slashing assembly time by up to 40% and building with affordable lithium-iron-phosphate batteries to reignite the EV revolution.
The California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) has announced that the program will reopen on September 9. The state-funded initiative, launched by the California Air Resources Board in 2009, continues its mission to accelerate the adoption of clean commercial vehicles. HVIP provides point-of-sale vouchers that significantly reduce the upfront cost of zero-emission and near-zero-emission trucks and buses, making them more affordable for fleets and businesses. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no vehicle scrappage required, streamlining the process for purchasers. Sellers benefit by achieving cost parity with traditional vehicles, increasing market competitiveness. HVIP has funded more than 14,000 clean vehicles, with 58% deployed in pollution-burdened communities, and supports over 2,000 fleets statewide. The average savings per vehicle is around 21%, helping drive commercial technology transformation and improve air quality. The program is part of California Climate Investments, targeting environmental justice and climate goals. HVIP also offers resources such as dealer training guides, implementation manuals, and webinars to support stakeholders. Overall, HVIP plays a pivotal role in California’s clean transportation strategy by promoting equitable access to sustainable vehicle technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has published July 2025 data indicating a modest uptick in equipment demand despite a year-to-date contraction in new business volume (NBV). The CapEx Finance Index showed NBV reaching $9.7 billion in July, a 1.7% increase from June, although still down 3.8% compared to the same period in 2024 and 6.8% year-over-year. Despite economic volatility, ELFA noted that the industry remains steady, with 2025 potentially becoming one of the strongest years in the survey’s history. Credit conditions improved, with approval rates climbing to 78.2%, the highest in two years. Losses declined, and delinquency rates remained stable at 2.0%, below the six-month average. Furthermore, small-deal activity rose 8.3%, and banks, captives, and independents all saw consistent volume growth. Captives posted their highest monthly volume of 2025 at $2.9 billion, while independents maintained a steady range of $2.0–$2.1 billion monthly since August 2024. The report precedes the latest round of tariffs enacted in early August, which could impact future demand. Nonetheless, the sector appears well-positioned for the second half of 2025, with total activity projected to exceed $110 billion.
According to Cox Automotive, in July 2025 the US EV market saw a surge in activity, driven by consumer urgency ahead of the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credit expiration. New EV sales rose to 130,082 units, up 26.4% month-over-month and 19.7% year-over-year, marking the second-highest monthly total ever. Tesla led the market, followed by Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford, and Honda. Used EV sales also climbed to 36,670 units, a 40% year-over-year increase. Inventory tightened significantly, with new EV days’ supply dropping to 87 days and used EV supply falling to 40 days, reflecting strong demand. Average transaction prices (ATP) for new EVs declined slightly to $55,689, narrowing the price gap with internal combustion engine vehicles. Incentives hit a record high, averaging 17.5% of ATP. Used EV prices also fell, with Tesla models leading affordability trends. As the tax credit deadline approaches, continued momentum is expected, though future growth will depend on market responsiveness and brand-level dynamics.
Nevoya, an electric trucking carrier, has secured $9.3 million in seed funding led by Lowercarbon Capital to advance its purpose-built Transportation Management System (TMS) for EV operations. The capital will support geographic expansion, enhance predictive capabilities, and strengthen customer integration features. Nevoya’s TMS focuses on intelligent fleet orchestration, route optimization, and load balancing to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. It also incorporates dynamic charging schedules, battery management, and energy-aware routing to eliminate operational friction. The platform offers real-time visibility, providing customers with emissions analytics, cost breakdowns, and performance insights to support strategic decisions. Using machine learning, the system continuously optimizes performance across the network. Nevoya has already onboarded Fortune 500 companies and leading 3PLs within six months, demonstrating strong market traction. The company aims to transform US freight logistics by embedding itself deeply into customer operations and uncovering actionable insights that traditional systems often miss.
Electrify America has announced a partnership with Royal Farms to expand EV charging access across Maryland by installing more than 55 hyper-fast chargers at eight Royal Farms locations. These chargers deliver up to 350 kW, enabling compatible EVs to recharge in about 20 minutes, significantly reducing downtime for drivers. The collaboration integrates high-speed charging with Royal Farms’ convenience offerings, such as fresh food and beverages, enhancing the overall customer experience. Currently operational sites include Halethorpe and Oxon Hill, with additional stations planned for Annapolis, Catonsville, Charlotte Hall, Columbia, Pikesville, and Towson. These chargers are part of Electrify America’s broader network of more than 1,000 stations and 5,000 chargers nationwide, supporting the growing adoption of zero-emission vehicles. Drivers benefit from flexible payment options, including credit/debit cards, Plug&Charge technology, and the Electrify America mobile app, which allows users to locate stations, check pricing, and monitor charging progress. The initiative aims to make EV charging more accessible and convenient for Maryland commuters and travelers alike.
Stearns Bank has appointed Heather Braithwaite as Vice President and Director of Sustainable Energy to lead its expansion into clean energy financing across North America. With nearly 20 years of experience in energy and financial services, Ms. Braithwaite will oversee the development and scaling of banking solutions tailored to renewable energy projects, including bridge loans, construction loans, USDA loans, and working capital lines. She aims to support both new and existing customers with innovative, accessible financial products aligned with energy goals. Ms. Braithwaite previously held leadership roles at the Collective Clean Energy Fund and the National Energy Improvement Fund, where she helped design fintech solutions for clean energy stakeholders. Her appointment aligns with Stearns Bank’s mission to empower businesses and entrepreneurs in the sustainable energy space. As the US solar industry is projected to inject over $120 billion into the economy and global renewables are expected to reach $1.98 trillion by 2030, Stearns Bank sees this move as a strategic growth opportunity.
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program and the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) are reshaping how companies manage EV fleets. NEVI, launched with $5 billion to build DC fast chargers every 50 miles, faced a major setback in early 2025 when federal guidance was rescinded, pausing progress with only 296 chargers deployed. Meanwhile, OBBB rolled back key incentives, including the early termination of the 30% Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit and EV purchase tax credits, both ending in 2025–2026. These changes have forced fleet operators to rethink their strategies, shifting away from reliance on public infrastructure. Companies are increasingly investing in behind-the-fence depot charging and exploring off-grid solutions such as mobile chargers and battery storage to ensure reliability and scalability. These private systems offer greater control and resilience, especially in underserved areas. As federal support wanes, the burden of infrastructure development is shifting to the private sector, driving adoption and increasing energy independence.
Forum Mobility has hired Matt Schrap, former CEO of the Harbor Trucking Association, as Chief Commercial Officer to help drayage fleets transition to electric trucks. Forum Mobility builds heavy-duty EV charging infrastructure and offers trucks-as-a-service, combining affordable leasing with depot-based charging. Mr. Schrap brings decades of experience in trucking and advocacy, aiming to guide fleets through California’s evolving zero-emission regulations. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable, cost-effective solutions that prioritize fleet viability over regulatory pressure. Forum Mobility’s infrastructure is expanding, including a major depot at the Port of Long Beach, and is tailored to support Class 8 electric trucks in key freight corridors. Mr. Schrap envisions the transition being led by the compelling benefits of total cost of ownership, empowered by breakthrough technological advancements, rather than relying solely on mandates. He also stresses the need for education and operational analysis to help small carriers understand the financial benefits of electrification, especially when incentives are factored in.
As the US clean transport sector continues to accelerate through new policies, financing, and infrastructure, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping how fleets, businesses, and communities embrace the zero-emission future. Stay tuned as we track the developments driving this transformation.