On March 7, 2025, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) hosted its annual Clean Air Technology Showcase, bringing together 30 exhibitors to highlight the latest advancements in zero-emission technology. The event served as a gathering for industry leaders and community stakeholders to see firsthand how clean transportation and technology are making an impact in Southern California.
The showcase featured a range of zero-emission vehicles demonstrating real-world applications across multiple applications including:
- Zero-emission heavy-duty trucks: Schneider’s battery-electric Freightliner eCascadia was among the featured Class 8 vehicles, deployed through the Joint Electric Truck Scaling Initiative (JETSI)—one of the largest heavy-duty BET deployments in the country. With nearly 100 eCascadias now operating in Southern California and a dedicated charging depot in South El Monte, Schneider has already surpassed 6 million zero-emission miles, setting a new benchmark for sustainable freight logistics.
- Electric school buses and law enforcement vehicles: A growing number of municipal fleets are turning to zero-emission vehicles to serve public institutions and reduce emissions in the communities they serve. The event highlighted clean vehicle adoption by school districts and public safety agencies.
- Battery-electric construction and industrial yard equipment: Exhibits included zero-emission cranes, street sweepers, and material-handling equipment which are key technologies for reducing emissions in industrial and port operations. As these solutions continue to be deployed, they will play an increasing role in cutting pollution from logistics and construction activities.
- Advanced air monitoring technology: From mobile air monitoring labs to high-efficiency filtration systems, the showcase also spotlighted technologies that support community air quality tracking—particularly in areas impacted by freight and industrial activity.
- Zero-emission lawn and garden equipment: Small-scale, everyday emissions matter too. Attendees explored electric landscaping equipment that replaces gas-powered tools to cut emissions in residential and commercial areas.
The Clean Air Technology Showcase provided a space for industry leaders, government agencies, and community organizations to connect, share insights, and discuss what’s next for zero-emission deployment. The event underscored the need for continued investment in clean transportation, not just to meet regulatory goals but to deliver lasting benefits for communities impacted by air pollution.
With freight transportation among the largest contributors to air pollution in Southern California, expanding zero-emission vehicle adoption is critical for improving air quality and protecting public health. Heavy-duty trucking, port operations, and industrial equipment are historically some of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, making projects like JETSI as well as opportunities such as South Coast AQMD’s Technology Showcase crucial steps forward.
