April ’25 Industry and Innovation Highlights
ASPIRE continues to build momentum with influential partnerships and high-impact events that are shaping the future of transportation. This quarter, we welcomed new Industry and Innovation Board (IIB) members—including Laurel Group, ASI, CTE, and the Illinois Tollway—each bringing critical expertise in sustainability, infrastructure, and electrified mobility. From showcasing cutting-edge technology at the CERV Conference to engaging with national leaders at the TRB Annual Meeting, ASPIRE is expanding its reach and driving innovation across the country. With our notable Industry & Innovation Day on the horizon, the road ahead is full of opportunity!
New IIB Members
ASPIRE’s Industry and Innovation Board (IIB) comprises members who contribute their expertise and resources to collaboratively advance the center’s mission of developing sustainable and electrified transportation solutions.
Laurel Group
Laurel Group, a leader in sustainable infrastructure and resiliency, joins ASPIRE to drive innovation in electrified roadways and charging solutions. Their expertise strengthens ASPIRE’s mission to develop scalable, efficient mobility solutions that support a cleaner, more resilient transportation future.
ASI
ASI (Asphalt Systems, Inc.) and ASPIRE unite to advance resilient and sustainable transportation infrastructure. With expertise in pavement preservation, ASI’s innovative, gilsonite-enhanced emulsions offer durable, eco-friendly solutions that enhance roadway longevity and support the future of electrified transportation.
CTE
The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) joins ASPIRE to accelerate the transition to zero-emission transportation. With over three decades of leadership in clean mobility solutions, CTE’s collaboration with ASPIRE will help drive the development and deployment of sustainable, carbon-free transportation technologies.
Events & Conferences
Attendees at the CERV Sponsor Technology Showcase were able to gain hands-on experience with the latest innovations in freight electrification, like the Kenworth Falcon, pictured above, which will charge on the state’s first 1-megawatt wireless charger.
CERV
In February, ASPIRE hosted the biennial Conference on Electric Roads and Vehicles (CERV) in Park City, Utah. This event convened global leaders from industry, government, and academia to discuss advancements in transportation electrification. The conference featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops focusing on topics such as wireless charging, grid integration, and autonomous transportation.
Tech Showcase
The Sponsor Technology Showcase gave attendees a hands-on look at breakthrough technologies—like the Kenworth Falcon and 1-megawatt wireless charging—highlighting real-world applications of ASPIRE’s research and industry partnerships.
Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting
In January, Innovation Director Don Linford, along with ASPIRE students and faculty leadership made their way to Washington, D.C. for the annual TRB Meeting. This premier event brought together over 13,000 transportation professionals from around the world to discuss innovative solutions across all modes of transportation.
Upcoming Events
Industry & Innovation Day
Mark your calendars for one of ASPIRE’s most exciting days! Industry and Innovation Day will take place the week of September 8th.
ASPIRE’s Industry & Innovation Day is an annual event that brings together a diverse network of students, staff, researchers, industry leaders, and partners to celebrate progress and chart the path forward in sustainable transportation solutions. The event features technology showcases, workshops, and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and innovation in electrified transportation.
Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo
Conference: April 28-May 1, 2025 | Expo: April 28-30, 2025
Anaheim, CA | Anaheim Convention Center
North America’s largest event for clean vehicle technologies and fuels. The expo brings together industry leaders and fleet operators to showcase innovations and explore sustainable transportation solutions. Learn more & register here.
EVR Tours
On Friday March 14th, leadership from Hind Rectifiers Ltd (HIRECT) visited the ASPIRE EVR in Logan to discuss in-scope technologies and collaboration opportunities. If you or your organization would also like to visit our headquarters and learn more, fill out this tour request form.
Partnership Highlights
PURDUE ROAD SCHOOL
West Lafayette, Indiana
The Purdue Road School Transportation Conference and Expo, hosted annually by Purdue University, serves as a pivotal gathering for transportation professionals from government, industry, and academia. Established in 1913, the conference has evolved into a comprehensive forum featuring over 225 sessions across 19 technical tracks, fostering collaboration and innovation in transportation infrastructure and technology. The 2025 conference, held on March 18–19, included notable events such as an opening session fireside chat with key industry leaders. This longstanding tradition underscores Purdue’s commitment to advancing transportation solutions through knowledge sharing and partnership.
Learn more about the event here: https://roadschool.purdue.edu/
SLC Cohort Trip
The 2025 Cohort trip to Raleigh, NC, and Atlanta, GA, offered valuable insights into sustainability, innovation, and industry challenges. Visits to Schneider Electric, ABB, and Southwire provided hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technologies and operations, enhancing ASPIRE’s understanding of the EV market. Highlights included engaging with the EV Braintrust in Atlanta and networking at the Curiosity Lab, where groundbreaking advancements in EV models and charging technology were showcased. The trip fostered collaboration, with SLC members contributing to a SWOT analysis and learning from each other’s research.
For those interested in joining the Cohort program, reach out to Melanie Conrad at melanie.conrad@usu.edu.
Electric Vehicle Charging Summit (EVCS) & EXPO
Las Vegas, Nevada
The EVCS & Expo, held annually in Las Vegas, is the premier destination for stakeholders in the electric vehicle charging infrastructure sector. This expo provides a focused platform for industry leaders, technology innovators, and policymakers to converge and explore the latest advancements and trends shaping the future of EV charging. Featuring a comprehensive program and exhibition, the event facilitates networking and knowledge exchange crucial for the widespread adoption of electric mobility.