ASPIRE Ecosystem in Action
A vital component of our success at ASPIRE is our Industry & Innovation Ecosystem. Through this ever-expanding ecosystem, currently with a growing Industry and Innovation Board (IIB) membership, with 68 members and dozens more stakeholder partnerships, we’ve gained greater momentum as we shape the future of transportation. These members and partnerships contribute their expertise and resources to collaboratively advance the Center’s mission of developing viable electrified transportation solutions.
“The value of the ASPIRE ecosystem lies in the variety of its private and public organizations, and their alignment with both formal Industry & Innovation Board members and strategic partners across sectors,” said Director of Innovation Don Linford. “ASPIRE is a convenor of the ecosystem to accelerate the electrification of transportation and modernize grid energy use by transforming shared priorities into scalable, real-world solutions.”
For example, Kenworth Truck Company, a Paccar company, a pioneer in the commercial trucking industry, has been one of our original IIB members since ASPIRE was created in 2020, and a partner for several years before as part of the legacy organization. Kenworth Sales Company, a Kenworth Independent Dealer, with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, is also a key partner.
“Partnerships with research centers like ASPIRE are incredibly valuable because they provide data-driven insight and long-term vision into where the industry is headed. ASPIRE’s work in electrification, smart infrastructure, and viable mobility aligns directly with many of Kenworth’s goals,” said Kenworth Sales Company District Manager Jason Rappleye. “Our role in the innovation ecosystem is to serve as a critical bridge between real-world fleet needs and emerging technologies. We offer researchers the end-user perspective of how innovations can be piloted and scaled to practically improve performance, safety, and feasibility in the trucking sector.”
The ecosystem includes other stakeholder partners as well including Stadler US, a trailblazer in innovative passenger rail propulsion systems. Kaden Killpack, the commercial project manager for the USU/ASPIRE project at Stadler US listed a few of the benefits their company has seen from collaborating with ASPIRE.
“They give us access to advanced expertise and research facilities we do not have ourselves,” Killpack explained. “They can help us realize cost savings or secure public funding. They can lead to faster, more holistic innovation due to the early academic input that speeds up prototype development.”
These innovative opportunities between ASPIRE and Stadler US have been greatly explored through the collaborative development of the new battery-electric FLIRT — a single-decker, lightweight train. This battery-powered two-car-trainset will be the first passenger train in the U.S. to demonstrate full battery-powered public rail transportation without overhead electric infrastructure, enabling emission-free travel and allowing for longer routes, a feat made possible through this timely partnership.
“Collaboration between industry and academia are essential for driving innovation,” said Killpack. “Universities contribute fresh ideas, research funding, and provide state-of-the-art facilities while companies bring financial resources, market insight, and implement expertise. By combining these complementary strengths, we can develop, refine, and scale breakthrough technologies for the benefit of a broader user base.”
In addition to the exciting projects with Stadler US, ASPIRE has collaborated with Kenworth Sales Company to upfit multiple heavy-duty electrified trucks, including the recently finished, first-ever in-motion charging Class 6 electrified box truck. Kenworth Sales Company supported ASPIRE and technicians with the training, service, and fleet communication for the inland port demonstration.
“These collaborations allow us to test real-world applications of new technology, identify infrastructure needs, and ensure that vehicle design is compatible with future energy and transportation systems,” Rappleye said. “Specifically in Utah, ASPIRE gives our company an opportunity to contribute to air quality improvement and reduce the impacts on public health. We are excited that our service technicians will gain unique skills associated specifically with battery electric trucks that are not readily available without the partnership.”
Continuous partnerships with these and other industry and innovation members offer a promise — an opportunity to work towards an advanced, electrified future together.
“At Kenworth Sales Company, we recognize that the transportation industry is undergoing a historic transformation,” added Rappleye. “We’re proud to not only support our customers through this transition but also to engage with forward-thinking partnerships who share a commitment to innovation, self-sufficiency, and operational excellence. The road ahead is exciting, and we’re ready to drive it together.”
For more information about the Industry & Innovation Ecosystem and how to become involved, reach out to Don Linford, ASPIRE’s director of innovation, for more information.
About ASPIRE & Utah Electrification:
Headquartered at Utah State University, ASPIRE is a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. ASPIRE has demonstrated expertise in developing, implementing, and managing a range of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects and fostering strong partnerships across the EV charging ecosystem. The center integrates multidisciplinary expertise across electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering, as well as economics, social sciences, and policy. In 2023, ASPIRE was designated the lead institution in building Utah’s Intelligent Electrified Transportation Plan. More information on the center can be found at aspire.usu.edu, and more on Utah’s electrification efforts can be found at utahelectrification.com.
Contacts:
Don Linford
Director of Innovation
ASPIRE ERC
Writer:
Kayleigh Kearsley
Marketing & Communications Intern
ASPIRE ERC