About the accelerator

The Fleet Decarbonization Accelerator is a comprehensive, hands-on, cohort-based program that equips businesses with the resources, networks, and support they need to create fully actionable plans to decarbonize their fleets. At the end of the 12 weeks, cohort members will be equipped with decarbonization action plans, a business case, and a pitch deck to help bring stakeholders on board.

The Fleet Decarbonization Accelerator is for businesses and non-profits with vehicle fleets that have a presence in Washington and/or Oregon and are committed to reducing their fleet emissions. There is no minimum fleet size or organization size to participate, and you are not expected to have previous knowledge about fleet decarbonization. On the other hand, if your organization already has a detailed fleet decarbonization plan and business case, and are in the process of implementing it, this program is probably not for you (though we would love to connect with you about potentially sharing your experience).

We aim to assemble a diverse group of businesses, including small- and medium-sized businesses and BIPOC-owned businesses.

The Accelerator will save you time and money while accelerating your progress toward a zero emissions fleet. We’ve done the work for you to curate trustworthy content and expertise that will support you in putting together an actionable plan to decarbonize your business’ vehicle fleet, at a fraction of the cost of engaging a consulting firm and a fraction of the time it takes to navigate resources alone.

The Accelerator combines learning and action to help you create a fleet decarbonization plan to present to your company leadership. You’ll learn from fleet decarbonization experts, companies that are already transitioning their fleets, policy experts who will explain the financial incentives available at the federal, state and local levels, and utilities and other industry players. You’ll also get 1:1 coaching from experts at the Electrification Coalition as you build your plan. And finally, you’ll build a network of peers to support each other both during and after the Accelerator.

Transitioning to a zero-emissions fleet takes time—including up to 24 months for utility upgrades. In addition, supply chain issues have created long wait times for certain types of vehicles. If you plan to transition your vehicles in the upcoming years, now is the time to begin planning.

The program runs for 12 weeks. There are weekly 90-minute online sessions, and a required two-day in-person session in Seattle.

The first Fleet Decarbonization Accelerator cohort of 2024 is currently underway, running from January to April. Additional Accelerator cohorts are being planned for 2024. Please sign up here to stay informed of upcoming dates.

The person(s) responsible for creating your organization’s fleet decarbonization plan—whether that is your sustainability manager, fleet manager, or operations manager—should be the primary participant(s), attend all sessions, and complete the weekly assignments. Each organization may enroll up to four participants, though this is not required.

The goal of the Accelerator is to provide the learning and support for your business to create an actionable fleet decarbonization plan. This will require a meaningful time investment (several hours per week) from your fleet manager and/or sustainability manager and others in your organization. Specific commitments include:

• The person(s) responsible for creating your organization’s fleet decarbonization plan, and optionally up to four total staff members, attend the weekly 90-minute online sessions and the two-day in-person session in Seattle.

• Commitment to create a fleet decarbonization plan, business case, and presentation during the program. This will require work in between sessions.

• Executive sponsor – a senior leader with budget and decision-making responsibilities related to fleet decarbonization.

There is a fee of $950 (fleets with <25 vehicles) or $1,950 (fleets with 25+ vehicles) per organization to help offset a small portion of the Accelerator’s operating costs, which includes access to fleet decarbonization experts, 1:1 coaching from fleet electrification experts from the Electrification Coalition, and presentations from fleet managers who have already started to decarbonize their fleets.

Financial assistance is available for businesses that require it. For more information, please contact us at accelerators@climatesolutions.org.

The cohort is limited to 25 organizations. This allows us to provide the 1:1 coaching that is a key component of the Accelerator and gives participants the opportunity to get to know and support each other throughout the program. We aim to have a diverse group of businesses from across Washington and Oregon, including BIPOC-owned businesses.

Organizations will have a significant portion of their fleet’s operating footprint in Washington and/or Oregon. We encourage companies from across Washington and Oregon to enroll.

Dates for upcoming 2024 Accelerator cohorts will be announced soon, and enrollment will open shortly afterward. Please sign up here to stay informed about upcoming Accelerator dates and the enrollment process.

Yes, the Breaking Barriers Collaborative is planning additional climate accelerators and other programs for businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Please sign up here to stay informed of upcoming programs.