Transatlantic
Transportation
Decarbonization
Summit 2025
TUESDAY, JUNE 10TH — FRIDAY, JUNE 13TH, 2025
DE VERE LATIMER ESTATE CHESHAM, UK
Summary of Sessions from TTDS25
The International Council on Clean Transportation 4th annual Transatlantic Transportation Decarbonization Summit (TTDS) convened transportation leaders at a critical juncture in the global shift toward zero emission vehicles and fuels. Developed under the guidance of five leading governments—California, Canada, the European Commission, Germany, and the United Kingdom—and hosted by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), the 2025 summit brought together high-level government officials, industry stakeholders, and civil society representatives to address emerging challenges in clean transportation policy and implementation.
Photo. TTDS 2025 Participants, United Kingdom.
With electric vehicles gaining significant market share across major markets, this year’s discussions centered on the mounting challenge of preparing for technical reviews while safeguarding existing standards, ensuring adequate charging infrastructure deployment, and securing sustainable EV battery supply chains. The summit expanded its scope to examine marine and aviation decarbonization alongside low carbon fuels, while incorporating critical perspectives from emerging markets including India and Brazil.
The summit’s distinguished casual environment fostered the candid, cross-border dialogues that have become its hallmark—conversations rarely possible in other forums. This exclusive setting enabled transportation experts to engage in strategic discussions that transcended typical stakeholder boundaries, generating insights that will shape clean transportation policy and technology development. The following summary captures the key themes, challenges, and solutions that emerged from these high-level conversations.
Featured Keynotes
FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Richard Bruce
Director, Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, UK Department for Transport
FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Amit Bhatt
Managing Director, India, ICCT
FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Ali Zaidi
Former Assistant to the President of the United States and National Climate Advisor, White House Climate Policy Office
FEATURED KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Seb Dance
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Greater London Authority
Plenary Sessions
Regulatory Landscape: Taking Stock and Looking Forward
There is uncertainty in the United States because of the Trump administration’s actions to roll back regulations. However, litigation regarding regulatory rollbacks will take time. While legal challenges unfold, other markets, including California, the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), Canada, and Germany can still make progress toward electrification.
California is faced with two main setbacks: the state could not obtain waivers for its Advanced Clean Fleets rule and Locomotive rule before the new administration took office; Congress voted to repeal several critical rules that were passed. California will legally challenge the Trump administration’s actions.
In the UK, the recent election allowed for the reinstatement of some of the ambition around electrification goals. Phase out targets and trajectory remain in place, but flexibilities in compliance mechanisms have been extended.
In the EU, the general shift in the last election may complicate the electrification agenda – including reviews of standards.
In Canada, the new government’s platform has focused on economic management. EV sales in Canada continue to be strong despite headwinds (like the pause in EV rebates). Canada is also focusing on the expansion of charging infrastructure (with the goal of doubling infrastructure by 2030). Public transit electrification also continues to be a bright spot in Canada. Tariffs are an issue of concern in Canada – particularly tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum which will raise auto prices across North America.
In Germany, the light-duty vehicle CO2 standards framework is still in place, though industry is seeking to weaken standards; debate will be intense. For heavy-duty vehicles, manufacturers supported more stringent standards initially, but seem to be leaning toward seeking to weaken standards.
SESSION PARTICIPANTS
Margo Oge, Board Chair Emeritus, ICCT (Moderator); Richard Bruce, Director, Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, UK Department for Transport; Mark Cauchi, Director General, Environment and Climate Change Canada; Falk Heinen, Head of Division, Federal German Ministry for the Environment; Günter Hörmandinger, Senior Expert, European Commission; Liane Randolph, Chair, California Air Resources Board
High Voltage, High Stakes: Preparing Power Grids for Heavy-Duty EVs
Electric truck integration into the local grids represents a complex yet economically critical challenge for the clean transportation transition. But there are a growing number of technology solutions that are more accessible with the right policy developments. Panelists confirmed strong expected growth in the electric truck market over the next 5 years while emphasizing the critical need for policy certainty to accelerate investment decisions. Some panelists urged policymakers to safeguard existing policies to provide a much-needed certainty to accelerate investment decisions. The discussion revealed several pressing grid integration challenges requiring attention in the near future; long grid connection permitting procedures, a lack of financing tools to invest in the grid, and difficulties in communicating with local grid operators, among others.
This conversation also highlighted a tension in the regulatory ecosystem. While utilities are heavily regulated, the regulatory agencies are passive in their approach. Panelists stressed that proactive planning is needed to address uncertainties around charging demand timing and location. The panel concluded with an examination of various grid investment cost recovery models, underscoring the need for innovative financing approaches.
SESSION PARTICIPANTS
Janea Scott, Partner, Caliber Strategies (Moderator); Francesca Wahl, Senior Charging Policy Manager, Tesla; David Farnsworth, Principal, Regulatory Assistance Project; Marina Lussich, Principal, Worldwide Operations Sustainability, Amazon; Koen Noyens, Head of Public Affairs, Milence
Air Pollution as a Driver for Clean Vehicles
This session emphasized the power of leveraging and highlighting pollution and health impacts to accelerate action on clean vehicles. The TRUE initiative – which was born out of Dieselgate – exemplifies this approach by measuring real-world emissions of vehicles on the roads in cities and publishes the data to highlight vehicles that are emitting levels of emissions far beyond official emissions values. This work has made headlines around the world and gotten the attention of policy makers as well as the public.
This session highlighted the work of the Moving Forward Network in the United States (aimed at raising awareness and finding solutions to address the inequitable impact of U.S. freight movement by working directly with impacted local communities. We heard from Polish Smog Alert and Mums for Lungs – organizations campaigning for improved air quality in cities in Poland and the UK respectively. Both groups shared some of the creative ways they have found of raising public awareness around transports impact on health and coming up with viable solutions for policymakers. Lastly, we heard from the Clean Air Fund – a philanthropic organization focused on resourcing and collaborating with organizations around the world who are focused on the fight for cleaner air.
SESSION PARTICIPANTS
Sheila Watson, Deputy Director, FIA Foundation (Moderator); Jane Burston, CEO, Clean Air Fund; Anna Dworakowska, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Polish Smog Alert; Molly Greenberg, Campaign Manager, Moving Forward Network; Jemima Hartshorn, Founder and Director, Mums for Lungs
Norway’s EV Success Story
Norway’s achievement of 94% EV sales by May 2025 stands as the world’s most successful national electric vehicle transition. The country operates under a non-binding goal of 100% zero-emission new car sales by 2025, with private EV adoption outpacing company EV sales. Electric heavy-duty vehicle sales reached 13% in May 2025, while driver concerns have virtually disappeared. The top survey response in 2024 was “there are no disadvantages with driving electric,” a dramatic shift from 2022 when charging availability was the primary concern.
Key lessons from Norway’s experience include avoiding all discussions of internal combustion engine vehicle bans, which prove time and again to be counterproductive. The bonus malus taxation system delivered significant success, while charging infrastructure scaled effectively with minimal public support. Most funding focused on vehicle incentives with limited initial support for fast charging. Notably, 88% of truck drivers report satisfaction with electric truck driving experiences, indicating strong acceptance across vehicle categories.
SESSION PARTICIPANTS
Marie Rajon Bernard, Senior Researcher, ICCT (Moderator); Christina Bu, Secretary General, Norwegian EV Association (pictured); Erik Lorentzen, Head of Analysis and Advisory Services, Norwegian EV Association
Safeguarding and Scaling Supply Side Regulations
Supply side regulations (SSRs) have proven to be one of the most effective policy tool to advance transport electrification across markets. However, in recent years they have been under attack by those profiting from the polluting status quo. Economic arguments are essential to counter the incumbent industry narrative, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions, trade wars and supply chain resiliency around EV manufacturing, batteries and critical minerals.
This panel showcased the success story of the UK that introduced one of the most ambitious ZEV policies overcoming many of the common challenges raised in other regions. It is the biggest carbon saving measure in the UK economy, providing investment certainty for charging infrastructure, reducing EVs up front purchase costs, and increasing model choices for consumers. The key is a long-term strategy, engaging all stakeholders along the way to build, and maintain trusting relationships while maintaining the ambition. This allowed the UK to address the concerns, remove barriers, and build the enabling conditions for EV adoption.
Markets without SSRs risk becoming manufacturing hubs without access to the vehicles they produce. OEMs prioritize sending their limited EV production to markets with stronger regulations and higher profitability. Thanks to their scale and overcapacity, Chinese OEMs are aggressively entering unregulated or lightly regulated markets with affordable EVs. Legacy automakers are absent or slow in emerging markets, further widening the competitiveness gap. As legacy OEMs focus on developed markets, Chinese brands are shaping consumer expectations and standards—for example standardizing the GB/T charging connector in emerging markets—which may later limit market flexibility.
SESSION PARTICIPANTS
Anthony Eggert, Senior Director, Transportation, ClimateWorks Foundation (Moderator) (pictured); Amit Bhatt, Managing Director, India, ICCT; Sebastian Galarza, Executive Director, Centro de Movilidad Sostenible; Eugenio Grandio, President, EMA Electro Movilidad Asociación México; Rosalind Marshall, Deputy Director, UK Department for Transport; Jason Hill-Falkenthal, Branch Chief, California Air Resources Board
Green Industrial Policy and the EV Transition
It is well known that China has a significant lead in the production of electric vehicles, batteries, processing of critical metal and materials. One panelist spoke about China’s intention to dominate the global auto market including EV batteries and raw materials. The question posed to panelists is what role governments should play in supporting domestic auto manufacturers and promoting production of EV batteries and critical minerals.
Panelists recognized the benefits of former President Biden’s EV consumer tax credits, EV battery production incentives, and infrastructure support as leading to significant new investments in US manufacturing. Panelists discussed the likelihood that the Trump Administration would roll back important pieces of Biden’s EV policy framework and further, noted that U.S. tariffs on cars, steel and aluminum were creating major challenges to European automakers. Major auto manufacturing countries in Europe were divided on how best to respond to China with France comfortable with tariffs while Germany was not.
In Brussels, policy makers are debating how to find sufficient funds to support EV battery manufacturing in Europe and at what level of subsidy. Some panelists questioned whether the Biden’s administrations EV battery tax incentives at $45 kWh were too generous. One area of disagreement on the panel was the extent to which the United States or EU should welcome joint ventures with Chinese companies, such as the CATL / Ford battery plant, as China had required for several decades to spur its domestic manufacturers.
SESSION PARTICIPANTS
Drew Kodjak, President / CEO, ICCT (Moderator) (pictured); Rohan Patel, Board Advisor, ICCT; Sabrina Schulz, Germany Director, European Initiative for Energy Security; Will Todts, Executive Director, Transport & Environment; Robbie Diamond, Founder, President, and CEO, SAFE
Leadership from Cities on the EV Transition
The panel discussion on “Leadership from Cities in the EV Transition” brought together representatives from a city government, a civil society network, a global city coalition, and the private sector to explore progress, challenges, and strategies in the shift from combustion-engine vehicles to electric vehicles. Panelists highlighted notable achievements in cities both within and beyond Europe, including advancements in charging infrastructure, regulatory measures, and collaborative initiatives. The conversation also addressed key obstacles that could slow progress, such as limited investment, slow political action, and unequal access to electric vehicles. To ensure success, panelists emphasized the importance of strong policy alignment, long-term planning, and inclusive implementation.
SESSION PARTICIPANTS
Elliot Treharne, Assistant Director – Transport and Infrastructure, Greater London Authority (Moderator); Christopher Hook, Global Head of Sustainability Strategy & Analytics, Uber; Barbara Stoll, Senior Director, Clean Cities Campaign, Transport & Environment; Josette Vallentgoed-Udo, Head of Sustainable Mobility, City of Amsterdam; Mark Watts, Executive Director, C40 Cities; Sandra Wappelhorst, Research Lead, ICCT
Chile’s Success Story: Critical Minerals and Open Markets
This panel highlighted Chile’s ambitious electric mobility transformation, where panelists highlighted Santiago’s plans to deploy nearly 4,500 electric buses by 2025—achieving 70% fleet electrification that surpasses any major city outside China. This initiative reflects the country’s comprehensive 2021 National Electromobility Strategy, which sets a bold target of complete EV adoption by 2035 across passenger vehicles, public transit, and industrial equipment including mining trucks. The nation’s natural resource advantages position it uniquely for this transition, holding the world’s largest lithium reserves while ranking as the second-largest producer, alongside being the top global copper supplier. The impact is dramatic: each electric bus eliminates emissions from 33 conventional vehicles while slashing operational expenses by 70% compared to diesel alternatives.
The conversation then covered the country’s vision extending beyond electrification through its National Green Hydrogen Strategy, which anticipates $5 billion in renewable investments by 2025 and aims to establish the nation as a premier green hydrogen exporter by 2030. This integrated approach creates synergies between clean transportation and renewable energy expansion, systematically decarbonizing the transport sector while advancing both environmental and economic objectives.
SESSION PARTICIPANTS
Sebastian Galarza, Executive Director, Centro de Movilidad Sostenible (Moderator); Fernando Hentzschel, Head of Technological Capabilities, Chilean Economic Development Agency; Ana Lía Rojas, Executive Director, Chilean Association of Renewable Energies (ACERA); Jean Paul Zalaquett, Partner, Open EV Lab; Andrés Barentin, Founder and CEO, Dhemax
Navigating the future of LCF for Marine and Aviation
This panel brought together experts from the International Maritime Organization, European Commission, Maersk, SkyNRG, and Climate Champions to explore how to scale sustainable fuels in sectors where fossil fuels remain cheap and accessible. Panelists emphasized that international and regional policies like the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, The International Civil Aviation Organization’s CORSIA, FuelEU Maritime, and ReFuelEU Aviation are starting to push demand, with additional support from U.S. incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.
However, encouraging investment in new e-fuel production remains challenging. Panelists highlighted that green shipping corridors can help put the infrastructure in place for the first net-zero emission voyages, and IMO’s recent progress may push ICAO toward stronger climate action. However, strong e-fuel policies were seen as key solutions to de-risk investments in e-fuel production.
SESSION PARTICIPANTS
Bryan Comer, Marine Program Director, ICCT (Co-moderator); Nik Pavlenko, Programs Director, Fuels and Aviation, ICCT (Co-moderator); Heike Deggim, Director, Marine Environment Division, International Maritime Organization; Amy Malaki, Head of Policy and Sustainability, SkyNRG; Ken Tran Phong, Aviation Lead, Climate Champions; Ingrid Marie Vincent Andersen, Head of Energy Transition Sustainability, A.P. Moller-Maersk; Günter Hörmandinger, Senior Expert, European Commission
Nonroad Diesel Engines as a New Policy Frontier
Transitioning construction equipment and other non-road vehicles to zero-emissions is one of the most overlooked yet significant opportunities for urban emission reductions and air quality improvement. The panel discussion centered on actions governments can take to support faster deployment of zero-emission construction equipment with pioneering governments like the Netherlands and New York City sharing experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. One shining example shared was how New York City has just begun a partnership with other US cities to collaborate on supporting zero-emission construction equipment and this will hopefully help accelerate action in the United States.
SESSION PARTICIPANTS
Rachel Muncrief, Executive Director, ICCT (Moderator) (pictured); Stephanie Searle, Chief Program Officer / Regional Lead, ICCT; Sylvie Binder, Policy Advisor, NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice ; Fleur Malschaert, Senior Policy Officer, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, The Netherlands ; Alex Woodrow, Managing Director, KGP Powertrain Intelligence
Expert Roundtables
Accelerating the Electric Bus Transition in Major Cities
Electric bus deployment has reached a critical inflection point where successful models are emerging across diverse markets, yet financing remains the primary bottle neck. This roundtable discussion centered on the adoption of electric buses and innovative business models in Chile, India, Egypt, and the UK. Participants agreed that the first vital step in major cities was securing political commitment to zero-emission buses, with a clear goal such as 100% new sales by specific dates.
The discussion revealed multiple barriers requiring attention including but not limited to, long-term funding stability, depot ownership and capacity, grid upgrades, fire safety, OEM readiness (supply), and managing established operators. Finance was highlighted as one of the main obstacles is the lack of credit access for private operators. Concessional finance and the separation of asset ownership from operation were cited as potential solutions.
Successful private-public partnerships—where the private sector invests and the public sector provides financial guarantees—have been established in Chile and the UK with success. Demand aggregation in India was also highlighted as a potential way to reduce costs, but with the challenges of standardizing technical and operational requirements. Countries like Colombia and Brazil are exploring ways for their national governments to assist in financing e-bus deployment projects in cities and might benefit from lessons learned in India.
Thomas Maltese, Head, Zero Emission Bus Rapid-deployment Accelerator (ZEBRA) Partnership, C40 Cities (Moderator)
Green Industrial Policies: Production and Consumer Tax Credits, Infrastructure, and Tariffs
This expert roundtable brought together speakers from the Green Industrial Policy panel along with experts from North America, the UK, and Europe. The group discussed a wide range of green industrial policy options for the United States and Europe. Conversation focused on what policy options might be available to U.S. states should the Trump Administration rollback the battery of EV fiscal incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act.
The group recognized that more than 80% of IRA’s fiscal incentives were expected to flow to Republican states. And if those fiscal incentives were preserved, there could be an opportunity for Blue and Red States to align around building a North American EV market (Red states supply the EV batteries, Blue states provide the market).
Ali Zaidi, Former Assistant to the President of the United States and National Climate Advisor, White House Climate Policy Office (Co-moderator)
Rohan Patel, Board Advisor, ICCT (Co-moderator)
Charging Infrastructure: Availability, Cost and Grid Readiness
Utility conservatism and bureaucratic inertia are creating a fundamental mismatch between the speed of HDV electrification commitments and the pace of grid infrastructure development. A common global theme emerged: utilities are conservative and prioritize safety above all while simultaneously questioning the certainty of HDV electrification. Utility connection timelines are a barrier to HDV electric vehicle deployment in both Europe and North America. In addition, participants shared concerns about data centers competing with electric trucks for grid connections, and shared concerns about the affordability of electricity amid the massive investment needs.
Concerning short-term solutions, participants highlighted that we need to have a stronger alignment between air emission regulators and utilities (and their regulators). Improving the grid connection experience for both utilities and charge point operators represents another priority. Prioritizing HDV charging stations’ grid connection could also play a big role in accelerating their deployment in the short term, although participants highlighted that utilities are obliged not to discriminate between their customers, implying that a legal framework based on some merits might be needed. Finally, several participants mentioned that the push for such high-power connections will enable the diffusion of technologies such as battery storage. Those technologies can be deployed faster as they do not need any utility approval.
Long-term solutions demand utilities fundamentally change their mindset, a shift from a passive conservative culture to a more proactive one, given the pace of the transition. Building a political will to allow the system to respond effectively to the challenges we face today, such as easing bureaucratic and legal procedures. Finally, participants highlighted the need for innovative cost recovery and cost-sharing financial models.
Charlie Allcock, Senior Infrastructure Advisor, ICCT (Moderator)
Low Carbon Fuels for Marine and Aviation
Technology is not a barrier to using low carbon marine and aviation fuels because dual-fuel engines for ships are already available and drop-in e-fuels and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) for aircraft can be used today. The real challenge lies in making the economics work, particularly for those pathways perceived as having high investment risk. This includes high-CAPEX fuel pathways such as cellulosic biofuels as well as e-Fuels, as well as technologies that rely on investments in new bunkering infrastructure.
The group discussed financing options such as the EU Innovation Fund, the upcoming International Maritime Organization Net-Zero Fund, and other mechanisms like contracts for difference that could help bridge the cost gap between fossil and e-fuels.
Green shipping corridors and demand aggregation were highlighted as practical ways to build confidence, concentrate early demand, and support final investment decisions. Overall, participants emphasized that strong e-fuel policies, targeted financial support, and exclusion of unsustainable biofuels are essential steps to accelerate the deployment of legitimately low carbon marine and aviation fuels.
Pierpaolo Cazzola, Director, ETERC, ITS/UC Davis (Moderator)
ZEV Communication and Persuasion in a Post-Fact World
Sustaining public support is a challenge for the ZEV transition and for enabling policies in the face of financial and geopolitical challenges and organized resistance from segments of industry. The session began with presentations from the moderators about how Norway was able to sustain its ZEV incentives and the messages used by the EV Association and other actors, and on public sentiment about ZEV policies and the strategies used by opponents to weaken those policies in markets like Australia and California.
With this background, attendees representing a wide range of governments and civil society broke into groups to share their experiences and ideas for better collaboration. Promising strategies identified included deploying EVs in situations where they will be most visible and successful rather than forcing scenarios where they will struggle; using careful and consistent terminology around policies (such as an “EV availability standard”) which emphasize choice and consumer freedom; and ensuring that EV buyers are supported in real time, such as with a hotline for questions on features or charging.
Lastly, better stakeholder collaboration requires alignment around terminology and messages that focus on economic benefits, partnering with responsible, ambitious companies while clearly addressing the efforts of some to hamper access to ZEVs.
Gil Tal, Prof. Director EV Research Center, University of California Davis (Co-moderator)
Christina Bu, Secretary General, Norwegian EV Association (Co-moderator)
Navigating the Future of Low Carbon Fuels for Marine and Aviation
This discussion brought together experts from the International Maritime Organization, European Commission, Maersk, SkyNRG, and Climate Champions to explore how to scale sustainable fuels in sectors where fossil fuels remain cheap and accessible. Panelists emphasized that international and regional policies like the International Maritime Organization Net-Zero Framework, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s CORSIA, FuelEU Maritime, and ReFuelEU Aviation are starting to push demand, with additional support from U.S. incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.
However, unlocking investment in new e-fuel production remains a major hurdle, especially as biofuels, some with sustainability concerns, are likely to be used in shipping, and decarbonizing aviation currently relies on offsetting rather than in-sector reductions. Panelists highlighted that green shipping corridors can help put the infrastructure in place for the first net-zero emission voyages, and IMO’s recent progress may push ICAO to take stronger climate action. However, strong e-fuel policies were seen as key solutions to de-risk investments in e-fuel production.
Bryan Comer, Marine Program Director, ICCT (Co-moderator)
Nik Pavlenko, Programs Director, Fuels and Aviation, ICCT (Co-moderator)
Nonroad Diesel Engines as a New Policy Frontier
This discussion included two government speakers from the Netherlands and New York City and an industry consultant. The panel mainly discussed actions governments can take (and that pioneering governments like the Netherlands and New York City are already taking) to support faster deployment of zero-emission construction equipment. The panel also discussed some challenges faced and lessons learned by early experiences. New York City has just begun a partnership with other U.S. cities to collaborate on supporting zero-emission construction equipment and this will hopefully help accelerate U.S. action.
Stephanie Searle, Chief Program Officer / Regional Lead, ICCT (Moderator)
Chile’s Success Story: Critical Minerals and Open Markets
Sebastian Galarza, Executive Director, Centro de Movilidad Sostenible (Moderator)
The State of Global Supply Side Policies
A number of key supply side regulations are under review or under threat in the major markets. Potential rollbacks and challenges highlighted the value in trying to learn from each other. Even while regulatory “toolboxes” are different depending on location, technologies and market developments tend to be similar. It was also emphasized how much emerging markets could benefit from a direct exchange with policy makers in major markets, while developing their own supply side regulations, often from scratch. This discussion was a closed-door conversation allowing a candid discussion among peers.
Falk Heinen, Head of Division, Federal German Ministry for the Environment (Moderator)
Glimpses from TTDS 2025
PARTICIPANTS
SPEAKERS
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
ORGANIZATIONS & COMPANIES
