Center for Transportation and the Environment

What Center for Transportation and the Environment does

The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1993 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Berkeley, California and St. Paul, Minnesota. The organization provides technical services for the deployment of zero-emission vehicles and supporting infrastructure — primarily battery electric buses (BEBs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) — to transit agencies, universities, school districts, municipalities, ports, airports, and commercial fleet operators. CTE's core service pillars are Technology Development, Smart Deployment (end-to-end project management including procurement guidance, systems integration, training development, and performance monitoring), Transition Planning (multi-year fleet electrification roadmaps), and Grant Writing as a Service. The organization has managed over $3.8 billion in research, development, and demonstration projects since founding, supported the deployment of approximately 1,400–2,400+ zero-emission vehicles across more than 250 operators, and maintains 100+ active projects.

CTE's business model combines project-based grant management, membership dues, and direct technical assistance revenue. The organization derives most of its project funding from federal agencies (U.S. DOT/FTA, DOE, DOD, DOI), state agencies (CARB, California Energy Commission), and local transit authorities, with recent wins including $320M+ in 2024 FTA Low-No and Bus & Bus Facilities awards flowing to CTE-supported agencies. Membership is a recurring revenue layer that includes corporate technology suppliers (GILLIG, BAE Systems, Hyundai, New Flyer, Toyota, Southern Company, Air Products, ChargePoint, and others) and transit agencies. CTE runs the Zero Emission Bus Resource Alliance (ZEBRA), an association of 22+ transit agency members, and hosts ZEB Con — the annual zero-emission bus conference drawing 700+ attendees — plus One-on-One speed-networking events and twice-yearly ZEBRA roundtables. The organization also publishes industry reference material, including the FTA-funded Zero-Emission Bus Transition Planning Guidebook. CTE is led by Executive Director Dan Raudebaugh and operates with 11–50 staff; in April 2026 former Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. joined the Board of Directors.

Name

Center for Transportation and the Environment

Legal name

Center for Transportation and the Environment

Website

https://cte.tv

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is a 33-year-old 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides technical services for zero-emission vehicle deployment — including transition planning, smart deployment, and grant writing — to transit agencies, universities, ports, and fleet operators across the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Project Management and Technical Services: CTE generates revenue through managing zero-emission vehicle deployment projects, providing technical assistance, project management, and consulting services to transit agencies and fleet operators. Services include technology development, smart deployment, transition planning, and grant writing support.
2. Membership Fees: CTE operates as a member-supported organization, providing members with tools and resources including funding opportunity alerts, exclusive industry events, and participation in legislative planning and advocacy efforts.
3. Grant-Funded Projects: CTE has managed over $3.8 billion in research, development, and demonstration projects funded by federal, state, and local agencies including U.S. Departments of Transportation, Energy, Defense, and Interior, California Air Resources Board, and California Energy Commission.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is a member-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides end-to-end technical services for zero-emission vehicle deployment. Core offerings include Technology Development (concept to commercialization), Smart Deployment (project implementation and infrastructure integration), Transition Planning (multi-year fleet electrification roadmaps), Grant Writing as a Service, and policy Advocacy. CTE works with transit agencies, universities, municipalities, ports, and commercial fleet operators to deploy battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and supporting charging and fueling infrastructure.

Product overview

The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) is a member-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates as a technical services provider rather than a software product company. CTE's core offerings center on consulting and project support services for zero-emission transportation deployment. The organization provides four interconnected service pillars: Technology Development (taking innovative zero-emission technologies from concept to commercialization), Smart Deployment (end-to-end project implementation), Transition Planning (strategic fleet transition roadmaps), and Grant Writing as a Service. Supporting these core services are advocacy work, educational programs including ZEB Con annual conference and One-on-One networking events, membership programs through ZEBRA, and publications such as the Zero-Emission Bus Transition Planning Guidebook. CTE works with transit agencies, fleet operators, and governments to deploy battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles across multiple market segments including transit, school bus, universities, ports, airports, and commercial fleets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Technology Development Technical services that take innovative zero-emission technologies from concept to commercialization through engineering, planning, and project management expertise.
• Smart Deployment End-to-end project deployment services for zero-emission vehicles and supporting infrastructure, including procurement guidance, systems integration, training development, and performance monitoring.
• Transition Planning Strategic planning services to help transit agencies and fleet operators develop comprehensive nine-phase roadmaps for transitioning to zero-emission vehicle fleets over multi-year timelines.
• Grant Writing as a Service Professional grant writing services to help organizations secure federal, state, and local funding for clean transportation projects, including Low-No and IIJA/IRA programs.
• Advocacy Policy engagement and legislative advocacy services connecting industry leaders with policymakers to advance zero-emission transportation policies and funding programs, including the Zero-Emission Transportation Policy Summit in Washington D.C.
• ZEB Con Conference Annual Zero Emission Bus Conference bringing together bus and shuttle fleet managers, industry professionals, and climate advocates for knowledge sharing on electrifying transportation fleets; 700+ attendees.
• One-on-One Transit Speed-networking event connecting transit agencies with zero-emission technology suppliers for curated meetings and exclusive site visits.
• One-on-One Trucks Speed-networking event for Class 6-8 truck operators and zero-emission commercial vehicle suppliers to discuss industry topics and fleet electrification.
• ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Resource Alliance) Professional association of 22+ transit agencies committed to operating zero-emission buses, offering peer-to-peer resource sharing, roundtables, performance dashboards, and policy advocacy.
• ZEV Trainings Educational training programs on zero-emission vehicle technologies, deployment, and operations for transit professionals.
• Webinars On-demand online educational sessions covering topics such as fuel cell bus proof of concept, battery electric bus fire safety, and hydrogen technology for transit.
• Zero-Emission Bus Transition Planning Guidebook Comprehensive step-by-step guidebook for transit agencies to plan and implement a successful transition to zero-emission bus fleets.
• Resilient Zero-Emission Transit Bus Fleets Guide (TCRP Research Report 256) Framework for transit agencies to update resilience plans for operating ZEB fleets and integrate zero-emission vehicle transition strategies into broader resilience planning.
• Member Portal Online portal for CTE members providing access to performance dashboards, community forums, funding opportunity alerts, and roundtables.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,400+ zero-emission vehicles deployed through CTE-supported projects
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Hyundai (Port Newark Project)coreTechnology or Integration · 12 December 2025Six Hyundai hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks to be deployed at Port Newark in New Jersey pilot project to demonstrate hydrogen technology viability for short-distance port logistics.
• ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Resource Alliance)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTE serves as ZEBRA's technical assistance provider, bringing decades of industry experience to help members navigate planning, deployment, and policy challenges. CTE organizes roundtables and provides consultation based on extensive ZEB deployment experience. ZEBRA represents transit agencies with combined presence of over 500 ZEBs in service.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Council (HFCBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of public transit agencies, manufacturers, and suppliers working together to advance the hydrogen fuel cell bus economy. CTE partners with HFCBC for hydrogen-focused events and collaborative advocacy for hydrogen transit programs.
• GILLIGcoreTechnology or IntegrationBus manufacturer partner providing battery electric buses for CTE-supported deployments including Valley Regional Transit (7 BEBs), Lawrence Transit, and Broome County Transit.
• HyundaicoreTechnology or IntegrationHydrogen fuel cell technology provider. Hyundai hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks are deployed in CTE-supported projects including Port Newark pilot with six FCETs.
• BAE SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationZero-emission technology supplier and One-on-One Transit anchor sponsor. BAE provides technology for transit bus electrification and sponsors ZEBRA events.
• Heliox (A Siemens Business)coreTechnology or IntegrationCharging infrastructure provider for battery electric bus deployments. Provided depot and overhead chargers for Valley Regional Transit and other CTE projects.
• JacobscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEngineering and technical services firm partnering with CTE on Valley Regional Transit BEB deployment and other zero-emission transit projects.
• Air ProductsmajorTechnology or IntegrationHydrogen supplier and industry partner participating in CTE events and hydrogen fuel cell bus initiatives.
• New Flyer MCImajorTechnology or IntegrationBus manufacturer providing battery electric buses for university deployments including University of Michigan fleet.
• ToyotamajorTechnology or IntegrationHydrogen fuel cell technology provider and sponsor of ZEBRA roundtables and hydrogen-focused initiatives.
• LindemajorTechnology or IntegrationHydrogen infrastructure provider and sponsor of ZEBRA hydrogen roundtables.
• Southern CompanymajorTechnology or IntegrationUtility partner and member of CTE, supporting zero-emission transportation initiatives.
• Georgia PowermajorTechnology or IntegrationUtility partner providing charging infrastructure for Augusta Transit battery electric bus deployment with six commercial-grade ChargePoint stations.
• ChargePointcoreTechnology or IntegrationCharging network provider for Augusta Transit and other CTE-supported BEB deployments.
• Plug PowermajorTechnology or IntegrationHydrogen fuel cell technology provider participating in CTE webinars and zero-emission transit discussions.
• ProterramajorTechnology or IntegrationElectric bus and charging solutions provider participating in CTE industry discussions.
• California Hydrogen Business CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization supporting hydrogen technology advancement in California.
• Ohio State University Center for Automotive ResearchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner and CTE member focusing on automotive research.
• Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCTE providing end-to-end technical and project management support for CTfastrak ADAS Safety and Accessibility Deployment, including procurement guidance, systems integration, training development, and performance monitoring.
• NorCAL ZERO Project TeamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTE-led project building and deploying 30 fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs) and hydrogen fueling station at East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD) treatment plant adjacent to Port of Oakland.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• WSP USA: WSP is a major global engineering consultancy with a transit practice that performs fleet transition planning, deployment engineering, and grant support for transit agencies — directly competing for the same engagement dollars as CTE on large transit projects, but with much broader geographic and service-line coverage.
• AECOM: AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm whose transportation practice provides planning, engineering, and program management for transit agencies and municipalities, including zero-emission fleet transitions. Overlap with CTE on transit engineering services but operates at meaningfully larger scale and across broader transportation modes.
• Stantec: Stantec is an engineering, consulting, and project management firm with a dedicated transit and mobility practice that supports transit agencies with planning, design, and operations consulting including fleet electrification. Comparable to CTE on technical services to public transit agencies, but as part of a much broader infrastructure services portfolio.

Direct peers

• Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI): RMI is a nonprofit clean energy research and consulting organization with active mobility/transportation practice that provides technical and policy advisory for transportation decarbonization. Comparable in its mission-driven, member-supported model and its work accelerating commercial deployment of clean transportation technologies.
• International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT): ICCT is an independent nonprofit that provides research and technical expertise to regulators and industry on clean transportation, including heavy-duty vehicle electrification. Comparable in that it combines policy/regulatory insight with technical analysis for transportation decarbonization, though more research-focused and less deployment-focused than CTE.
• CALSTART: CALSTART is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clean transportation organization that, like CTE, provides technical assistance, deploys zero-emission vehicles, and runs industry events and member-supported programs across transit, truck, and off-road applications. Direct overlap with CTE on mission, membership model, deployment consulting, and event-based community building.

Others

• American Public Transportation Association (APTA): APTA is the national trade association for public transit agencies, bus and rail operators, and equipment suppliers. Overlaps with CTE on policy advocacy and member engagement, but is a trade association representing transit interests rather than providing technical deployment services — making CTE an active member and partner to APTA rather than a direct competitor.
• Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM): NESCAUM is an interstate agency that coordinates air quality and clean transportation policy across Northeastern states, including zero-emission vehicle programs. Adjacent to CTE's work in that it shapes policy and programs that drive demand for CTE's deployment services, particularly for transit agencies in the Northeast.
• Diesel Technology Forum / Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure: Hannon Armstrong is a capital provider that finances sustainable infrastructure projects including clean transportation deployments. Comparable to CTE in that it operates within the same ecosystem of zero-emission vehicle deployment funding and partnerships, though as an investor rather than a deployment services provider.

Emerging players

• Clean Fuels Alliance America: Clean Fuels Alliance America is a national trade association promoting alternative fuels including biodiesel, renewable diesel, and ethanol — historically focused on liquid biofuels but extending into electrification and zero-emission advocacy. Comparable to CTE in its policy advocacy and member-supported model serving transportation decarbonization, though with a different technology focus.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Go_CTE
• Facebookfacebook.com/cleanair.cte

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Center for Transportation and the Environment