GNA managed a multi-faceted communications strategy for the three-year Volvo LIGHTS project to educate a wide range of stakeholders on the unique project approach, spotlight key accomplishments, and share lessons learned.
- Communications Strategy
- Media Relations
- Design Services
- Website Design & Development
- Events & Experiential Marketing
- Funding 360
About the Project
Volvo LIGHTS was a unique collaboration between the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), Volvo Trucks and 12 other organizations to pioneer a range of vehicle, charging and workforce development innovations critical for the commercial success of battery electric trucks and equipment.
Project Development & Administration
In partnership with South Coast AQMD and Volvo Trucks, GNA developed the vision and team for the Volvo LIGHTS project to serve as an important step toward transforming goods movement. LIGHTS provides a blueprint to successfully introduce zero-emission battery electric trucks and equipment into the market at scale.
- Developed the winning $44.8 million dollar grant from the California Air Resources Board’s Zero- and Near-Zero Emission Freight Facilities (ZANZEFF) program
- Ensured all project deliverables were on track and on budget
Website Design & Development
To educate key transportation stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges of widescale electrification of freight transportation, GNA facilitated the strategy, content, design and development of the Volvo LIGHTS website. The website was consistently updated throughout the project with:
- Educational content on fleet electrification
- Media releases and news coverage
- Project photos and videos
- Downloadable fact sheets and slides
Innovation Showcase
In collaboration with the project team, GNA produced an Innovation Showcase at TEC Equipment’s state-of-the-art Fontana dealership. Attendees had an opportunity to take a test ride in the pilot Volvo VNR electric truck on a specially designed route at the Auto Club Speedway racetrack. In addition, they participated in interactive educational sessions that spotlighted:
- Strategies to provide reliable and cost-effective power to fleet operators
- Partnerships with local colleges to introduce new workforce development opportunities
- How truck GPS data collection and analysis efforts has the potential to improve truck routing
Communications Strategy
To maximize the transfer of knowledge gained throughout the multi-year project, GNA supports the project partners with ongoing communications and outreach activities and manages the ongoing communications strategy, including:
- Writing a series of educational articles
- Coordinating participation at various industry and community events
- Managing an ongoing media release schedule to highlight project milestones
- Producing a series of educational videos
- Managing multiple successful project award nominations
Roundup Event
GNA helped organize a wrap event to share insights from the Volvo LIGHTS project partners on the lessons learned from participating in the project. The event featured:
- Offsite tours to see real-world project locations firsthand
- Roundtable sessions spotlighting real-world experience gained deploying HDBEVs, as well as community benefits realized (workforce development, reduced noise and air pollution)
- A parade of the Volvo VNR Electric trucks demonstrated during the project
Learned Guidebook
GNA drafted and designed a 25-page Volvo LIGHTS lessons learned guidebook to report key project findings. The book included key insights gained during the three-year project in relation to:
- Establishing new partnerships
- Demonstrating Class 8 BEV innovations
- Advancements in warehouse equipment
- Reliable cost-effective charging infrastructure
- Strategies to reduce total cost of ownership
- Cutting-edge job training
- Robust sales and service support
Key Successes
Community Impact
Supporting the Volvo LIGHTS team with the design and implementation of an ecosystem to support widescale freight electrification, and then working with project partners on education and outreach to transfer this knowledge has helped:
Reduce air pollution
providing improved public health benefits
Protect our climate
due to zero tailpipe emissions and the reduction in fossil fuel use
Create cutting-edge job opportunities
for vehicle technicians, charging infrastructure construction and more
Provide a better truck driver experience
due to a quieter ride and no exposure to fuel or exhaust fumes