The episode of Transition to Zero podcast features an insightful conversation between host Jared Schnader and Dan Raudebaugh, CEO of CTE Center for Transportation and the Environment. Raudebaugh shares his extensive experience in the field, spanning nearly 30 years, and delves into the mission and work of CTE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing clean transportation technologies.

**Key Points:**

- **Introduction to CTE:** Raudebaugh provides a brief history of CTE, outlining its inception and evolution over the years. Founded around 30 years ago, CTE initially focused on managing projects related to electric and hybrid electric vehicles, primarily through partnerships with organizations like DARPA.

- **CTE's Initiatives:** Raudebaugh discusses CTE's multifaceted approach to advancing clean transportation. He highlights three core areas of focus: prototype vehicle development and demonstration, smart deployment practices, and fleet transition planning.

- **Prototype Vehicle Development:** CTE has a track record of successfully building and demonstrating prototype vehicles, including the first hybrid electric Humvee and Bluebird's first battery electric school bus. Raudebaugh emphasizes the importance of nonprofits like CTE in managing projects and funding to support technology providers.

- **Smart Deployment Practices:** Raudebaugh explains CTE's innovative approach of working with end-users to deploy vehicles, utilizing modeling software to optimize routes and charging infrastructure for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

- **Fleet Transition Planning:** CTE assists operators in creating strategic plans to transition their entire fleets to zero emissions, utilizing modeling software to analyze routes and recommend the best options, whether battery electric or fuel cell.

- **Policy Work and Vision:** Beyond project implementation, CTE engages in policy advocacy at both federal and state levels, aiming to facilitate the transition to zero emission transportation. Raudebaugh emphasizes CTE's vision of a carbon-free transportation system in the US and the organization's commitment to working towards this goal.

- **Technology Transition in Transit:** Schnader and Raudebaugh discuss the evolution of clean transportation technologies, particularly in transit. They highlight the role of transit agencies as technology incubators and emphasize the significance of transit in reducing emissions and congestion in urban areas.

- **Challenges and Future Outlook:** Raudebaugh acknowledges the challenges in transitioning to zero emission transportation, particularly in terms of technology readiness and infrastructure development. He shares his optimism for the future, targeting 2050 as a feasible timeline for achieving widespread adoption of zero emission vehicles in the transit sector.

**Closing Thoughts:**

The conversation between Schnader and Raudebaugh provides valuable insights into the efforts and challenges associated with transitioning to zero emission transportation. Raudebaugh's expertise and passion for clean transportation underscore the importance of collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations like CTE in driving sustainable change.