Gina Succi is a Professional Engineer, a member of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and co – founder and Chief Executive Officer of Westhill Innovation. For over 20 years, her career interests include leadership in engineering, product development and technology commercialization, in four vastly different market sectors including steelmaking, logistics, mining and construction. Westhill Innovation is a leading designer and supplier of solar- electromobility systems for commercial transportation, Gina is also a member of the Engineering Board of Directors at McMaster University, in addition to the SME representative of the Ontario Advanced Manufacturing Board of Directors. Gina enjoys family time and special interests outside of her career including cycling and the creative arts.

The State of California is known to be a leader when it comes to combating air pollution. They have been doing so now, for decades. The State was the first to demand trucks attain certain emission standards, and they continue to do so by making history again with their Zero Emissions Clean Truck Rule, which was implemented in 2020. The Rule requires manufacturers of commercial vehicles to introduce clean air technology to replace the thousands of units that operate on and around the freeways of California daily. The aggressive Zero Emissions Rule began with a 5% increase in clean air by 2024 and 40% increase by 2035 depending on the type of equipment being used. Please read the article on the Zero Emissions requirements here:  https://www.greenbiz.com/article/california-makes-history-zero-emission-clean-trucks-rule

We at Westhill are constantly looking for a better solution to reduce or eliminate reliance on fossil fuels, as are many others in our industry. There are many factors driving the change to adopt new technology that will replace gas and diesel-powered engines.  California has their Zero Emission Rule, to assist the move towards clean air, however, here closer to home, the price of fuel has also been a contributing factor for the search to adopt new technology. When the price of gas went over $4.00 per gallon (and up to $7.00 per gallon in some states) it made us all think about our personal driving habits. As business owners, we translated those trends and we saw our operating costs skyrocket. In fleet operations for example, we are experiencing that alternate power to fuel is “top of mind” for any finance or operations manager. Whether we are trying to bring down operating costs or are passionate about clean air, and a better planet for our children and grandchildren, the goal is still the same, reduce emissions and change to an alternate fuel source.

What if you could do both and get reimbursed for doing so?

In my past 20 years of developing new technology, never have I experienced a case where a new technology had a decent immediate financial return. One of the technologies being introduced to the market today, can achieve both environmental and cost reduction goals combined.   For Westhill Innovation that solution is SunShifter™️. SunShifter™️ is a solar mobility solution uses solar, battery, electric to fully power refrigeration systems in commercial transportation. When it comes to operating the refrigeration unit, there are no more fuel costs to worry about, no CO2 emissions and no noise pollution.

Now, if you happen to operate your fleet in California, this is the best part, the California Air Resources Board has an incentive program that will reimburse you for a significant portion of the costs of a conversion kit for your existing TRU, making this a win-win program.  Currently California CARB CORE is offering fleets a voucher up to $65,000USD for each refrigerated trailer conversion and up to $55,000USD for any truck box conversion. This is an amazing offer which is available for a limited time. Visit www.westhillinnovation.com to learn more about the SunShifter™️ or give us a call to learn more about the incentive program. Be a winner in both areas.

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Gina Succi is a Professional Engineer, a member of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and co – founder and Chief Executive Officer of Westhill Innovation. For over 20 years, her career interests include leadership in engineering, product development and technology commercialization, in four vastly different market sectors including steelmaking, logistics, mining and construction. Westhill Innovation is a leading designer and supplier of solar- electromobility systems for commercial transportation, Gina is also a member of the Engineering Board of Directors at McMaster University, in addition to the SME representative of the Ontario Advanced Manufacturing Board of Directors. Gina enjoys family time and special interests outside of her career including cycling and the creative arts.