Transportation Review: Specials magazine

In an era increasingly defined by sustainability and technological advancement, PhoenixEV is at the forefront of a revolution in transportation. With a firm commitment to zero-emission solutions, it has carved a niche in the electric vehicle (EV) market, particularly in the electric transit bus sector. “From our early beginnings to the rise as a public company with groundbreaking innovations, we are redefining what it means to drive the future of public and private transportation,” says Dr. Lewis Liu, COO. Over 20 years of dedicated innovation makes PhoenixEV one of the most experienced and trusted manufacturers of all-electric, zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles in the U.S. It has focused solely on electric mobility since its inception, amassing more than 60 million all-electric miles across North America. That translates into over $30 million in fuel savings and a major step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Platform Designed Specifically for EVs PhoenixEV began its journey with a mission to revolutionize transportation through EVs. In 2014, it delivered the first all-electric shuttle buses to the Los Angeles Air Force Base, launching a new era of zero-emission public transit. By 2018, it expanded to major California airports, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable mobility. In 2022, it went public, unlocking new resources for growth. PhoenixEV’s most pivotal move came in 2024 with the acquisition of Proterra’s transit bus division, doubling its manufacturing capacity and strengthening its position in the global electric vehicle market. At the heart of PhoenixEV’s electric bus technology is a platform designed specifically for EVs. Its transit buses are not retrofitted from traditional diesel-powered models, as is common with other manufacturers. Instead, they are purposely built from the ground up to be electric, ensuring optimal battery placement, energy efficiency, and safety features. The ZX5 platform underpins its electric transit buses, and incorporates a strategically designed system that places the batteries outside the passenger compartment, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing safety. This system also helps lower the vehicle’s center of gravity, providing better stability and a smoother ride. The advantages of the ZX5 are further enhanced by the use of advanced composite materials in the vehicle’s body that reduce weight, improving vehicle efficiency, range and safety. The materials are fire-resistant, preventing the spread of fire in the unlikely event of an incident, and are non-conductive, ensuring that passengers and service personnel are not at risk of electric shock. “Our goal is to create fully connected, autonomous electric buses that can improve service delivery and operational efficiency for transit agencies,” says Dr. Liu. PhoenixEV’s over-the-air (OTA) data analytics platform helps transit agencies track bus performance, maintenance needs, and battery health, ensuring that fleets operate at peak efficiency while reducing operating costs.

LJ Traffic Control is a trusted traffic management and flagging service provider, recognized for its rapid response time and unwavering commitment to safety. With industry-leading operational reliability, it is a preferred partner for utility providers and construction contractors throughout the Cincinnati Tri-State, Northern Kentucky, Columbus and beyond. Whether drawing up non-engineered traffic control plans, supporting complex line crossing operations that many competitors avoid or deploying certified traffic control professionals overnight to keep projects on schedule, LJ Traffic Control brings professionalism, agility, and a high standard of care. These differentiators make it a valued partner on every job site. Its in-house training program provides a clear competitive advantage. Every team member, from schedulers to senior leadership, holds active flagger certification, ensuring hands-on expertise and a coordinated, all-hands response when urgent field situations arise. “We prioritize safety and distinguish ourselves by focusing on quality over quantity," says Michael Hayslip, director of operations. LJ Traffic Control boasts a dedicated, ATSSA-certified flagger instructor who conducts a five-hour, in-person certification course provided by the American Traffic Safety Services Association. New hires also spend two days shadowing a field trainer across multiple job sites, gaining hands-on exposure to client operations, project scope, and real-world traffic control procedures. This immersive onboarding ensures each crew member understands the work environment and the operational standards expected on-site. It also provides OSHA 10- and 30-hour safety training, CPR certification, and defensive driving courses. An in-house safety manager focuses solely on auditing traffic control performance in the field, reinforcing the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and compliance. Regardless of project demands, LJ Traffic Control is equipped to dispatch highly trained, fully certified crews tailored to each client’s requirements. A dedicated 24/7 emergency response crew ensures clients are never without support during urgent situations. This service is especially critical in Ohio, where severe weather often disrupts utility infrastructure..