# What electric forklifts teach us about creative policy [partner content]

- Show: [Catalyst](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst)
- Published: 2023-10-11
- Length: 14m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-10-11-what-electric-forklifts-teach-us-about-creative-policy-partner-content

## Summary

Wes Whited and Angie Ziech-Malek, consultants at DNV, discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is accelerating the electrification of industrial equipment, using electric forklifts as a primary case study for utility program design. They explain how utilities can leverage federal rebates and change cost-effectiveness frameworks to overcome customer barriers like first cost, while also highlighting the emerging potential of heat pump water heaters and industrial heat pumps. The conversation covers the critical role of states in shifting from energy savings to greenhouse gas impact metrics and the necessity of public-private partnerships to meet decarbonization goals.

## Chapters

- [0:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-10-11-what-electric-forklifts-teach-us-about-creative-policy-partner-content#t=2) Introduction: Electric Forklifts and Utility Programs
- [0:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-10-11-what-electric-forklifts-teach-us-about-creative-policy-partner-content#t=46) Accelerating Forklift Electrification Adoption
- [2:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-10-11-what-electric-forklifts-teach-us-about-creative-policy-partner-content#t=123) Policy Frameworks and Non-Energy Benefits
- [4:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-10-11-what-electric-forklifts-teach-us-about-creative-policy-partner-content#t=243) IRA Impact on Heat Pumps and Industrial Tech
- [7:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-10-11-what-electric-forklifts-teach-us-about-creative-policy-partner-content#t=434) Utility Role in Deploying IRA Funds
- [9:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-10-11-what-electric-forklifts-teach-us-about-creative-policy-partner-content#t=570) State Frameworks and Rural Electrification
- [11:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2023-10-11-what-electric-forklifts-teach-us-about-creative-policy-partner-content#t=688) Transportation, Hydrogen, and Future Outlook

## Topics

- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- DNV (company)
- Inflation Reduction Act (other)
- electric forklifts (product)
- heat pump water heaters (product)
- industrial heat pumps (product)
- Maryland (other)
- California (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Renewable Energy Policy with Ari Gerstman](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-05-02-renewable-energy-policy-with-ari-gerstman) (The Amp Hour)
- [Professional Scooter Charger](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-10-24-professional-scooter-charger) (The Amp Hour)
- [242: Industrial History and the Low-Carbon Economy of the Future with Ted Fertik, VP of Manufacturing & Industrial Policy at BlueGreen Alliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-06-24-242-industrial-history-and-the-low-carbon-economy-of-the-future-with-ted-fertik) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [268: Reindustrialization in the Heartland, Live from +Venture North 2025](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-12-30-268-reindustrialization-in-the-heartland-live-from-venture-north-2025) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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