Odyssey Day 2026

Post-Event Summary:

Odyssey Day 2026 – 250 Years of Progress: Let’s Fuel the Road Ahead!

Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities (PRCC) team, led by Executive Director Lisa Iadicicco and Co-Director Kristen Sabol, alongside Bob Koch and his team at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Odyssey Day 2026 was a resounding success! This year’s event was made possible through the generous support of Duquesne Light, National Fuel, ArchKEY - Bruce & Merrilees, and Orange EV. 

The event welcomed longtime PRCC supporters and many new faces alike. Conversation flowed as attendees gathered over coffee and donuts, and the warmth of those connections continued through the vendor fair, despite the cool temperatures and rainy afternoon. With more than 100 attendees and over 25 vendors and vehicle exhibitors, this year’s event offered something for everyone, from compelling speakers and informative panel discussions to vehicle displays and the innovative technologies that power them.

Featured speakers included State Representative Valerie Gaydos and Senator Devlin Robinson. Eight additional subject matter experts, including Flore Marion, the City of Pittsburgh’s Assistant Director for Sustainability & Resilience, contributed to three panel discussions: Electric Vehicles, Alternative Fuels, and Community Solutions.

The discussions highlighted Western Pennsylvania's continued commitment to alternative fuels and cleaner transportation, bringing together industry experts and community representatives to share practical insights, explore emerging technologies, and identify opportunities for regional collaboration. Panelists explored the expansion of EVs into medium- and heavy-duty vehicle markets and how factual information and firsthand experiences can help address consumer concerns about emerging technologies. 

Attendees also learned about ethanol production in rural Western Pennsylvania communities and how choosing E15 can offer savings at the pump for drivers of compatible vehicles. Dr. Sai Satish Guda, Senior Manager of Research and Development at the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), discussed the benefits and potential cost savings of switching to propane.

The Community Solutions Panel highlighted an exciting opportunity for Western Pennsylvania: the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Community Charging Funding Opportunity is open across much of Pennsylvania this fall, with more than $35 million in funding available for charging infrastructure in Western Pennsylvania alone!

Western Pennsylvania drivers love their EVs! In celebration of National Drive Electric Month, ten local EV owners showcased their light-duty electric vehicles at this year's vendor fair. Other vendor fair highlights included a brand-new, propane-powered 2027 Blue Bird Vision 72-passenger school bus; a CASE 580 EV electric backhoe; Vogel's 2026 Battle Motors CNG automated side loader; and one of Pittsburgh Regional Transit's 60-foot battery-electric buses. 

Odyssey Day 2026 demonstrated the enthusiasm, innovation, and collaboration driving cleaner transportation forward across Western Pennsylvania. PRCC is proud to support the people, partnerships, and practical solutions helping to build a more affordable, reliable, and sustainable transportation future. Together, we'll continue to drive clean for Western Pennsylvania. See you at Odyssey Day 2027!

Photo Gallery: