Vartan Badalian

Director, U.S. Transportation Programs
Center for Sustainable Energy

Vartan Badalian is a legal, policy, and industry expert who leverages his experience in corporate sustainability, electrification, and transportation to drive decarbonization. At the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE), he oversees electric vehicle (EV) programs in the eastern U.S., provides strategic direction for advancing EV policies and initiatives, and supports partnerships with states, utilities, and other key entities. He previously held positions with the Trellis Group (formerly GreenBiz Group), Climate Group, Greenspot Smart Mobility, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York City Mayor's Office, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Vartan holds a Bachelor of Science from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a Juris Doctorate from Lewis & Clark Law School. He was named a 2021 GreenBiz 30 Under 30 by Trellis Group, a 2022 Future Climate Leader by The Aspen Institute, and a 2022 35 Under 35 Rising Star of the Electric Vehicle Industry by Business Insider. Vartan has been featured in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, Trellis Group (Formerly GreenBiz Group), World Economic Forum, and Business Green.

Vartan Badalian’s Session(s):

2:35 pm–3:20 pm | Wed, March 18, 2026

From Incentives to Endurance: Securing Lasting Funding for Electrification

Building the future of electrified transportation requires sustainable, predictable funding that goes far beyond one-time grants. While federal and state incentives remain a critical catalyst, they are only one piece of the puzzle. This panel will explore how to leverage public funding opportunities as a foundation, while layering in diverse revenue streams to create long-term financial resilience. From maximizing incentive programs to attracting private and utility investments, panelists will share strategies for ensuring infrastructure projects don’t stall once early subsidies taper off.

Attendees will gain a forward-looking perspective on building a durable funding ecosystem for transportation electrification. Discussion will highlight how to balance reliance on incentives with innovative revenue strategies, how to secure predictable funding flows, and how to align public and private interests for lasting impact. This session equips leaders with the tools to move beyond short-term wins and toward sustained investment in the future of mobility.

Takeaways:

Learn how to maximize the impact of public incentives as a foundation for long-term funding.
Explore strategies for diversifying revenue sources beyond federal dollars.
Understand mechanisms that create predictable and reliable cash flow over time.
Discover how to align public incentives with private capital and stakeholder needs.
Leave with strategies for securing implementation partners.

Check out our early bird ticket prices!