CALSTART rebrands as Catalyst Mobility, to combine with Forth in 2027

CALSTART, the US-based nonprofit organization focused on clean transportation, has rebranded as Catalyst Mobility and will combine with transportation electrification nonprofit Forth at the beginning of 2027.

The new Catalyst Mobility name takes effect on 14 September 2026, according to an announcement made by President and CEO Michael Berube during the Forth Roadmap Conference. The organization said the new identity will cover its activities in clean, equitable and affordable transportation for people and goods.

Alongside the rebranding, Catalyst Mobility announced that Forth will combine with the organization at the start of 2027. Forth is a US nonprofit focused on transportation electrification, including electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

The organizations state that their combination will bring their programs, partners and membership networks under Catalyst Mobility, while establishing a stronger presence in the Pacific Northwest through a regional office in Portland, Oregon, where Forth is headquartered.

CALSTART becomes Catalyst Mobility after more than 30 years

The CALSTART organization has operated for more than three decades, working with industry, government and community partners on clean transportation programs and technologies. According to Catalyst Mobility, the change of name reflects the current scope of its activities in the United States and internationally.

The organization covers transportation applications ranging from bikes to heavy-duty vehicles, with activities involving programs, policies and technologies for passenger and freight transport.

The rebranding does not involve a change in the organization’s stated mission. Catalyst Mobility will continue working with industry, government and community partners on clean transportation projects and programs.

The change is also relevant to the zero-emission bus sector. CALSTART has produced the annual Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Buses report tracking full-size and small ZEBs funded, ordered, delivered or deployed across the United States. The publication will now sit within the activities of Catalyst Mobility under the organization’s new identity. A contribution from Catalys Mobility on trends and figures of US zero emission bus market is published on our latest Sustainable Bus magazine, issue September 2026.

Catalyst Mobility and Forth to combine from 2027

Forth will combine with Catalyst Mobility at the beginning of 2027. Forth has developed electric vehicle and charging infrastructure programs across the United States and has also expanded its activities into agriculture and micromobility.

According to the announcement, the combined organization will have access to the existing programs, partnerships and networks of both nonprofits. Catalyst Mobility also states that the combination will provide access to a wider range of funding, grants and public contracts.

A regional office will be established in Portland, Oregon, extending Catalyst Mobility’s presence in the Pacific Northwest. Portland is currently home to Forth’s headquarters.

Forth’s membership network spans six industry sectors, according to the organizations. Following the combination, its programs and network will become part of Catalyst Mobility’s activities.

In brief

• What is CALSTART’s new name?
  CALSTART has rebranded as Catalyst Mobility, effective 14 September 2026.
• What happens to Forth?
  Forth will combine with Catalyst Mobility at the beginning of 2027.
• Where will Catalyst Mobility expand its US presence?
  The organization plans a regional office in Portland, Oregon, currently home to Forth’s headquarters.
• Does Catalyst Mobility operate in the bus sector?
  Its activities include the annual Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Buses report tracking US ZEB adoption.

“For more than three decades, this organization has existed to catalyze a cleaner, more competitive transportation industry with our members and partners,” said Catalyst Mobility’s President and CEO, Michael Berube. “This new name does not change who we are. It sharpens how we show up for the next chapter by highlighting how we’re Building Clean Transportation Together™.”

“Everyone deserves access to clean, affordable transportation, and we’re building the organization needed to make that a reality,” said Jeff Allen, Executive Director of Forth. “With the combination of Forth and CALSTART, we strengthen our ability to create a transportation system that is equitable and works for everyone.”

“Clean transportation technology is maturing quickly across passenger and freight, and it still has gaps operators feel every day, including standards, infrastructure, financing, and the grid,” said Henrik Holland, Catalyst Mobility’s Board Chair. “Catalyst Mobility is where that work happens, and bringing this scale and this many stakeholders together is what makes this an exciting moment.”