Fleet Electrification Keeps Growing as Federal Policy Shifts

Even as federal policy around electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. becomes more uncertain, commercial fleet operators continue to move steadily toward electrification. The reasons are simple: electric vehicles outperform conventional gas-powered vehicles, in key areas like total cost of ownership, driver satisfaction, and emissions reduction. These core benefits haven’t changed, even as political winds shift — and forward-thinking, smart companies aren’t waiting around, they are still going full-steam into fleet electrification.

The Business Case Is Too Strong to Ignore

In July 2024, Cox Automotive released a comprehensive survey of fleet operators across the U.S. Although only 14% of commercial fleets had incorporated EVs at the time, the research uncovered a high level of satisfaction among early adopters — and strong indications of future growth. Among those already using EVs, 90% said they were likely to acquire more.

Why such enthusiasm? The answer lies in the numbers. EVs consistently rate higher in overall satisfaction, cost efficiency, and vehicle performance. The initial sticker price may still be higher in many cases, but the long-term savings in fuel and maintenance are becoming too significant to pass up. In fact, JD Power’s research shows that the total cost of ownership for an EV often surpasses that of gas-powered vehicles within just five years — and sometimes even sooner.

This is particularly relevant for commercial fleet managers who operate on tight margins and are constantly calculating lifetime operating costs. Every dollar saved on maintenance, fuel, and vehicle downtime adds up quickly when multiplied across dozens or hundreds of vehicles.

Technology, Choice, and Momentum

What’s different today compared to just a few years ago is the breadth of options now available to fleet managers. “Companies see that battery technology is improving, and they’re looking at the total cost of ownership across different class segments,” says Michael Kodransky, Senior Director of Climate and Energy at nonprofit Ceres. “They are able to access more varieties of vehicles to meet their needs, including Class 8.”

“The No. 1 thing moving forward is the commitment by fleet owners and operators to decarbonize,” said Kodransky, who works with the Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance (CEVA), a global fleet electrification initiative led by Ceres. “Companies are looking to address their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions,” he said, referring to greenhouse emissions produced by a company’s operations and value chain, “and they have made these commitments.”

Companies like Element Fleet Management, Merchants Fleet, DHL and Ryder — all CEVA members — are among those taking advantage of proven all-electric workhorses.

“Since the inception of the Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance (CEVA) five years ago, DHL Group has proudly collaborated with the Alliance to accelerate the transition to more sustainable transportation and pave the way for a cleaner low carbon emissions future. Together, we have worked to recognize the benefits of low or zero-emission vehicles through aggregate demand surveys, best practices, and advocating for programs that help accelerate the transition, whether in the light, medium, or heavy-duty market segments. We remain committed to working alongside CEVA and its members to identify innovative solutions for long-term success in electric vehicle adoption,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL.

“CEVA has been an invaluable partner to us over the years. It has connected us with our peers, helped us decode regulatory and policy changes, and kept us informed about critical topics in our sector. In a rapidly evolving industry, it can be challenging to know where the pendulum is swinging, but CEVA has consistently been by our side, providing the support and information we need,” said Sheri McGrath, Vice President of Sustainability at Element Fleet Management.

Rivian’s Commercial Electric Vans are a Game Changer

Rivian is an innovative company that has stepped up to fill the fleet segment. Rivian’s custom-built electric delivery vans were initially developed exclusively for Amazon as part of a 2019 agreement. Now, Rivian is marketing those vans to other fleet operators — offering a viable solution for last-mile logistics across a wide array of industries. In April 2025, EVinfo.net reported that Rivian provided 70 of its commercial vans to Ryder, fleet vendor for HelloFresh, the world’s leading meal kit provider.

Rivian and Ben & Jerry’s teamed up to create the Scoop Truck, a fully electric ice cream truck that combines sustainability with deliciousness.

The Human Factor: Driver Satisfaction

In logistics and freight, the driver experience is not a minor consideration. With labor shortages still plaguing the trucking industry, companies are looking for ways to attract and retain skilled drivers. Fleet electrification is proving to be an important ally in this effort.

States Logistics Services, another CEVA member, has emphasized how EVs benefit not just the bottom line, but employee morale. “This electric truck not only reduces emissions, but also offers a quieter ride and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional diesel trucks,” the company says on its website. Employees appreciate the cleaner, more comfortable driving experience — especially in high-traffic or yard-based operations.

States Logistics is also using electric yard tractors to move freight at its facilities, creating an overall smoother and more sustainable work environment. These electric yard tractors, supplied by Orange EV, offer emissions-free operation in precisely the locations where diesel emissions would otherwise be most concentrated.

Charging Innovations Close the Loop

For fleet electrification to be truly scalable, charging infrastructure must keep pace. That’s why many CEVA members and others in the industry are now focusing on building out charging networks specifically tailored to fleet use cases.

Siemens, a CEVA member and longtime leader in electrification technologies, recently introduced Depot360 — a home charging reimbursement solution for fleets with drivers who take their vehicles home. This system ensures that drivers can reliably charge their vehicles overnight while enabling fleet managers to reimburse home energy use accurately, even in households with multiple EVs.

Another CEVA member, CBRE, is also helping to accelerate fleet electrification. CBRE’s fleet electrification service is designed to minimize operational disruptions and maximize vehicle uptime throughout an organization’s transition to full-fleet electrification.

By leveraging a global, integrated EV platform, CBRE helps businesses drive sustainability, lower total cost of ownership, and improve driver retention. With the reach, expertise, and resources to manage EV charging programs at any scale—from single-site rollouts to complex, multi-location, multi-year initiatives—CBRE ensures seamless execution across the entire lifecycle of a fleet electrification project, anywhere in the world.

Ryder’s Comprehensive Guide to Fleet Electrification

Ryder has emerged as a recognized leader in fleet electrification, leveraging decades of transportation and logistics expertise to guide businesses through the complex transition to electric vehicles. With a deep understanding of fleet operations and a commitment to sustainability, Ryder offers end-to-end electrification solutions—including vehicle selection, charging infrastructure planning, grant navigation, and performance optimization.

In July 2024, Ryder released a comprehensive guide to help fleet managers navigate the road to electrification. This guide delivers actionable insights on every step of the EV transition journey—from assessing fleet readiness and designing an electrification strategy to infrastructure planning, funding, maintenance, and optimization. Key topics discussed in the guide are summarized below.

Follow the Steps to Fleet Electrification

Ryder’s guide says electrifying your fleet begins with understanding the feasibility of transitioning and creating a tailored strategy. Start by analyzing your current fleet usage, including mileage, duty cycles, idle times, and energy needs. Identify which vehicles are the best candidates for electrification based on their daily routes and dwell times.

Once your fleet analysis is complete, define short- and long-term goals. Set realistic milestones and assess potential risks, such as charging access or vehicle availability. Most importantly, include all key stakeholders—from drivers and fleet managers to facilities and finance—in the planning process to ensure a smooth and collaborative transition.

Not every EV fits every job. That’s why it’s critical to match the right electric vehicles to the right tasks. Consider range requirements, payload capacity, and charging needs. Evaluate both BEVs and PHEVs based on your routes and duty cycles.

When it comes to charging infrastructure, Ryder recommends a thorough power assessment and load analysis. Determine whether depot charging, home charging, or public infrastructure best fits your needs. Implementing smart charging systems can help avoid peak demand charges, reduce downtime, and improve grid efficiency.

Fleet electrification comes with upfront costs, but numerous federal and state programs can ease the financial impact. Programs like the Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit, Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program, and Diesel Emissions Reduction Act can significantly offset vehicle and infrastructure investments.

EVs generally have lower maintenance needs than traditional vehicles, but that doesn’t eliminate the need for a clear maintenance plan. Use manufacturer guidelines to build a proactive schedule and leverage predictive maintenance tools to prevent unplanned downtime.

Make sure technicians are trained on EV-specific systems, and track maintenance activities closely. This not only supports vehicle health but also helps improve total cost of ownership over time.

Fleet efficiency in the EV era is powered by data. Use telematics to monitor vehicle health, charging behavior, route efficiency, and driver performance. Optimize routes to reduce range anxiety and plan around charging opportunities.

Integrate vehicle and charging data to create automated reporting and performance dashboards. Analyze charging patterns and energy use to fine-tune schedules and reduce costs, especially by prioritizing off-peak charging.

Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) is essential to understanding the success of your electrified fleet. Monitor metrics like energy consumption, fleet utilization, range per charge, and emissions reductions. Benchmark performance against industry standards and use the data to refine your strategy. Regular reporting ensures transparency, accountability, and the ability to demonstrate ROI to stakeholders.

Leading by Example: Visibility and Culture

Fleet electrification is also about visibility. Organizations that electrify their fleets and install EV infrastructure signal a broader cultural shift — one that aligns business operations with sustainability goals. One of the most symbolic examples comes from NASCAR, which installed 30 EV chargers at its Florida headquarters as part of its pledge to reach net-zero emissions for non-race operations by 2035. In January 2025, Ford Performance unveiled its latest groundbreaking creation: the Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Prototype.

Looking Ahead: Policy Uncertainty, Industry Resolve

Many in the industry remain optimistic, despite federal policy changes. Lisa Drake, Director of Fleet Electrification at Merchants Fleet — another CEVA member — says the trend is too well-established to reverse. “Innovation always comes with twists and turns, and the journey of fleet electrification is no exception,” she notes. “But fleet electrification remains a crucial component of a clean energy future.”

Even in a more challenging policy environment, the market fundamentals continue to drive progress. Battery costs are falling. Vehicle variety is growing. Infrastructure is expanding. And the long-term financial and environmental benefits remain clear.

For fleet managers weighing their options, the message is simple: the road to electrification may have its bumps for now, but the destination is more certain than ever over the long term.

Lynkwell’s Innovative EV Charging Solutions for Fleets

Lynkwell delivers a comprehensive, ROI-driven approach to fleet electrification—starting with full project evaluation, including incentive identification and infrastructure planning, and continuing through post-installation support for operational efficiency. With a hardware-agnostic strategy, Lynkwell offers a curated catalog featuring hundreds of AC and DC chargers and a proven track record of maintaining reliable, multi-OEM charging networks. Purpose-built software and managed services packages are designed specifically for fleet needs, providing unmatched visibility and control through industry-leading remote monitoring, advanced diagnostics, and automated alerts.

Lynkwell’s proprietary analytics tools support multifaceted monetization, allowing fleets to customize charging operations while maximizing returns. With validated interoperability and a robust test platform trusted by top global OEMs, every charger meets the highest standards of performance. Lynkwell also enables seamless integration with renewable energy sources, making it easy to power fleets sustainably. At the heart of its offering is Lynkwell X‑Change—a powerful ecosystem that connects fleets to an expansive network of OEMs, utilities, clean energy partners, and innovative technologies. This single-source platform simplifies energy management for all stakeholders and ensures scalable, future-ready solutions.

If you are considering fleet electrification, contact Lynkwell. Highly recommended by EVinfo.net.