79% of Commercial Fleets Say 'No' to EVs

Commercial Truck Trader, an online marketplace for commercial vehicles, surveyed hundreds of commercial truck buyers and owners to gauge their plans for electric trucks, specifically adding them to their fleets in the coming years.

Will the results surprise you? 

What Did the Report Show? 

While excitement gathers within the industry, signs could point to slower adoption from drivers. The expected buyers of electric trucks are up from <10% last year but just above 20%.

Results show: 

• Adoption: 79% Would never add an electric vehicle to their fleet; 5% will right away; 4% within five years; 13% maybe.
• Top reasons to adopt: 44% save money at the gas pump, 21% since they produce lower emissions, and 30% because they require less overall engine maintenance.  
• Top drawbacks: 57% low range or battery life; 49% charging time; 45% finding a charging station; 11% said no drawbacks.
• Additionally: 30% of those surveyed would feel differently with testimonials from current EV truck owners, while 22% remarked that seeing other fleets with EV trucks would change their opinion.

According to Commercial Truck Trader, the most common concern is related to the lack of charging infrastructure, specifically charging station availability for local and over-the-road (OTR) applications and construction sites. 

The second biggest concern reported was related to battery life and range. 

“There are several factors that can affect battery life. Some examples include the weight of the payload being hauled, the outside air temperature, the type of elevation a truck will encounter along the journey, the speed the vehicle is driven, and the number of stops made along the way. Because of this, results can vary,” the report noted. 

Today’s Electric Vehicle Takeaways? 

Emissions reductions are top-of-mind today for commercial fleets based on factors including environmental regulations, corporate sustainability goals, and more. 

Electric vehicles are a viable alternative for many fleets, with reduced environmental impacts and potential cost savings. But infrastructure is still in a growth stage. Although there was a 5.5% increase in public station standard charging ports in the third quarter of 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, many rural areas still need to be represented. 

But, one thing is apparent from these survey results: an electric future for vocational operators is not yet written in stone. 

Fleets are still looking toward alternative-fuel options, including propane autogas, compressed natural gas, and other renewable fuel options.