Electric vehicles are becoming a more established part of the U.S. vehicle landscape, with roughly 6 (opens in a new tab) million plug-in vehicles on American roads in early 2026. About 4 million of those are fully electric, while another 2 million are plug-in hybrids.
Many of the concerns that held EV adoption back for years are becoming less significant as manufacturers improve what their vehicles can offer. Charging technology, for example, continues to get faster, with some of the newest battery and charging systems capable of charging in under 10 minutes. Battery technology is also advancing, with developments aimed at improving cold-weather performance and reducing battery costs. At the same time, charging infrastructure continues to expand, making EVs a more practical option for a wider range of fleet operations.
With more capable EVs available, choosing the right one still depends on the job it needs to do. Daily mileage, charging access, cargo requirements and vehicle use can all influence which vehicle is the right fit. Before getting into the different options, it’s worth looking at what an EV could mean for your business. Whether you’re adding your first one or expanding an electric fleet, there are some practical benefits to consider.
Adding EVs to your fleet can change more than what you spend at the pump. Depending on how your vehicles are used, EVs can create savings and make some day-to-day fleet operations simpler.
Spend less on fuel
Fuel is one of the biggest ongoing costs for a fleet. At current U.S. averages (opens in a new tab), an EV using 30 kWh (opens in a new tab) of electricity per 100 miles would cost about $4.26 to travel 100 miles when charged at the average commercial electricity rate. A gas vehicle getting 30 mpg would cost about $13.57 to cover the same distance at an average gasoline price of $4.07 per gallon. For fleets that can charge vehicles at a depot or workplace, that difference can add up quickly as mileage increases.
Reduce routine maintenance
EVs have fewer moving parts and don't require some of the routine services associated with gas-powered vehicles, such as engine oil changes. Over the vehicle's lifecycle, that can mean fewer maintenance needs and potentially lower maintenance costs.
Charge around your schedule
Unlike gas-powered vehicles that need a trip to the pump, EVs can charge while they are already parked. For businesses with vehicles that return home or to a depot, charging can happen overnight or while they’re not in use, helping vehicles start the next shift ready to go.
Get more value from high-mileage routes
For vehicles that spend more time on the road, savings from lower energy and maintenance costs can add up. An analysis of several public and private fleet use cases found that EVs were about 9% cheaper per mile (opens in a new tab) than similar gas-powered vehicles. Actual savings depend on mileage, charging costs and how the vehicle is used.
Choosing an EV gets easier when you start with what your drivers actually need from the vehicle. A sales rep covering long distances will care about different things than a technician carrying equipment or a driver making local deliveries. These five EVs each bring something different to the table.
Whether you’re adding your first EV or exploring electric options for an existing fleet, our strategic advisors can help you figure out what will work best for your business with a free assessment.
We can look at your routes, mileage, charging options and day-to-day vehicle use, then help you choose the right EVs and charging infrastructure to plan around how your fleet actually operates. to explore EV leasing and fleet electrification options.
