A new survey from fleet analytics firm EVAI reveals that small and mid-size fleet managers are eager to embrace electric vehicles—if they can get better data. According to the March 2025 survey of over 2,500 fleet executives, many operators say they need stronger partnerships with auto dealers and better tools to track total cost of ownership (TCO) before committing to more EVs.
“We understand the frustrations fleet managers face in accessing accurate and comprehensive TCO data,” said Ian Gardner, Founder and CEO of EVAI. “Our mission is to provide advanced tools and real-time insights that empower fleet managers to make informed decisions.”
Key pain points include the high upfront cost of EVs (20%), concerns about charging infrastructure (20%), and uncertainty around resale value (20%). Many also struggle to get clear long-term cost comparisons between electric and gas vehicles.
The results show:
- 41% of fleets are partially transitioned to EVs
- 40% are still exploring their options
- 70% say long-term operational savings are a key driver for EV adoption
- 41% say they are very likely to accelerate adoption if real-time TCO data becomes available
Fleet managers also cited the importance of strong relationships with dealers, which can improve TCO through faster service, access to OEM parts, and predictive maintenance tools.
But there’s still a gap: while 41% rigorously track TCO, 40% say they need better tools to do it effectively. Predictive analytics and better cost comparisons were among the top data needs, with 61% saying improved data access would help optimize fleet performance.
