Electric vehicles are available for all fleet types and vehicle classes
Advances in battery and vehicle technology are supporting electrification across the vehicle classes needed for every type of fleet, including buses, vans, tractors and medium- and heavy-duty trucks. As more and more vehicles become available, every type of fleet will continue electrifying, at a faster pace.
There are already more than 600,000 eBuses and 400,000 electric delivery vans in operation globally, and eBuses are anticipated to make up 62% of the global bus fleet by 2040. Globally, 100,000 electric commercial vans and trucks were sold in 2020, but sales are picking up fast.
More than 18,000 electric commercial vehicles are expected to be sold in the U.S. in 2022, with that figure rising fast to over 379,000 commercial EV sales in the U.S. in 2030. (BNEF) This rapid growth points the way toward quick and comprehensive electrification of all vehicle and fleet types.
Heavy duty
250%
Medium duty
Light duty
25%
Source: BNEF
Leading automotive manufacturers, including Daimler, Traton and Volvo, have made major commitments to electrifying their commercial vehicles. Daimler has set an ambitious target of 100% electric by 2040, while Volvo is aiming for an "absolute majority" of vehicles to be electric by the same year. Traton will make its Scania brand 50% electric by 2030, and its MAN brand will be 40% (long-haul) and 60% (delivery) electric by 2030. As more vehicles become available on the market, sales will continue to accelerate worldwide.
CALSTART, a nonprofit working to advance clean transportation, has developed a useful Zero-Emission Technology Inventory (ZETI) tool to showcase the rapidly growing availability of EVs for commercial applications.
By 2023, 195 commercial EV models are expected to be available on the market, opening up the logistics and delivery fleet markets to more rapid electrification. No matter what type of fleet needs to be electrified or what type of vehicle is needed, the right technology is increasingly available.
While all types of vehicles and fleets can benefit from electrification, choosing the right vehicle is essential to success. Fleet managers must verify that a vehicle can handle the route and duty cycle that needs to be completed. A mismatch between expectations and vehicle capabilities will set fleets up for failure. Fortunately, ample assistance is available in evaluating and selecting EV models.
All fleet vehicles will use a standard connector type to charge. The use of standard connectors enables the development of EV charging solutions that will work for a variety of fleet vehicles, simplifying infrastructure adoption and scaling for fleets. It's important for fleets to prepare for electrification by building out EV charging infrastructure as vehicles are in the process of being procured or even before. Many lighter-duty vehicles are able to rely more heavily on AC charging, which uses a universal J1772 connector in North America or Type 2 connector in Europe. DC fast charging may use a CHAdeMO or SAE Combo connector (Type 1 or 2) and is suitable for heavy-duty vehicles or high-mileage routes.
