Electric vehicles (EVs) have moved from being a niche option to a central focus in fleet management. Today, they’re an essential part of conversations around efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainability. Despite the rising adoption of EVs, many common myths and misconceptions about their practicality and performance still linger. These misunderstandings, ranging from concerns about limited range and high costs to doubts about charging infrastructure and vehicle durability, continue to create hesitation among fleet professionals. Addressing these myths is crucial to helping fleets fully realize the benefits EVs offer and to accelerating the transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation.
Myth 1: EVs Are Too Expensive
The Reality
At first glance, EVs may seem more expensive due to higher upfront costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, but when considering Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), they often prove more economical over time. EVs have lower maintenance costs since they don’t require oil changes and have fewer moving parts, resulting in reduced repair and upkeep expenses.
Electricity costs also tend to be more stable than fluctuating gas prices, leading to significant fuel savings and more predictable budgeting for fleet managers. Taking the full picture into account—including tax credits and incentives—EVs often emerge as the smarter financial choice for fleets.
Myth 2: EVs Don’t Have Enough Mile Range
The Reality
Range anxiety is a common concern, but advancements in battery technology have made long-range EVs a practical solution for fleet operations. Today’s electric vehicles offer an average range of 236 miles, with some models reaching up to 450 miles per charge, more than enough to meet the needs of most light- and medium-duty fleets.
Additionally, most fleet vehicles operate on predictable, regional routes that rarely exceed 300 miles in a day, meaning many EVs can complete daily tasks on a single charge, according to recent survey data. For last-mile delivery and urban logistics, EVs provide ample range while minimizing downtime and supporting efficient, reliable operations. As charging infrastructure continues to expand, access to convenient charging options will further reduce concerns around range and support wider EV adoption.
Myth 3: Charging an EV Takes Too Long
The Reality
It’s time to move past the idea that EV charging is a hassle. Modern charging infrastructure and technology are designed to support the demands of busy fleet operations. Fast chargers like the Terra 124 and 184 deliver up to 180 kW and can power two vehicles at once, offering features such as overnight depot charging, high uptime redundancy, and compatibility with all fleet EVs, keeping vehicles ready without disrupting workflows. With more than 61,000 public charging stations now available across the United States, many along major trucking routes and highways, staying charged on the go has never been easier.
Discover the fast charging hardware solutions AssetWorks provides here.
Myth 4: EVs Can't Do Trucking and Hauling
The Reality
Many believe EVs aren’t suited for heavy-duty tasks, but the facts show otherwise. Advances in electric vehicle technology have made them fully capable of handling demanding jobs like trucking and hauling. Modern electric trucks offer impressive towing capacities that rival traditional diesel models, with some capable of pulling loads of 10,000 pounds or more. They’re also built for range and efficiency, enabling long-distance travel even under heavy loads. As EV technology continues to evolve, electric vehicles are proving to be not only viable but advantageous for heavy-duty applications, offering performance, efficiency, and long-term value for today’s fleets.
Myth 5: EVs Aren’t Environmentally Friendly
The Reality
It’s a persistent myth that EVs don’t offer significant environmental benefits due to emissions from battery production, but this oversimplifies the full lifecycle impact. Studies show that EVs produce 30–50% fewer emissions than gas-powered vehicles over their lifetime and typically offset the “carbon debt” from battery manufacturing within two years or roughly 11,000 to 14,000 miles.
As the energy grid continues to shift away from fossil fuels, the environmental advantages of EVs will only increase, supporting broader climate goals and promoting sustainable energy use. For fleet managers focused on sustainability, EVs are essential tools for lowering emissions and advancing environmental initiatives.
Build Confidence in Your Fleet’s EV Future
Fleet managers naturally may feel apprehensive about making the switch to EVs. However, as we move into 2025, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. Electric vehicles offer a viable, cost-effective, and sustainable pathway for modern fleets.
Many fleets are nervous to switch to EVs due to a lack of infrastructure and knowledge. That is why AssetWorks Charge Management Software comes in, designed to simplify and streamline the electrification process for fleets. By providing detailed energy management to optimizing charging efficiency, our platform empowers fleet managers to make data-driven decisions while easing the process of electrification.
