EV FAQs: Your questions about electric fleets, answered

Electric vehicles (EVs) have made remarkable strides over the past decade, growing from a niche technology to a significant force in the U.S. auto market. In 2024, more than 1.5 million EVs were sold in the United States, according to Argonne National Laboratory, a new annual record. Combined sales of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles now account for roughly 22% of all new light-duty vehicle sales, up from just 13% in 2022.

The road ahead isn't without bumps: the expiration of federal EV tax credits in late 2025 caused a sharp Q4 sales dip, and some automakers have tempered their near-term EV ambitions. Still, 2025 ranked as the second-best year on record for U.S. EV sales, according to Cox Automotive, and industry analysts expect gradual growth to continue as new models enter the market, charging infrastructure expands, and the technology keeps improving. With more than 155 EV models now available, fleet operators have more choices—and more reasons to plan ahead—than ever before.

EV Basics

1. What are the different types of EVs?

Electric vehicles are powered either partially or completely by electric power. Instead of using gas for power, electric vehicles are recharged. EVs encompass hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

2. What are hybrid electric vehicles?

Hybrids have grown in popularity, bridging the technology between gas-burning cars and fully electric ones. A conventional hybrid (HEV) uses a gasoline engine and regenerative braking to keep its smaller batteries charged. You don’t need to plug in a conventional hybrid to operate the vehicle.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) typically have a gas engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. They’re similar to standard hybrids in that they use both gas and electric power, but the ability to pre-charge the battery means PHEVs can travel significant distances on pure electric power without burning any fuel.

3. What are battery electric vehicles?

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), sometimes called [all-electric vehicles](Battery electric vehicles (BEVs), sometimes called all-electric vehicles, use an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. These vehicles rely on large battery packs and must be plugged into a wall outlet or charging equipment to recharge their batteries.), use an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. These vehicles rely on large battery packs and must be plugged into a wall outlet or charging equipment to recharge their batteries.

4. What are hydrogen fuel cell vehicles?

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are a still-emerging technology that generates electricity on board by combining hydrogen with oxygen — emitting only water vapor, with no plugging in required. The technology shows the most near-term promise in heavy-duty applications like trucks and buses, where longer range and fast refueling are key advantages. In the light-vehicle segment, infrastructure limitations and high costs have led some automakers to scale back their programs, while others like Toyota, Hyundai, and BMW continue to invest in the technology for the longer term.

5. How many electric vehicles are in the U.S.?

The numbers tell a compelling story, even amid a shifting market. In 2025, electrified vehicles — hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery electrics combined — accounted for 22% of all new U.S. light-duty vehicle sales, up from 20% in 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Despite the expiration of federal EV tax credits, 2025 still ranked as the second-best year on record for U.S. EV sales, according to Cox Automotive. Hybrids in particular hit record highs, with electrified powertrains reaching 26% of new vehicle sales in Q4 2025. Looking ahead, Cox Automotive projects EVs will hold roughly an 8% share of new car sales in 2026 — with improving model availability, expanding charging infrastructure, and a growing used EV market all helping to sustain momentum for fleet operators planning their next move.

6. What are some important acronyms to know about electric vehicles?

In addition to EV, BEV, HEV and PHEV (mentioned above), here are some other acronyms that can be helpful when discussing electric vehicles: • ICE: Internal combustion engine, which is how conventional non-EV cars are powered. • TCO: Total cost of ownership of a vehicle, which factors in depreciation, fuel, and maintenance in addition to the purchase price. • AC vs. DC Charging: Alternating current vs. direct current, the two types of EV charging. The key difference is where the AC power gets converted—either inside the car (AC/Level 2) or inside the charger itself (DC/Level 3). DC fast chargers can deliver power directly to the battery without an onboard converter, making them significantly faster. • MHEV: Mild hybrid electric vehicle. Also known as BAHV (battery-assisted hybrid vehicle). A standard ICE vehicle with a small electric motor or system to improve start/stop performance. • EVSP: Electric vehicle service provider. Providers manage and maintain the entire service aspect of EVs.

Charging

7. How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

Charging an EV can take as little as 20–30 minutes with a DC fast charger or as long as overnight with a standard Level 1 outlet. The time depends on the battery size, the charger type, the current charge level, and weather conditions. A typical electric car with a 75 kWh battery takes roughly 4–8 hours to charge from near empty using a Level 2 (240V) charger. DC fast chargers—now more widely available at highway stops—can bring most vehicles to 80% in under 30 minutes.

8. How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle?

Like so many other aspects of owning an EV, the cost to charge will vary depending on the vehicle and where you decide to charge. When charging at home, the cost is based on your battery size and local electricity rate. At a public station, you’ll pay by the kilowatt-hour or by the time spent charging.

For a real-world estimate: most EVs get 3 to 4 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh). If you drive 1,000 miles per month, that’s roughly 300 kWh of electricity. At the current U.S. average residential rate of about $0.17–$0.18 per kWh, you can expect to pay approximately $50–$60 per month to charge your EV at home—compared to roughly $140 per month for the average gas-powered vehicle.

9. How much does it cost to install a commercial EV charging station?

The cost to install a commercial EV charging station can range from $1,500 to $50,000 or more, depending on your property’s electrical infrastructure and the type of charger selected. An older building may require extensive wiring upgrades, while newer facilities may need only minimal work. On average, a commercial-grade Level 2 AC charging station costs around $6,000 installed—but don’t forget to factor in ongoing costs like network subscriptions, maintenance, and potential utility demand charges.

Fleet Electrification

10. How can fleet owners prepare to add EVs to their fleet?

Adding EVs to a fleet can be more complicated than expected. Key questions to address include: • Where will your drivers access charging? • What guidance can you offer to ease range anxiety? • What driver education can you provide during work hours? • What options are available for on-site charging infrastructure? • How will you reimburse drivers for home charging or mileage in an EV?

11. Can fleet owners track electricity usage in EV fleets?

Absolutely. At Mike Albert, we offer an EV card that works like a traditional fuel card but tracks kilowatts of electricity instead of gallons of gas. This card provides seamless charging access at more than 80,000 charging stations nationwide—giving fleet managers clear visibility into energy consumption and costs across the entire fleet.

12. How can fleet owners keep track of other EV metrics?

EV fleet metrics can cover everything from energy savings and vehicle maintenance to safety and sustainability reporting. Geotab’s Electric Vehicle Sustainability Assessment (EVSA) remains one of the most comprehensive tools available, using real-world data to offer personalized recommendations for a smooth transition to electric.

While creating an electric fleet can feel daunting, it is well within reach, especially if you work with a fleet electrification partner to guide EV fleet management. Fleet electrification partners can assist with permits, addressing property owner concerns, and managing the capital costs of charging infrastructure, from acquisition and installation to ongoing upgrades.

For more information about the future of fleets, chat with fleet electrification expert Mike Albert today.