As fleets integrate electric vehicles (EVs), clear utilization patterns are emerging — and they vary between vehicle types. 

Utilization Trends: How Are Fleets Using EVs Today? 

As fleets integrate electric vehicles (EVs), clear utilization patterns are emerging — and they vary between vehicle types. 

EV small cars are functioning as true like-for-like replacements for their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. They’re being used in much the same way as the ICE small cars they’re replacing, often serving as general-purpose fleet assets.  

Pickups, however, follow a different trend. EV pickups, which hit the market in force during the past 1-2 years, are not yet functioning as direct replacements for ICE pickups in high-utilization roles. Instead, they are more commonly deployed as supervisor vehicles or supplemental assets, rather than primary work trucks.

Our trend data shows that the average daily usage rate of an EV small car is just 0.6% lower than the average daily usage rate of an ICE small car for Q1 2023 through Q1 2025. Meanwhile, EV pickups, a newer entry to the Fleet space, report 13.5% less average usage than the ICE counterpart1. However, the EV pickups have shown a steady increase in their usage -- from 36.3% in Q1 2023 to 45.9% in Q1 2025. This suggests growing confidence in EV capabilities for some light-duty applications, while heavier-use assets are still finding their role in electric fleets.

Key Data Points: 

• Purchase Trends: Within the EV Consortium, x% of assets purchased have been EVs.  Within the EV Consortium, prior to 2020 just 5% of assets purchased have been EVs and 9% were hybrids (HEV/PHEV) whereas since 2020 13% of assets purchased are EVs and 22% hybrids (HEV/PHEV)3. This growing percentage of fully or partially electric vehicles demonstrates confidence in EV technology and a desire to comply with corporate sustainability goals and state mandates.  

• Usage Trend Over Time: Quarterly data reveals steady increases in small electric cars miles, while EV pickup utilization grows more gradually as fleets experiment with their ideal use cases. 

Charging Habits and Battery % Remaining: What Happens When EVs Return to Base? 

Range anxiety is a well-documented concern in fleet electrification. Our 2024 Driver Sentiment Survey supports this conclusion with about 50% of respondents listing lack of range or range anxiety as primary concerns with driving an EV. 22% of respondents expressed a lack of confidence that the EV would get them to and from their destination.  

The reality often looks very different. Charging behavior and battery management shed light on how EVs are actually performing in fleet operations. Data from the EV Consortium shows that in 2024 EV pickups return to their chargers at the end of their shift with 67% battery remaining4. For off-session periods where the vehicle drove at least 30 miles, it’s estimated that Full-size pickups could travel an additional 206 miles based on the kWh remaining5 — far more than what’s needed to meet their daily driving requirements or the daily driving requirements for an ICE pickup. 

Key Insights: 

• Daily Miles Driven:  EV small cars are keeping pace with ICE small cars in daily mileage, at 39 miles and 48 miles respectively, proving they’re well-suited to traditional fleet roles. EV pickups, on the other hand, average about 26 miles fewer miles per day than their ICE counterparts at 50 miles per day and 76 miles per day, respectively6. 

• Range Anxiety Disconnect: Driver sentiment survey results consistently highlight range anxiety as a concern, despite data showing that most EVs return to their chargers with ample battery remaining. 

Observed Range vs. Manufacturer Capability: Real-World Proof 

The strongest tool for overcoming range anxiety? Real-world data. By comparing actual fleet performance with manufacturer-stated range, within the Consortium, we observe that EVs typically operate well within expected ranges. This proof helps fleet managers build trust in EV capabilities, support expansion into higher-mileage duty cycles, and address the range concerns of drivers.  

For example, the extended range for Ford Lightning promised ~300 miles and the median range observed is 294 miles. The extended range for Chevrolet Silverados promised ~400 miles and the median range observed is 438.7 

Real-world performance data helps fleet managers set realistic expectations about what job assignments and geographies are reasonable and counter outdated assumptions about EV range limitations. 

About the Electric Vehicle Consortium 

The Electric Vehicle Consortium brings together fleet professionals, data analysts, and sustainability administrators to collaborate on solving the unique challenges of fleet electrification. Our members benefit from real-world data insights, collaborative research, and a strong peer network. Interested in joining or sponsoring? Contact us at evconsortium.org to learn more. 

Data Sources

• EVC Dataset, 2023-2025 

• Utilimarc Fleet Benchmarking Data (2023-2025) 

• EVC Driver Sentiment Survey, June 2024 

• Manufacturer Range Estimates (2024 Models)