Five EV myths that are costing fleets money

Electric vehicles can lower operating costs and emissions for commercial fleets, yet persistent concerns about batteries, range, weather and charging continue to slow fleet decisions. Here is what a Geotab analysis of connected electric vehicle data from North America and Europe tells us about five concerns fleet managers continue to weigh.

Myth 1: EV batteries won’t last

Geotab’s analysis of more than 22,700 electric vehicles across 21 models found that the average annual EV battery degradation rate is 2.3%. At that rate, the average battery is projected to retain 81.6% of its original capacity after eight years.

Charging behavior matters. Vehicles relying heavily on high-power DC fast charging degraded at 3.0% per year, compared with 1.5% for vehicles using mostly lower-power charging. Use the lowest charging power that meets the operational schedule, and reserve high-power charging for when it is genuinely needed.

Myth 2: EVs do not work in extreme weather

EVs operate reliably in both harsh winters and intense summer heat waves. However, temperature affects range, so fleets operating in extreme climates need to plan for seasonal variation. In Geotab’s analysis of 5.2 million trips, the observed range peaked at 21°C (70°F), reaching approximately 115% of rated range, and fell to about 54% at -15°C (5°F) on average.

However, some of this loss can be mitigated. Much of the day-to-day range impact comes from the energy required to heat (or cool) the cabin and battery. Pre-conditioning while the vehicle is still plugged in preserves more energy for the trip. Seat and steering-wheel heating can also reduce the energy used to warm the entire cabin, conserving range. 

Myth 3: Range limitations will strand vehicles

Will EV range limitations strand fleet drivers? The data says “no.” While range concerns often focus on worst-case scenarios, fleets can use real-world data to make strategic decisions based onshould start with actual driving patterns and duty cycles. 

Geotab data shows that:

• 46% of U.S. and 52% of European fleet vehicles never exceed 250 miles (402 km) in a single day.
• 53% of North American heavy-duty trucks never exceed 400 miles (644 km) even on their longest driving day.

Although payload, terrain, speed, temperature and charging access still need to be included in a vehicle-level assessment, the data shows, however, that many vehicles operate well within the capabilities of current EV models.

Start with the vehicles that return to base regularly and have predictable daily routes. Those are often the strongest candidates for early deployment. Once the fleet gains experience, the analysis can expand to more complex duty cycles.

Myth 4: Fleets need megawatt charging before they can electrify

Charging needs are determined by how a vehicle is used. A regional or long-haul vehicle may need reliable, rapid charging along its route. A vehicle that returns to base each day may be able to charge overnight using lower-power DC or AC charging.

Geotab’s analysis of more than 5,200 EVs in early adopter fleets found that over half of the vehicles in both North America and Europe charged at only one or two locations. For many fleets, a well-planned depot charging strategy will cover most daily operations.

Depot charging still depends on available site capacity. Some facilities may need managed charging, load balancing, on-site storage or a utility upgrade. Others may use public or off-site charging for occasional top-ups, even when vehicles return to base.

How do you assess commercial EV charging station needs? Start with the operating data: where vehicles park, how long they dwell and how much energy they use during a shift. That analysis helps fleets size infrastructure to the work, rather than oversizing every site for a worst-case scenario.

Myth 5: EVs are too expensive

The sticker price is only one part of the financial case. Charging fees, maintenance, incentives, vehicle utilization and replacement cycles all shape the total cost of ownership. 

Geotab’s Taking Charge report found that 41% of the light-duty fleet vehicles analyzed could be more cost-effective as electric vehicles. 

Potential lifetime savings per suitable light-duty fleet vehicle

These figures reflect the assumptions and prices available when the analysis was conducted. Using vehicle telematics data and current, local costs, fleets can identify the strongest opportunities to save. 

From data to deployment

The common thread behind these myths is the risk and potential cost of making fleet decisions without looking closely at the data. Start with the vehicles and the work they perform. Review daily distances, longest driving days, dwell time, return-to-base patterns and available charging windows. Then compare total cost of ownership using current local assumptions and match charging power to the operational schedule.

Once EVs are in service, keep measuring utilization, energy use and charging behavior. That data will show where the deployment is working as planned and where adjustments can improve the return.

The strongest electrification strategies are built vehicle by vehicle. Identify where an EV can do the job today, then use those results to guide the next phase of the transition. Replacing assumptions with evidence is one of the simplest ways to protect the return on an electrification investment.