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Fleet Owners Report Increased Satisfaction with Electric Vehicles

New research from Cox Automotive shows fleet owners favor EVs over ICE vehicles, citing higher overall satisfaction and cost efficiency.
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New research from Cox Automotive reveals fleet owners managing both electric vehicles (EVs) and internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles report higher satisfaction with their EVs. The study, The Future of Fleets: Path to EV Adoption, highlights significant trends favoring EVs over ICE vehicles.

Increased Satisfaction with EVs

Fleet owners are more satisfied with their EVs in areas such as overall satisfaction, cost of ownership, and vehicle capabilities. According to Cox’s study, EVs achieve superior scores across these key metrics compared to ICE vehicles.

The report, released alongside Cox Automotive’s comprehensive 2024 Path to EV Adoption Study, examines the growing inclination towards EVs among fleet operators. Data collected in Q1 2024 from fleet decision-makers reveals that 14% of fleets currently operate EVs, with a substantial increase expected over the next five years.

Zo Rahim, senior manager of Research and Market Intelligence at Cox Automotive, emphasized, “The electric-vehicle story is much larger than just the retail story. Electric vehicles can be an ideal solution for many fleet operations, which often have set routes of known distances, vehicles that routinely overnight in the same location, and operations that prioritize the cost of ownership.”

Future EV Acquisition and Fleet Composition

Fleet operators utilizing EVs show a 90% likelihood of acquiring more EVs in their next purchase cycle. Overall, 87% of all fleet owners expect to integrate EVs into their fleets within the next five years. The projected share of EVs in the average fleet is anticipated to reach 43% in five years, with current EV operators predicting an even higher share of 58%.

Awareness and Barriers

The research highlights high awareness of fleet EV incentives, which can significantly reduce acquisition costs, a factor viewed more favorably in the fleet market compared to the retail sector. However, barriers to greater EV adoption persist. Acquisition cost remains a primary concern for fleet buyers. Existing EV owners also highlight the lack of charging infrastructure, high prices, limited mileage range, and battery replacement costs as significant obstacles.

EV Maintenance and Repairs

The study indicates that while EVs may require slightly more frequent maintenance and repairs than ICE vehicles, fleet operators are more satisfied with their EVs. Nearly half of EV fleet owners (48%) express higher satisfaction with their EVs compared to 27% who favor their ICE vehicles for service. Routine services, including tire and brake maintenance, are the most common for EVs, whereas emergency services, though relatively low, occur more frequently in EVs than in gasoline and diesel vehicles.

Overall Satisfaction and Cost Efficiency

EVs outperform ICE vehicles in overall satisfaction and total cost of ownership among fleet operators managing both powertrains. Satisfaction levels concerning business purpose fulfillment and vehicle usage are also higher for EVs, though approximately 40% of respondents find both powertrains equally satisfactory.

Zo Rahim concludes, “It is a good sign that overall satisfaction with EV in the fleet business is relatively high. There are certainly challenges in shifting a business away from traditional ICE powertrains, but if owners and operators are generally satisfied with the outcome and see tangible savings, EV adoption could certainly accelerate through the end of the decade.”

Key Takeaways from the Study

  • EVs are Gaining Traction: Currently, 14% of fleets operate EVs, with significant growth anticipated in the next five years, especially among fleets already using EVs.
  • Cost Considerations: High costs remain a barrier; however, fleet EV incentive awareness is favorable compared to the retail market.
  • Charging Infrastructure Concerns: Availability of charging stations and faster charge times are critical to improving EV adoption.
  • Service and Maintenance: EVs require slightly more maintenance than ICE vehicles, with opportunities in service sectors.
  • Satisfaction Levels: Fleet owners show higher satisfaction with EVs, including in cost of ownership and vehicle capabilities.

Original Story at www.environmentenergyleader.com

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024