The human journey
Switching to an electric fleet is much more than the vehicles involved. It’s about the people. A successful fleet electrification transition does more than just create adopters; it builds advocates who are confident with electric vehicles (EVs) and can help others on their journey. We’ll take a look at some of the most common challenges and provide strategies.
Navigating the human side of the transition can be tricky; every driver approaches EV driver training differently. People often move through a clear adoption journey when adopting a new technology, and the same applies to EVs, transitioning from anxiety to curiosity, and finally, confidence and advocacy. Let’s break down how you can create a fleet of EV advocates, a key area of electric vehicle fleet management.
Navigating different approaches to fleet electrification
Each driver approaches fleet electrification differently. For some, the first instinct is scepticism. Others are curious but unconvinced, while some quickly become champions of sustainable transport. Knowing the different journeys people take allows fleets to better support drivers.
Here are some reactions you may see when it comes to EVs for your business fleet.
You may encounter a ‘Sceptic Sam’ worried that the vehicle does not have enough range. You can reduce these worries with data. By using telematics to compare a driver’s perceived daily mileage with their actual range, this will show them how their jobs fit within the range of an EV. For the few journeys that may not suit an EV, explain how they can use charge cards and the rapid charging network for a quick top-up on the road. Rob Anderson from Mitie mentioned this in a recent webinar: “We analyse historic telematics and show drivers: here are your past jobs; here’s the EV range. It can do these journeys.”
Then you may have a ‘Curious Chris’ who needs some convincing. You can provide Chris with hands-on experience, such as trial and demo programmes that let drivers experience EVs in real life. You can also reduce day-to-day friction by making charging easy; examples include home and workplace charger installations, backed by accurate EV charging reimbursements.
Top tips for moving from policy to practice
When thinking about how you create the culture that supports drivers on their journey to EVs, let’s look into fleet top tips shared by industry leaders on our webinar, 'Creating a Fleet of EV Advocates', with Rob Anderson from Mitie and Mai Vasudevan from WJ Group.
- Lead with policy: Policy is the spark for fleet electrification. When Mitie introduced an EV-first car policy, it cut through any confusion; if you qualify for a company car, it is electric. That clarity sets the tone for a successful transition
- Lean on peer power: Encourage internal chat groups where drivers share real-time tips and experiences. Pair a sceptic with someone who has already switched, and watch the trust grow; drivers listen to drivers
- Protect productivity: The fear for some drivers is that EVs slow the day down. The fact is, you must balance job targets with charging requirements; planned charging breaks reduce fatigue and improve safety, a major win in physically demanding industries such as construction
- Break barriers with education: This is where data and demos step in. Range anxiety disappears fast when you show drivers their past journeys against an EV’s range, clearly showing drivers how EVs fit in their work patterns. As the results from companies like WJ and Mitie prove, telematics and pilot trials turn worry into confidence, making EV driver training successful
- Share the wins: The more drivers see that EVs ‘just work’, the faster scepticism fades. Share live stats on miles driven and CO2 saved; celebrate the drivers who champion the change
- Clear communication: Dedicated EV chat groups, FAQ cards, and reference guides keep questions answered. The best fleets balance communication so it is regular and visual, without overwhelming drivers
- Simplify everything: The less friction drivers face, the quicker anxieties fade. Simple home, workplace, and public charging make fleet electrification feel easier and less intimidating
- Think about software: Today’s electric vehicle fleet management success is as much about apps, payments, routing, and carbon reporting as it is about vehicles
Conclusion
Electrifying a fleet is not simply about replacing internal combustion with electric vehicles. It is about shifting mindsets, a key part of sustainable transport adoption. It’s about taking drivers who start with doubts, showing them the proof, giving them the tools, and ultimately turning them into confident advocates.