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

According to data and analysis from Utilimarc’s Electric Vehicle Consortium, electric passenger 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 cars they’re replacing, often serving as general-purpose fleet assets.  

However, pickups follow a different trend. EV pickups 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.  

EV Daily Usage Rates Vary by Vehicle Type 

Utilimarc’s trend data shows that the average daily usage rate of an electric passenger car is just 0.6% lower than the average daily usage rate of an ICE passenger car for Q1 2023 through Q1 2025.  

Meanwhile, electric pickups, a newer entry to the fleet space, report 13.5% less average usage than their ICE counterparts. However, the EV pickups in the study have shown a steady increase in usage — from 36.3% in Q1 2023 to 45.9% in Q1 2025.  

Electric cars are keeping pace with ICE 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, respectively. 

This suggests growing confidence in EV capabilities for some light-duty applications, while heavier-use assets are still finding their role in electric fleets. 

Quarterly data also reveals steady increases in electric car miles, while EV pickup utilization grows more gradually as fleets experiment with their ideal use cases. 

Charging Patterns: Electric Pickups Leave 67% Range 

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. Some 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 perform in fleet operations. Data from the EV Consortium shows that in 2024, electric pickups return to their chargers at the end of their shift with 67% battery remaining.  

For off-session periods where the vehicle drove at least 30 miles, data shows that full-size pickups could travel an additional 206 miles based on the kWh remaining, far more than what’s needed to meet their daily driving requirements or the daily driving requirements for an ICE pickup. 

Electric cars are keeping pace with ICE 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, respectively. 

Observed Range vs. Manufacturer Capability: Real-World Proof 

By comparing actual fleet performance with manufacturer-stated range, the Consortium observed that EVs typically operate well within expected ranges. This real-world data should help fleet managers build trust in EV capabilities, support expansion into higher-mileage duty cycles, and address drivers’ range concerns.  

Utilimarc points out that the Ford Lightning with the extended-range 131.0-kWh battery pack lists at about 300 miles. The Consortium’s median range observed is 294 miles. The extended range for Chevrolet Silverados is listed at 400 miles and the median range observed is 438. 

This 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.  

Fleets or vendors interested in joining or sponsoring can contact evconsortium.org to learn more.