Fleet electrification is finally moving from pilot phase to production and actual fleet use. While widespread adoption is yet to come, some in the fleet world are gaining real-world experience when it comes to road miles, driver education, and setting up charging infrastructure.

Take Ryan Pritchard, chief revenue officer for Pritchard Companies, one of the largest national fleet dealers. Pritchard has already driven 54 different electric vehicle models more than 15,000 miles — and he’s going to share his experiences with attendees to the Chicago stop of Fleet Forward: The Tour on June 16.

In a conversation with Chris Brown, conference chair, Pritchard will give attendees the “straight dope” on fleet electrification, including insights into the process of vehicle charging, setting up charging infrastructure, vehicle types and availability, driver education, managing operating costs, and more.

“What’s it like to log a thousand miles in a Ford E-Transit across the Midwest? Come to Chicago, and hear Ryan tell his story,” said Brown. “Ryan doesn’t talk in theory; he shares his experiences. For our audience of fleets testing the electrification waters, this will be invaluable information.”

An offshoot of the Fleet Forward Conference, Fleet Forward: The Tour consists of one-day, regional events in which fleet operators can drive EVs and experience other new technologies behind the wheel. The Tour is free for qualified fleet managers.

Check out highlights from the Atlanta Tour stop from March 31 in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

The day also includes seminars and networking opportunities that focus on subjects such as infrastructure planning, charging strategies, funding opportunities, and electrification market trends. During lunch and networking breaks, attendees can interact with tabletop exhibits.

Volvo, Nissan, and Polestar, along with commercial EV makers ZEVx, Cenntro, Lightning eMotors, and ELMS — will have vehicles at the Chicago stop. More automakers and vehicles will be added and announced soon. 

Registration for the Chicago stop is open now.

After Chicago, The Tour will stop in Dallas on September 15. The Fleet Forward Conference will convene in Santa Clara November 9-11.