Fleets Remain Committed to Sustainability Amid Regulatory Upheaval, Seek Bridge to Electrification

New data reveals nearly half of fleet decision-makers have increased their focus on sustainability goals year-over-year even as pressure to go fully electric eases.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Despite a dynamic period of regulatory uncertainty, marked by the rollback of emission standards, expiration of electric vehicle (EV) incentives and unpredictable imposition of tariffs, fleets are embracing sustainability. New data from Escalent, a market research and advisory firm, reveals nearly half of fleet decision-makers have increased their focus on sustainability goals year-over-year even as pressure to go fully electric eases.

Why it matters

This shift positions legacy brands at a unique advantage, especially as startup momentum stalls and some players exit the market. By leveraging their long-standing relationships with fleets and leaning into their ability to offer alternative powertrain technologies as a 'bridge' to electrification, established brands have the opportunity to maintain market leadership for the time being, while also getting their electrified portfolios in order.

The details

When asked what their ideal powertrain mix would look like in three years, fleet professionals projected the composition of vehicles in operation to be noticeably different from today. Decision-makers anticipate that nearly half (46%) of all commercial vehicles will be electrified—up from approximately one-quarter (26%) today—with gas- and diesel-powered vehicles falling roughly 30%. While BEV growth is expected to remain flat, desire for hybrid and plug-in hybrid EVs increases considerably and extended-range EVs gain some momentum.

  • The 2025 Fleet Electrification Brand Landscape Report explores the perspectives of more than 1,000 fleet decision-makers who are in the market for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on their BEV manufacturer brand-related sentiments, future powertrain mix and sustainability initiatives.
  • The results reported come from Escalent's Fleet Advisory Hub 2025 Fleet Electrification Brand Landscape Report about commercial vehicle and fleet decision-makers' manufacturer brand-related sentiments across light passenger, commercial van, commercial pickup truck, and medium- and heavy-duty vehicle segments.

The players

Escalent

An AI-enabled market research and advisory partner with unmatched industry expertise.

Dania Rich-Spencer

Vice president in Escalent's Automotive & Mobility group.

Lucas Lowden

An Automotive & Mobility insights consultant at Escalent.

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What they’re saying

“In today's rapidly evolving commercial vehicle and fleet landscape, sustainability is not only about the environmental impact of operating business vehicles. It's also about the health and vibrancy of the business itself.”

— Dania Rich-Spencer, Vice president in Escalent's Automotive & Mobility group (businessinsider.com)

“As the market moves toward an 'electrified' mindset, the consideration sets for fleet decision-makers are expanding, creating a more diverse competitive landscape for OEMs.”

— Lucas Lowden, Automotive & Mobility insights consultant at Escalent (businessinsider.com)

The takeaway

Despite regulatory uncertainty, fleets are embracing sustainability and looking to established brands to provide a 'bridge' to electrification through alternative powertrain technologies as they work to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining profitability.