In the world of EVs, growth is a trend that some fleet experts predict will get exponentially bigger over the next five years. Over the past few years there have been a series of announcements from the original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) investing billions into battery electric vehicles (BEV also known as EV). Now we are seeing the launch of these models in various vehicle segments including sedans, sport utilities, crossover utilities, pick-ups, cargo vans, minivans, as well as medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
Mike Albert’s director of vehicle acquisition and lease structure, Jason Kraus, gets you plugged in to the latest on what you need to know when it comes to EVs for model year (MY) 2025.
What’s new for EVs in 2025 overall:
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For MY2025, several electrified options are available, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EVs for powertrains. This is in addition to alternative fuels for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, such as biodiesel.
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While some media reports state EVs are slowing down, the OEMs are already moving forward to launch a massive increase in EV models offered in the market each year between now and 2030. This means more options and new battery technologies to provide more range, faster charging, or both.
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Industry insiders are seeing an increase in requests for quotes and units placed on contracts, which now include vans, pick-ups, medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, in addition to cars and SUVs.
2025 Electric Cargo Van Options
- Ford has launched an extended-range battery option for E-Transit to boost ranges by over 30%. E-Transit is offered in low-, medium-, and high-roof T350 variants.
- RAM ProMaster EV launched in MY2024 in an extended high-roof delivery equipped variant. We anticipate in MY2025 that cargo variants with high-roof and extended high-roof options will launch.
- Mercedes Benz eSprinter launched in MY2024. In MY2025, the vehicle will be offered in standard and high-roof variants with lots of driver and vehicle safety features as standard specifications.
- Rivian continues to manufacture vans for Amazon, but now you, too, can have a Rivian EDV500 or EDV700 van to stand-out, reduce emissions and operating costs. These vehicles offer 500 or 700 cubic feet of space in a high-roof configuration.
- Also consider the BrightDrop Zevo400 or Zevo600 models. BrightDrop is a GM brand, and these vehicles offer 400 or 600 cubic feet of delivery space and in MY2025 a MaxRange battery to boost range at full charge to over 270 miles.
- For MY2025 there are no compact cargo van options in North America from legacy OEMs. But both Mercedes Benz and Kia have indicated that options will be launched in the next few years. In the interim consider taking a crossover utility (link to Nissan Ariya or Volkswagen ID4) or sports utility (like Toyota bZ4X or Subaru Solterra) with an upfit solution for parcel deliveries.
2025 ½ Ton and Full-Size Electric Pick-up Truck Options
- Ford F-150 Lightning launched in MY2023, with the fleet-minded Pro trim available in standard and extended range battery options.
- Chevrolet Silverado EV launched in MY2024 in WT trim and is offered with several battery configurations to maximize range while minimizing expense appropriately.
- RAM 1500 REV launched in MY2025 and while trim and specs are not yet published, there is a confirmed 350 – 500 miles of range depending on the battery and up to 14,000 pounds of towing capacity.
- Rivian R1T launched in MY2022 and is available for fleet ordering with ample capabilities including towing up to 11,000 pounds.
2025 Electric and Alternatve-Fuel Medium- and Heavy-Duty Truck Options
- Commercial vehicle EV options that are most applicable are for those units that return to the same location each shift or day. Think more about city or regional delivery, than cross-country long-haul applications.
Isuzu has launched an EV variant of the NRR medium-duty model. Configurable between 3 – 8 battery packs based on wheelbase, payload, and range desired. Speaking of payload, the NRR EV can handle 9,882 – 12,951 pounds.
- Rizon is a new medium-duty brand launched by Daimler Trucks North America, offering 4 EV models in 12 configurations.
- Lion Electric has been producing EVs for over 15 years, initially as School Buses and now with class 5, 6, and 8 models such as the Lion5, Lion6, Lion8, and Lion8 Tractor.
These models feature the same components from the same Tier 1 suppliers as their diesel competitors but will stand out based on their design queues for marketing purposes for your fleet operations.
Kenworth
Kenworth offers T270E, T370E, T680E as EV variants of their popular Class 6, 7, and 8 models. The T680FCEV is also available as a hydrogen fuel-cell variant.
Peterbilt
Peterbilt offers the 220EV and 579EV models as EV versions of their existing portfolio.
Freightliner
Freightliner now offers two EV options as the eM2 Class 6 or 7 and eCascadia and Class 8 models.
Here are some additional resources from Mike Albert to help you make the best choice for your fleet when it comes to EVs in 2025 and beyond:
When it comes to the auto and fleet industries, “the only constant is change”—so we can expect the landscape to shift even more going forward. Stay ahead of the curve and up to date on fleet resources and news by following Mike Albert on LinkedIn.
For more information on model year 2025 forecasts and the current state of production, hear from Kraus in these Fleet Studies Lab articles:
Jason Kraus is Director, Vehicle Acquisition & Lease Structure for Mike Albert Fleet Solutions. Connect with Jason on Linkedin.
