Service Fleets Remain Cautious on Electric Vehicles

Fewer than 6% of respondents to the 2026 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report said they plan to purchase electric vehicles, as service fleet professionals continue to weigh the operational requirements of electric vehicles against their fleet needs.

The report found that adoption intentions have changed little from the previous year. Practical considerations remain particularly important for vehicles operating in demanding or remote service environments.

Range limitations were the most frequently cited concern, identified by 67% of respondents. Charging time followed at 57%, while 55% cited charging infrastructure availability. Vehicle cost was a concern for 49% of respondents, and 37% cited reliability.

Respondents also identified cold-weather performance, remote jobsite access, and vehicle upfit compatibility as concerns.

The report found that service fleets can have different operating requirements than passenger vehicles. Service vehicles often travel to remote locations, carry specialized equipment, and rely on onboard power systems to complete work in the field.

“Electrification will continue to be an important part of the commercial vehicle industry, but adoption has to align with the operational realities of the work being performed,” said Mike Pettigrew, VMAC marketing manager. “For service fleets, the decision is ultimately about whether a vehicle can reliably support the full workday, including driving to remote jobsites and powering auxiliary equipment and the tools technicians depend on. The industry will move toward electrification as the technology and supporting infrastructure demonstrate they can consistently meet those requirements.”

The 2026 findings were largely unchanged from 2025, with the report indicating that many of the challenges associated with electric service vehicles continue to be operational considerations.

More than 76% of respondents operate service trucks and vans, according to the report. Fleet operators continue to prioritize proven equipment and vehicle configurations while balancing productivity, reliability, operating costs, and long-term asset utilization.

While interest in electrification remains, most fleets continue to prioritize diesel and gasoline vehicles for service applications.

The report said the findings highlight the need for vehicle manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and upfitters to develop technologies that can support established vehicle platforms as the industry continues its transition toward electrification.