Even though electric vehicles are commanding a lot of ink, fleet managers and drivers, overall, many have more questions than answers associated with the technology.

Electric vehicle deployment for leasing of commercial vehicles are increasing, however, diesel vehicles still dominate the market. But experts note that as the gap narrows in terms of costs, so too will the market share.

Over the next several years it is expected a number of technological trends will drive conversations in the commercial truck tire market.

This year, electric technology dominates the 2024 new truck releases. There’s also quite a bit of innovation happening in hydrogen fuel cells.

Technology is playing a greater role when it comes to calculating insurance costs for fleets, particularly as some look into adding electric vehicles to the mix.

Distribution operations looking to ease their way into the electric vehicle (EV) realm, increasingly can do so through leasing, as more and more leasing companies are adding the zero-emissions trucks into their portfolios of offerings for their delivery fleet customers.

Distributors are able to dip their toe into the zero-emissions waters with a range of offerings in the realm of electric light-duty vehicles, which are especially effective in urban markets.

The electric truck conversation tends to focus on battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), but there has been some activity in hydrogen fuel cells, especially for heavy duty applications.

This year, electric technology dominates the 2023 new truck releases. But there’s also quite a bit of innovation happening in more traditionally fueled vehicles like diesel- and gasoline-powered trucks. Natural gas also makes a bit of a comeback this year with some new engine announcements.

To gain a place in fleet operations, electric vehicles need the charging infrastructure to support this switch. The federal government as well as truck manufacturers are working to build up this support system.