As the world accelerates towards electrification, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for electric vehicle (EV) adoption. In North America, the landscape for fleet operators is undergoing rapid transformation. John Walsh, Chief Commercial Officer & President at EO Charging, shares insights on what lies ahead for the EV sector and why scaling up is no longer a choice but a necessity. 

EV Momentum in North America 

The EV market in North America has already seen tremendous growth. In Q1 2023, nearly 300,000 EVs were sold—a 45% increase compared to the previous year. This surge is fueled by rising consumer awareness, robust demand for eco-friendly transportation, and significant federal investment. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act have been instrumental, offering tax incentives of up to $7,500 per vehicle and allocating $7.5 billion to EV charging infrastructure. These measures are making EVs more accessible to a broader audience. 

Government policies and tax incentives play a critical role but changing public attitudes towards electrification and environmental sustainability have also driven this growth. Consumers and businesses alike are embracing EVs as both a practical and ethical choice for transportation. 

Electrifying Fleets for Maximum Impact 

While individual EV adoption is impressive, private and commercial fleets remain a significant focus due to their substantial contribution to transport emissions. Electrifying these vehicles offers enormous potential to reduce emissions and advance global Net Zero goals. Fleet operators are recognizing the operational cost savings, commercial benefits, and environmental impact reduction that come with transitioning to EVs. 

Key government initiatives, such as the USDOT Federal Transit Administration’s Low/No Emission Vehicle Grant Program, are accelerating this shift. This program has already provided over $1.5 billion annually to fund electric buses and charging infrastructure, further propelling fleet electrification. 

Scaling Up: From Pilots to Fully Electric Fleets 

The EV industry is entering the era of scaling up. With mandates for 100% electric fleets by 2035, fleet operators are moving from pilot projects to full-scale electrification. For commercial fleets, this transition is no longer optional. The rapid depreciation of internal combustion vehicles and the increasing total cost-of-ownership benefits of EVs underscore the urgency. 

The shift is also driven by a growing commercial case for electrification. Fleet operators now see electrification to reduce operational costs, future-proof their fleets, and ensure regulatory compliance. This move from legislative push to commercial pull is a defining characteristic of the next phase in EV adoption. Supporting this shift are robust charging infrastructures, operational support, and software solutions tailored to large-scale fleet needs. 

Infrastructure Tenders on the Rise 

As zero-emission deadlines draw closer, the volume of infrastructure tenders for mass electrification is increasing dramatically. No longer limited to small pilot projects, tenders now call for hundreds or even thousands of chargers to support growing fleets. Both public and private sectors are investing heavily in scalable, future-proof solutions capable of energy optimization and load balancing. 

This scaling-up process underscores the need for innovative infrastructure that can adapt to the evolving demands of fleet electrification. Providers are stepping up with solutions designed for seamless expansion, ensuring long-term cost efficiencies and operational resilience. 

The Emergence of Electric Cities 

The concept of “electric cities” is becoming a reality. With 2025 deadlines for comprehensive urban electrification plans, cities are prioritizing sustainable solutions for buses, delivery vehicles, and other urban fleets. These initiatives aim to create high capacity charging hubs, integrate renewable energy, and establish smart grid systems to support fully electric urban environments. 

Leading cities are setting the standard for eco-friendly transit systems that meet both public and commercial needs. Their success will serve as a global model for sustainable urban planning. 

North America’s Global Role 

With automakers ramping up EV production and infrastructure rapidly evolving, North America is poised to outpace the European Union in EV adoption growth rates by 2025. From individual consumers to fleet operators, the region is set to lead the charge in electric mobility—proving that the era of scaling up is here.