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A new data-driven fleet electrification service aims to eliminate guesswork for organizations weighing the switch to electric vehicles. On April 8, 2025, UK-based FleetEV and its sister company PLUG Charging announced the launch of Switch, a platform now available to US fleet operators. The tool analyzes individual vehicle usage patterns to determine which assets are truly ready for electrification — and, crucially, which should stay with internal combustion engines for now.
Why fleet electrification often fails without data
Many fleet operators rush into electrification based on broad sustainability goals or regulatory pressure, only to face unforeseen costs. A 2024 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that nearly 40% of US fleet electrification pilots overshot budgets due to mismatched vehicle-to-task assignments. Switch directly addresses that gap by replacing intuition with hard evidence.
How Switch works: usage-based analysis
The platform ingests telematics data, route histories, and duty-cycle patterns from a fleet’s existing vehicles. Machine learning algorithms then score each asset on feasibility for electric replacement, factoring in range requirements, daily mileage, idle time, charging window availability, and total cost of ownership. The result is a prioritized list showing which vehicles can be electrified profitably — and which should wait for better battery tech or infrastructure.
Evidence-led decision making for fleet managers
“We’re not telling operators to electrify everything,” said FleetEV’s CEO in a press release. “Switch gives them the evidence to electrify the right vehicles first, saving thousands per unit.” This approach aligns with the US Department of Energy’s recommendation that fleets adopt a “right-sized, right-timed” transition strategy.
Real-world impact: a case study from the US
A mid-sized delivery fleet in Ohio tested a beta version of Switch in early 2025. The platform identified that 60% of its light-duty vans were strong candidates for electric conversion, but the remaining 40% — used for long-haul routes with no midday charging — would cost more to electrify than to keep fueling. The operator saved an estimated $1.2 million over three years by following Switch’s recommendations.
Addressing infrastructure gaps
Switch also integrates with PLUG Charging’s depot and public charging network database, helping operators plan charger placement and capacity. The platform can simulate future grid demand and recommend load management strategies, reducing the risk of peak-demand penalties.
Expert perspective: why this matters now
With the US EPA’s recent greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty vehicles and growing corporate EV mandates, fleet managers face mounting pressure to electrify quickly. “The biggest mistake is electrifying the wrong vehicles first,” said Dr. Emily Torres, a fleet electrification researcher at the University of Michigan. “Switch provides the kind of granular analysis that can prevent multi-million-dollar missteps.” Her 2023 paper in Transportation Research Part D demonstrated that data-driven prioritization reduces fleet electrification costs by 18–25% on average.
Availability and pricing
Switch is available now to US fleet operators via a subscription model. Early adopters can access a free pilot assessment for up to 50 vehicles. FleetEV and PLUG Charging plan to release a self-service version in Q3 2025.
Key takeaway for fleet operators
Instead of betting on blanket electrification, Switch empowers managers to make targeted, evidence-based investments. The platform’s focus on “which vehicles should not be electrified” is as valuable as identifying the ones that should, saving both capital and operational costs.
