By Ed Pierce, Editor, Fleet Management Weekly

In its most recent 2025 EV market report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expressed confidence that the electric car revolution remains “on track.”

In its Global EV Outlook 2025, the agency projects worldwide EV sales surpassing 20 million this year, accounting for roughly one-quarter of all new car sales. Much of that momentum is coming from China and Europe.

American sales are expanding at a slower pace than global leaders. Fleet sales—particularly in government and select commercial sectors—are increasingly aligning with the IEA’s optimism, though hybrids remain the stronger bridge technology.

The following 12 months will likely bring volatility. In July, Congress ended the Section 30D new-EV consumer credit and Section 45W commercial credit effective September 30, 2025.

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NAFA proudly announces the winners of its 2025 Green Fleet Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates fleets that have significant operational initiatives that promote environmental sustainability.

This year’s top honor, the #1 Green Fleet of 2025, was awarded to the Denver International Airport, reflecting its outstanding efforts in reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainability within its fleet operations.

“We are immensely proud of the strides our winners have made in enhancing fleet sustainability through innovative programs and professional dedication,” says Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA.

The award winners were unveiled at the 2025 Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference & Expo in Winston-Salem, NC, where industry professionals gathered to discuss trends, technologies and practices shaping sustainable fleet management.

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By Chapin Griffith, Director, SHiFT Vehicle Retirement Initiative 

End-of-Life Vehicles – or ELVs – are time- and resource-hungry and preparing them for sale can limit their potential ROI with a soft sale price undermined by hours of prep time.

Fleet managers already operating on tight margins and limited time need to consider whether the payoff is worth the investment of marketing and reselling a vehicle near the end of its useful life.

A program that accepts donated ELVs with no reconditioning work required and guarantees full engine retirement, coupled with resale of good, used parts, provides fleet operators with a streamlined path to clearing the decks of unwanted vehicles.

In addition, as corporations continue to pursue ambitious ESG goals, the value of promoting environmentally conscious decision-making when it comes to recycling your car for the environment will pay dividends for years to come.

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Despite operating across North America, every U-Haul truck has an Arizona license plate. Why is this?

Dating from the 1970s, an interstate agreement called the International Registration Plan (IRP) was designed to allow commercial trucks operating in the U.S. and Canada to use one state to license entire fleets, regardless of where the vehicle is based.

No matter if you’re renting a U-Haul in Hawaii or Alaska, it will be licensed to Arizona, where its head office is located. The terms of the IRP agreement mean that license fees (which can reach up to $1000) can end up being split across multiple states.

via SlashGear

image: OCFM

For the third time since 2020, Orange County’s Fleet Management Division has earned national recognition for excellence — this year being ranked the #14 Leading Fleet in North America by Government Fleet Magazine and the American Public Works Association.

“We’re always trying to get better,” said Bryan Lucas, manager of Orange County’s Fleet Management Division. “This award shows that the things we’ve implemented over the last few years are really moving us in the right direction — and being peer-judged, that means a lot.”

Fleet Management maintains more than 4,000 pieces of equipment for Orange County.

via OCGF Newsroom

According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index Automobile Study, Americans are becoming less satisfied with their vehicles. The overall satisfaction index dropped one point this year to 79.

Subaru was deemed the most satisfying brand with a score of 85. It was followed by Mazda and Toyota in second with 82, while Buick, GMC, and Honda tied for third at 81.

On the luxury side of the equation, Lexus was top dog with a score of 87. They were followed by Mercedes (82) as well as Cadillac and Tesla, which tied for third at 81. BMW finished last with a score of 75 and they dropped four points from 2024.

via CarScoops

Researchers at the University of Michigan studied the lifetime emissions of vehicles, including their production, tailpipe and other emissions sources to determine their overall impact on greenhouse gas pollution.

The study found that EVs are far, far clearer than gas vehicles no matter how you slice it.

“Our analysis shows that powertrain electrification provides greater potential for life cycle emissions reductions compared to downsizing alone,” the study says. In other words, driving a hulking electric pickup truck is still generally better for the environment than choosing a petite, gas-powered sedan.

via InsideEVs

By Elizabeth Wills, Senior Vice President of Client Services, Wheels

We’ve all been there: a backordered vehicle, a supplier delay, a critical resource tied up somewhere else. It’s frustrating, especially when you know the client is counting on you.

In those moments, the instinct is often to jump into fix-it mode, deliver the update, apologize, and move on. It might seem counter-intuitive, but these delays can become valuable trust-building opportunities.

Every disruption is a chance to build trust. Not by being perfect, but by being present. Empathy is what turns a difficult update into a relationship-deepening conversation. Emotional intelligence is what helps us navigate that with care.

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Photo: The Schuetz Family of Kansas City

By Tod Trousdell, Fleet Marketing Consultant

For this edition of Fleet Pro Focus, I continue to focus on some of the young professionals who are making a name for themselves in the industry.

Here, I sit down with Shaefer Schuetz, VP of Business Development for work truck rental provider City Rent A Truck. He’s a second generation fleet professional with some definitive thoughts on the industry.

“Fleet often carries the stereotype of being a slow moving and tech averse industry. Being in it, I can tell you that’s just not the case… I’m incredibly thankful to be part of this space. And this industry. Some of the best human beings I’ve ever met are fleet people.”

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By Ed Pierce, Editor, Fleet Management Weekly

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed lawsuits against the California Air Resources Board (CARB), challenging its authority to enforce emissions regulations for heavy-duty trucks that exceed federal standards.

The move pits federal regulators and truck manufacturers against California’s environmental leadership, raising urgent questions for commercial fleet operations nationwide.

At the heart of the lawsuits is a longstanding tension: can a state, even one as influential as California, enforce emission rules stricter than federal law?

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