In the latest SHAED Studio Podcast, Taylor Steele (VP of Operations) and John Lanham (VP of Infrastructure and Utilities) dive into the evolving landscape of electric vehicle (EV) policy, infrastructure funding, and fleet adoption. With a new administration in place, the conversation highlights key changes, industry reactions, and strategic considerations for fleet operators.
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Key Topics Covered
- Comparing the new administration’s EV policies to the previous one
- The impact of federal incentive rollbacks on vehicle purchases and infrastructure
- How states are responding with their own policies and incentives
- The role of utilities and the private sector in advancing electrification
- Strategic advice for fleet operators navigating an uncertain policy landscape
“There’s mass hysteria and noise in the EV landscape… has anything really changed?”
– Taylor Steele
Key Takeaways
1. Policy Shifts and Federal Incentives
- The Biden administration had a strong climate-focused agenda, pushing significant funding into EV infrastructure (e.g., the NEVI program, which allocated $3 billion for charging stations).
- The new administration has taken a different stance, favoring oil and gas, rolling back federal EV incentives, and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement.
- The $7,500 EV tax credit is at risk, which could reduce passenger EV sales by an estimated 27%.
2. State-Level Policies Are Gaining Importance
- While federal support may wane, states are stepping up.
- 20 states have EV-related mandates, 22 states offer purchase incentives, and 38 states provide charger installation rebates.
- Coastal states are leading, but the heartland may struggle with infrastructure gaps if federal support continues to decline.
“The states that have dug in on electrification will continue to do so.”
– John Lanham
3. Private Sector and Utility Involvement is Critical
- Large corporations like Amazon, Walmart, and FedEx are continuing their electrification commitments despite shifting federal policies.
- The private sector is playing a growing role in infrastructure funding, with investment firms backing charging networks.
- Utilities remain a key—but often overlooked—partner for fleets looking to electrify.
4. Impacts on Fleet Operators
- Small and medium-sized businesses may be hit hardest by the loss of incentives, making fleet electrification more expensive.
- Fleet managers must assess Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) carefully and look for state-level grants, utility partnerships, and private sector solutions.
- The market may consolidate, with only the strongest EV manufacturers and infrastructure providers surviving.
What Fleet Operators Should Do Now
- Reassess TCO Models – With changing incentives, fleets need to deeply analyze costs over multi-year cycles.
- Engage with Utilities Early – Power availability, infrastructure costs, and potential rebates can make or break electrification plans.
- Partner Wisely – Choosing the right network operators, vehicle providers, and financing partners is crucial for long-term success.
- Stay Informed – Policies are shifting, but the momentum behind electrification remains strong. Adaptability is key.
“We are still building infrastructure to support ICE vehicles
100 years later. EV fueling will take time, too.”
– John Lanham
Conclusion
Despite political and policy shifts, the EV transition is not reversing—it is evolving. Fleet operators, policymakers, and industry leaders must stay proactive and strategic to navigate this changing landscape. SHAED continues to provide expertise and support for commercial fleets looking to electrify, ensuring a smooth transition even amid uncertainty.
Want to continue the conversation? Connect with SHAED’s team to discuss your fleet electrification strategy today.
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Resources
Home – International Council on Clean Transportation
Trump administration pauses $3 billion marked for new EV charging stations : NPR
What Trump’s executive actions on EVs mean for car shoppers : NPR
Investors betting Musk and Tesla will make a fortune under Trump | AP News
Trump victory a ‘gut punch’ to US climate action
Citing EV “rollercoaster” in US, BMW invests in internal combustion – Ars Technica
2025 Electric vehicle tax credits and rebates available in the US, sorted by state | Electrek
Participants
Taylor Steele – VP, Operations at SHAED
John Lanham – VP, Utilities & Operations
