Posted: August 11, 2025
When it comes to fueling your commercial fleet, cost is king. With federal clean energy mandates and Ohio’s plans to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles—especially in the heavy-duty sector—many businesses are under growing pressure to consider electric trucks and vans as they replace aging equipment. With increasing access to charging stations, more and more people are adopting EVs for their personal transportation, but do they really offer savings for fleet operations? The answer isn’t black and white. When you crunch the numbers, diesel still holds a few key advantages that are hard to ignore.
Electric vehicles often come with sticker shock. On average, an electric commercial truck can cost two to three times more than a comparable diesel model. Even with federal and state incentives, the initial investment is substantial. For small- to mid-size fleets, that high cost of entry can be a dealbreaker.
Diesel trucks, on the other hand, are widely available, competitively priced, and familiar. That means your team can easily source vehicles, parts, and service—without needing to overhaul your entire infrastructure or retrain drivers and mechanics.
It’s true that electricity is generally cheaper per mile than diesel fuel. However, charging infrastructure doesn’t come free. If you’re planning to switch to electric, you’ll need to budget for chargers, installation, and possible utility upgrades. Add in demand charges for peak-hour charging, and the savings can shrink fast.
Diesel fueling is more predictable and often more efficient for busy fleets. On-site fueling solutions services make it easy to keep trucks on the road with minimal downtime and no waiting around for a battery to charge.
One big advantage of EVs is that they have fewer moving parts and require less routine maintenance. No need for oil changes, fewer brake replacements, and no emissions systems to take care of. That can translate into long-term savings and less time off the road and in the shop.
Still, diesel technology has come a long way. Today’s engines burn cleaner, are more efficient, and are built to run for hundreds of thousands of miles. Many diesel trucks stay in service far longer than their gas or electric counterparts, which can offset the higher maintenance demands over time.
One of the biggest challenges for electric fleets is range. If your vehicles travel long distances, carry heavy loads, or operate in rural areas, electric might not be practical. For some fleets, the need to respond to emergencies means equipment can’t be tied up recharging—necessitating additional vehicles to cover shifts. In addition, cold weather can further reduce battery efficiency.
Diesel trucks don’t have those limitations. You can refuel quickly and get back on the road, making them a better fit for industries where time and reliability are essential.
While electric vehicles may be the future of transportation, diesel still offers better value for many commercial fleets—especially those focused on cost, range, and uptime. Don’t count diesel out just yet. It’s still a powerful, cost-effective option that’s keeping businesses moving every day.
With more nearly a century of experience, the team at Mercer understands the unique challenges that businesses in this region face. Find out why you can count on our commercial energy experts to provide top-notch delivery of high-quality diesel and gasoline.
Contact us today for information about fleet fueling services and more.