Data-Driven Insights for the Future of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The road to electrifying commercial fleets isn’t simply about swapping vehicles—it’s about mastering electric vehicle charging infrastructure, data integration, and driver adoption. That reality is brought to life in WEX’s case study, “Electrify Your Fleet with Confidence,” which explores how organizations like Emory University are approaching the shift to mixed-energy fleets with strategy and precision.

Emory University, a top research institution in Atlanta, manages more than 550 campus vehicles. When the school began its electrification journey, the challenge wasn’t enthusiasm—it was infrastructure. The university partnered with Sawatch Labs, a WEX company, specializing in fleet electrification analytics, to identify which vehicles could most efficiently transition to EVs and where to build the first charging stations. Using data from existing telematics systems, Sawatch helped Emory determine that their cargo vans were the ideal starting point. The analysis revealed those vehicles wouldn’t even need daily charging, saving drivers time and the organization money.

Infrastructure quickly emerged as a crucial variable. Emory had no dedicated electric vehicle charging infrastructure when it started the project, relying instead on shared public chargers. The team undertook a two-year permitting and construction process to establish campus charging sites, guided by data that pinpointed where vehicles parked overnight and which departments would benefit most. The insight was simple but powerful: build for scale from the outset, because infrastructure missteps can stall adoption before it begins.

While sustainability goals drove Emory’s initial interest, financial savings became the clear advantage. Fleet managers worldwide are seeing the same pattern. According to a Frost & Sullivan report commissioned by WEX, 80 percent of operators expect at least a quarter of their fleet to be electric by 2030. The leading motivators: reducing emissions, meeting decarbonization goals, and cutting costs. Yet it’s the total cost of ownership (TCO) that’s reshaping the conversation. With EV prices falling and maintenance costs lower than for internal-combustion vehicles, electrification now delivers measurable returns—provided the charging infrastructure supports the transition.

Data sits at the center of every successful strategy. Sawatch’s approach uses telematics and fuel-card data to reveal how and where vehicles operate, helping fleet managers right-size their charging networks. Everything from speed and terrain to local electricity rates affects energy use, so data-driven infrastructure planning ensures each charger installation is justified and future-ready. This evidence-based planning also helps fleets manage regional energy costs, which remain more predictable than volatile fuel prices.

Another emerging insight is the human element. Fleet electrification isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. Emory found that when drivers were educated and engaged early, adoption soared. Hands-on experiences like “ride-and-drives” and sustainability fairs demystified EVs, transforming initial hesitation into genuine enthusiasm. Drivers soon realized that charging at night eliminated time wasted at the pump, while the quiet, low-maintenance vehicles made their workdays easier.

The study closes by emphasizing the importance of integration. Managing mixed-energy fleets requires platforms that unify data from both ICE and EV vehicles. WEX’s own tools illustrate how consolidating payment, route, and charging data into one system can streamline oversight and prevent inefficiencies.

Ultimately, the paper argues that electric vehicle charging infrastructure is the backbone of a smarter, more sustainable fleet ecosystem. Transitioning to EVs doesn’t happen overnight—but with data-driven planning, cross-platform integration, and engaged drivers, organizations can electrify confidently, aligning operational savings with environmental impact.

To learn more and view complete results, download our case study.