This week, on November 12 and 13, I had the opportunity to represent the Vereniging Elektrische Rijders at the Fleet Expo in de Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. As a volunteer at VER, I’m used to answering questions about electric driving, sharing experiences, and helping people take their first steps into the world of EVs. But this time, the conversations were markedly different from what I’m used to.

Topics

• A Commercial Perspective
• The Mobilize Duo: More Than Just a Microcar
• The Spectrum of Readiness
• Looking Forward

A Commercial Perspective

Normally, my discussions revolve around private drivers who already own an EV or individuals curious about making the switch for personal use. The Fleet Expo, however, brought me face to face with a completely different audience. Here, I was talking to organizations managing entire car fleets, from small businesses to large corporations. The scale of thinking was different, the considerations more complex, and the impact of their decisions far more significant.

What struck me most was the growing momentum behind electric mobility in the commercial sector. Many of these fleet managers aren’t just exploring EVs because of regulations or sustainability goals. They’re responding to direct demand from their customers. It’s encouraging to see that the push for electric vehicles is coming from multiple directions, creating a genuine shift in how businesses think about their transportation needs.

The Mobilize Duo: More Than Just a Microcar

One of the highlights of our booth was sharing space with Mobilize, who brought along their Mobilize Duo. This two seater microcar might look compact, but it’s packed with features you wouldn’t necessarily expect in this category. Air conditioning and heated seats come as options, making it practical for year round use in our Dutch climate. But what really sets it apart is safety. The Mobilize Duo is the only microcar of its kind equipped with an airbag, a detail that speaks volumes about their commitment to driver protection.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. Next year, Mobilize will introduce the Bento, a variant of the Duo designed specifically for cargo. This one seater features a box on the back with approximately 700 liters of capacity, making it an ideal solution for last mile deliveries. As more cities and towns implement zero emission zones, vehicles like the Bento will become increasingly valuable for businesses that need to navigate urban environments efficiently.

It’s worth noting that while Mobilize isn’t alone in the microcar market, they’ve earned recognition as the best microcar of 2025. This accolade reflects the thoughtful design and practical innovation they’ve brought to this emerging segment of electric mobility.

Microcar test by Autovision (Dutch):

The Spectrum of Readiness

Throughout the two days, I engaged in conversations that spanned the entire spectrum of electric vehicle adoption. On one end, there were organizations still hesitant, expressing concerns about infrastructure, range, and the total cost of ownership. They’re taking a wait and see approach, not quite ready to commit to a fully electric fleet.

On the other end, I met forward thinking companies already planning for a comprehensive electric future. Some are looking to equip every parking spot in their garages with charging points, understanding that being future proof means preparing today for tomorrow’s needs. These organizations recognize that the transition to electric isn’t just about buying new vehicles but creating an entire ecosystem to support them.

The variety of perspectives was refreshing. Each conversation offered insights into different industries, use cases, and challenges. What remained constant was a genuine curiosity about electric driving and a desire to understand how it could work for their specific situation.

Looking Forward

Being part of the Fleet Expo alongside VER was a valuable experience. It reminded me that the electric vehicle movement isn’t just about individual drivers making personal choices. It’s about entire organizations rethinking their approach to mobility, influenced by customer demand, environmental responsibility, and practical business considerations.

I hope the conversations we had planted seeds of inspiration. Perhaps some of the connections made will grow into partnerships that accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in commercial fleets. Every discussion, every question answered, and every doubt addressed brings us closer to a future where electric driving is simply the norm.

As I reflect on these two days in Utrecht, I’m curious about your experiences. Whether you manage a fleet, drive an EV yourself, or are simply interested in the future of transportation, what do you see as the biggest opportunity or challenge in bringing electric vehicles into commercial use?

PS. Sorry, can’t help myself with promoting BYD a little, since I drive an Atto 3 myself.