Commercial EVs Are a Cost-Effective Business Proposition

There are a lot of reasons to switch to an electric vehicle (EV). At the top of the list: they can help your business save money by avoiding the rising price of gasoline. EVs also avoid wasted time stopping at the gas station; a low-cost charger allows you to charge overnight and start each day with a full battery. EVs also have lower maintenance costs, provide better traction in the winter, reliably and safely accelerate when merging into moving traffic, and provide a quieter ride. For businesses and governmental entities concerned about the bottom line, a commercial EV is well worth considering.

Hundreds of Maine businesses and governmental entities already use EVs because they can cost less to operate and maintain and require less downtime for service than internal combustion engine vehicles. 

Ryan Keith of Northeast Heat Pumps in Brunswick, Maine, bought his first EV truck in 2021. Today his fleet has grown to 25 electric vehicles. 

“In 2021, we spent $110,000 on gasoline for 10 gas-powered trucks,” Keith said. “Now that our fleet is almost entirely electric, we spent only $62,500 in 2025 to charge all 25 vehicles. Maintenance costs have also dropped dramatically.  

“EVs have also proven to be safer and more capable for our work,” Keith continued. “I’d choose an EV over a gas truck in the snow any day. They’re heavier, more powerful, and give us better control when towing trailers, especially when merging onto the highway. And we’ve eliminated the daily inconvenience of finding a gas station.” 

Matthew Polstein of New England Outdoor Center, Millinocket, Maine, has had similar experiences.  

“We have three EVs that are used for different aspects of our operations,” Polstein said. “One is a daily work truck that we use to tow trailers on the Golden Road. The traction is incredible; great for hilly roads in the winter. Another is for long-distance trips. It charges super-fast and seamlessly. And the third is used to transport cleaning supplies and equipment from camp to camp. All three vehicles need little service and save us money on fuel.” 

There’s no better time to consider buying a commercial EV. 

To encourage business owners in the throes of that decision, Efficiency Maine recently extended its promotional rebates on commercial electric vans to September 30, 2026. Rebate amounts range from $12,000 to $14,000 depending on battery capacity. In order to receive an EV rebate, eligible businesses must first purchase an off-peak charger. See the Efficiency Maine website for additional details about that program. 

“Efficiency Maine’s rebate program has been seamless and has made our trucks significantly more affordable,” added Northeast Heat Pumps owner Keith. “For our business, the numbers work — and the transition has been a clear win.” 

For a list of eligible EVs, visit the Efficiency Maine website and check out the online shopping tool to find EVs for sale in Maine. For more information about EVs, EV charging, finding a dealer or charger installer, or for answers to commonly asked EV-related questions, visit efficiencymaine.com/ev.