A new EVAI survey highlights both curiosity and caution among fleet managers about generative AI, with integration complexity and data accuracy topping concerns. Efficiency gains and improved decision-making are compelling, but GPT adoption remains in early stages as leaders weigh risks and rewards.
Interest Outpaces Adoption
Fleet managers are showing increased interest in generative AI tools, according to a new survey by EVAI. Of more than 2,000 fleet professionals surveyed, 40.8% say they are moderately familiar with GPT-style interfaces, while 10.7% report high familiarity and 9.7% consider themselves experts.
Despite this growing familiarity, adoption remains at an early stage. Only 10.7% of respondents say they are using GPT extensively, and 40.8% report limited use. Notably, 38.8% of respondents are not using GPT interfaces at all but are actively evaluating them. About 30% would consider adoption within the next year.
Key applications include total cost of ownership analysis, trip and route optimization, data analysis, and vehicle health monitoring. More than half of respondents believe GPT interfaces outperform traditional dashboards for analyzing and interpreting fleet data.
Efficiency Gains Versus Accuracy Concerns
The survey suggests GPT adoption is driven by operational gains. Of those already using GPT interfaces, 30.1% report efficiency gains of 8-10%, while nearly 10% see gains of 15% or more. Potential adopters anticipate similar improvements, with nearly 30% expecting a 10-12% bump in efficiency.
Trust in GPT interfaces remains a sticking point. While 39.8% are somewhat comfortable using GPT for operational analysis, only 10.7% say they trust it completely for trip and route optimization. Human oversight remains a priority. Nearly one-third of respondents would delegate tasks to GPT only with human checks, while another third would allow moderate delegation with periodic reviews.
“The data reveals a clear desire to embrace generative AI in the fleet sector, but also underscores that we’re still in the early phases,” said Ian Gardner, Founder and CEO of EVAI in an official statement.
Integration complexity, data security, and accuracy are the main barriers to adoption, cited by around 20% of respondents each. Concerns about hallucinations and system compatibility also remain significant. Still, the perceived value of automated safety alerts and compliance monitoring is high, with nearly 60% rating them as very or extremely valuable.
Balancing AI Innovation with Fleet Reliability
The EVAI survey confirms that generative AI holds real promise for streamlining data analysis, cost tracking, and vehicle health monitoring. But the path forward is anything but straightforward. Logistics leaders would be prudent to see GPT interfaces as enhancements, not replacements. Careful integration that addresses security, system compatibility, and operational trust will be critical in ensuring these tools complement rather than complicate fleet operations.
