Andy Graham from Evolve Fleet has seen the evolution of fleet management systems from magnetic tapes to AI. And if you ask him about the next five years, one thing is clear — we’re entering a phase where automation, integration, and leadership will matter more than ever.
Speaking on the Fleet News Group podcast, Andy offered a candid and practical view of the next wave of technology in fleet — grounded in three decades of real-world experience across Custom Fleet, SG Fleet, Splend, and now Evolve Fleet.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
Autonomous Vehicles: “Not Yet, But Be Prepared”
While the headlines continue to spotlight autonomous vehicles (AVs), Andy says we should temper our expectations — particularly in urban environments.
“Autonomous vehicles in cities? That’s still a way off. But trucking? That’s where I see mass adoption coming first,” he explains. “The operating environment and pressure on drivers make it ripe for disruption.”
He notes that while ring-fenced AV pilots (like in San Francisco) are promising, rolling out fully autonomous vehicles in complex, real-world environments like Sydney or Melbourne will take major cultural, legal and infrastructure changes.
AI: Real Value in Optimisation and Safety
Artificial Intelligence may be the biggest buzzword in fleet tech right now, but Andy is clear about its true potential — it’s not about replacing people, but augmenting smarter decision-making.
“AI-powered optimisation has huge potential — for maintenance, safety, and customer experience,” says Andy. “But when it comes to residual values and financial decisions, human insight still matters.”
He sees value in AI for streamlining quoting, improving support, and surfacing issues earlier — particularly for high-volume, repetitive fleet processes. But warns against using AI simply for the sake of innovation.
“It’s not the idea that wins. It’s the execution.”
Subscription Models & Mobility-as-a-Service
Graham remains a strong advocate for mobility subscriptions, particularly for businesses with seasonal or short-term needs.
“I’ve always believed in subscription models. At SG Fleet we invested in Carly — because subscription gives organisations flexibility without long-term commitment.”
As economic uncertainty persists, more fleets may turn to flexible vehicle access models that align with operational demand rather than fixed lease terms.
EV Adoption: It’s About More Than Just the Vehicle
When it comes to EVs, Andy cautions that the fleet industry has historically overestimated the speed of transition.
“We were talking about EV disruption in 2008 with battery-swapping ideas from Better Place. That was 17 years ago. Adoption is still in the single digits — and it’s slowed, not accelerated.”
For fleets, he believes the EV conversation must go beyond model availability and focus more on infrastructure planning, billing, and energy management.
Legacy Systems Are the Biggest Roadblock
One of the strongest warnings in the interview is about the inertia caused by legacy systems — especially for established fleet providers.
“Most businesses aren’t ready. Legacy systems are a massive hindrance — but so is leadership mindset. It’s not just about upgrading tech. It’s about being willing to change.”
This is where Evolve Fleet is making its mark. According to Andy, they now support more than a million vehicles, with most of the top 15 fleet companies in Australia using at least two of their automated services.
“The key message I hear from fleet businesses is: We need to do more with less. That’s why we focus on high-friction processes and automate them — from infringements to servicing workflows.”
Final Word: It’s About Clarity, Not Just Data
Perhaps the most telling quote of the conversation comes when Andy reflects on the obsession with “big data” in recent years.
“The power isn’t in the volume of data — it’s in the clarity and the actionability. That’s what customers need. Tell me which vehicles are due for service. Tell me what’s overdue. Tell me now.”
That focus — clarity over complexity — will define the success of fleet systems over the next five years.
🎙️ Catch the Full Interview
Don’t miss the full conversation with Andy Graham on the Fleet News Group Podcast.
Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.
