Why Electrification Is The Game-Changer Construction Can’t Ignore
In an industry often slow to adopt change, electrification of vehicle fleets is rapidly reshaping how construction businesses operate. Few leaders embody the future of electric vehicle innovation in construction like Mike Nakrani, CEO of VEV. With both a global corporate background and hands-on entrepreneurial experience, Mike brings not just vision but hard-earned practical know-how to the electric revolution. His journey from Ford and BP to pioneering at VEV is a masterclass in aligning passion with a fast-moving market.
“Every fleet is unique,” Mike explains. “The way we look at it is we listen to our customers because no two fleets operate the same. We take the data, we analyze, and then we build the most efficient electrification plan that fits their operations.” It’s an approach that goes far beyond technology, emphasizing partnership, data-driven insight, and adaptability. For construction owners, electrification isn’t a buzzword: it’s a real, bottom-line opportunity if executed with insight and readiness.
The Journey to VEV: Passion Meets Opportunity
Mike’s route to the top of VEV is far from typical. A first-generation immigrant who rose through Ford’s ranks and built out BP’s hydrogen mobility strategy, he is clear about why electrification lights his fire: “Electrification for me is what I'm doing, right? I see the macro trend... and the answer is there when you go to China, you realize electrification cannot fail because it's already won." This conviction comes from first-hand exposure to markets where EV adoption is already the norm and innovation is routine.
His corporate experience taught him the value of scale, but Mike’s entrepreneurial roots gave him a deep respect for understanding frontline needs. The decision to leave stable corporate life for a “startup slug of cash” at VEV came from recognizing that supporting the transition from internal combustion engines to electric wasn’t just a business idea—it was a societal shift, already underway for those paying attention.
Electrification for Construction: It’s All About Fit
Construction companies often operate with tight margins and even tighter schedules. For leaders, electrifying a fleet is a daunting task. Mike’s advice is refreshingly practical: “It's not about doing 100% of your vehicles... But can you do if you have 100, can you do 20? And will those 20 save you money and therefore give you more cash in your pocket?” This incremental approach to innovation is essential for SMEs who need certainty before making major investments.
Unlike superficial consultants, VEV analyzes clients’ actual data, including telemetry, usage patterns, and energy needs, to deliver bespoke electrification plans. “The fit for purpose piece is really, really important. And I take a lot of that in my business… I think about the customer quite often in large corporates. You can be detached from the customer. There’s essentially the product that you design and you build.” Real change happens on the ground, not in theoretical spreadsheets.
Trust and The Business Partnership Model
Electrification isn’t just about hardware; it’s about trust and process. Mike points out: “The reality is when you're doing a business like ours, the customer, when they do not know how—this is not something they've done before, they must learn to trust you. And the way they're going to trust you is you have to be open. You have to be transparent. You have to educate what it is you're doing. You have to take them on the journey with you.” Long-term success comes from genuine partnership, not transactional thinking.
For construction owners, choose partners who are committed to the long game, not just short-term consultancy fees. Leaning on external expertise, benchmarking against global trends, and putting real values behind every transaction helps build resilient, future-ready businesses.
Conclusion
Electrification is inevitable, but how construction and SME owners approach it will define whether they lead or lag. Mike’s mantra, “better never stops,” is more than a tagline—it’s the mindset that turns disruption into opportunity.
The construction leaders who likely succeed will be those who question conventions, leverage credible partners, and let trustworthy data guide the journey. Now is the time for business owners to think strategically, study the macrotrends, and ask not just “Can I electrify?” but “How do I shape this transition around my unique business?”
This article draws insights from the featured episode: Electrifying Future Reveals Shocking Truth About Sustainable Energy on the I'm The Gaffer podcast. Stay tuned as we explore the challenges and opportunities in construction—where success is crafted with expertise, innovation, and dedication.
