E125: How Mitra EV is Electrifying the Working Fleet

E125: How Mitra EV is Electrifying the Working Fleet

From Everybody in the Pool by Molly Wood

March 5, 2026 · 26 min · Episode 125

About this episode

This episode features Galina Russell discussing how Mitra EV is providing solutions for small and mid-size businesses to electrify their fleets.

99% of registered fleets belong to small and mid-size businesses — but the EV industry wasn't built for them. High upfront costs, years-long waits for grid access, and charging solutions designed for large operators have left the backbone of the American economy behind. This week on Everybody in the Pool, we meet a founder who’s changing that. Galina Russell, co-founder of Mitra EV, built a turnkey solution that bundles electric trucks and vans with charging infrastructure, so plumbers, electricians, and delivery companies can electrify their fleets without the logistical headache. We talk about: Why small commercial fleets are the most overlooked (and impactful) EV opportunity The barriers to EV adoption for small and mid-size business owners Mitra’s "laptop and charger" model: leasing vehicles and installing charging together, from day one How Mitra works within existing grid capacity instead of waiting years for new power Battery storage, peak shaving, and the vision for 50 megawatts of distributed backup power Why cost savings — not climate ideology — is the killer pitch to small business owners Links: Mitra EV: https://www.mitra-ev.com/ Galina’s book recommendation, The Grid…

People in this episode

Host: Molly Wood

Guest: Galina Russell

Topics covered

  • electric vehicles
  • small business
  • fleet electrification
  • charging infrastructure
  • barriers to EV adoption
  • cost savings

Keywords

  • Mitra EV
  • electric trucks
  • charging solutions
  • small commercial fleets
  • EV adoption barriers
  • battery storage
  • cost savings

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mitra EV

Books & works: The Grid

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