The German craft sector is divided in its stance on e-mobility, although electric vehicles are already popular among businesses. A current representative survey by mobility specialist MHC Mobility among German craft businesses shows that 42 percent already use EVs, with a further 28 percent planning to switch or actively engaging with it. Yet despite this considerable share of 70 percent in favor of e-mobility, the study reveals significant structural obstacles that delay broad electrification of the sector.
„The figures show a remarkable development“, says Rainer Thies, managing director at MHC Mobility Deutschland. „On the one hand, the crafts sector is clearly more open to e-mobility than commonly assumed—on the other hand, implementation is slowed by very concrete structural hurdles. That’s less a technology problem than a structural one.“
The detailed analysis supports this assessment—and first shows an interesting finding: almost a quarter of respondents (24 percent) see no obstacles and are
open to EVs. At the same time, clear barriers become visible: in first place, 40 percent cite charging and parking problems, followed by the high purchase costs (38 percent). 22 percent complain about missing suitable vehicle models, 17 percent criticize inflexible contract models. Charging infrastructure as a critical bottleneck. Particularly revealing is that charging and parking problems represent the biggest obstacle.
„Many craft businesses are under increasing sustainability pressure from their clients“, explains Thies. „Public tenders, but also private builders are increasingly asking for environmentally friendly journeys to the construction site. At the same time, the businesses calculate very precisely – an EV van that cannot be reliably charged is simply not practical.“
This tension also explains why, despite a high basic willingness to adopt EVs, many businesses hesitate. „It is not hostility to technology, but pragmatism“, Thies continues. „The craftspeople need reliable, affordable solutions – not compromises.“ Sustainability is increasingly
becoming a business factor.
Consulting gap as an underestimated factor
The survey also reveals a consulting gap: 11 percent of businesses feel insecure when selecting suitable vehicles and planning the necessary infrastructure. „Here it is often underestimated how complex the transition actually is“, observes Thies. „It’s not just about the vehicle itself, but about charging planning, route optimization, backup strategies for emergencies.“ Especially smaller businesses are often overwhelmed by the variety of options and the long-term commitments of classic leasing contracts.
„A two-person operation cannot afford a wrong decision over 36 months. If the EV doesn’t work, it is existentially threatening“, warns Thies.
Uncertainty leads to delaying the switch despite basic willingness. Many businesses would be ready to act immediately – if they had the necessary security. „The results suggest that flexible usage models could accelerate the breakthrough. 17 percent of respondents cite missing flexible contract models as obstacles. „We see
strong interest in trial phases and shorter commitments“, Thies explains. „Many businesses would like to try before they commit. That is understandable – after all they often invest in their livelihoods. Therefore we have tailored our offer to flexible terms and test options to address this demand.“
Flexibility could help
These insights reflect a fundamental shift in mobility needs: away from standardized solutions toward individually adaptable concepts that align with the reality of the respective business. The willingness is there – what is missing are the right framework conditions. This shows that the market is not yet optimally aligned with the needs of the crafts sector. Despite the hurdles, Thies predicts a continuous electrification of craft fleets—but evolutionary.
„The transition will happen gradually, driven by improved technology, falling costs and increasing customer pressure. Whoever sets the right course today and offers realistic, flexible solutions will accompany an entire industry through this
