Trades under power: Every second company is already going electric – but the but the breakthrough is faltering
Representative MHC survey: 42% of trade businesses use electric vehicles, a further 28% are planning to switch – but structural hurdles are still slowing down the transition electrification
Bockel, August 15, 2025 – The German skilled trades sector is divided in its attitude towards electromobility, although electric vehicles are already very popular among businesses. A recent representative survey of German trade businesses by MHC Mobility shows that 42% are already using electric vehicles, while a further 28% are planning to switch or are looking into it intensively. However, despite this impressive rate of 70% e-mobility affinity, the study reveals considerable structural obstacles that are delaying the widespread electrification of the industry.
Trades under power / How far along is the industry in the transition?
- 42 %: of companies already use electric vehicles
- 28 %: are planning the switch or are working intensively on it
- 29 %: Currently not an issue
- 0,4 %: Don’t know/ no answer
- A total of 70% show a high “e-mobility affinity”
Tension between readiness and implementation
“The figures show a remarkable development,” says Rainer Thies, Managing Director at MHC Mobility Germany. “On the one hand, the trade is much more open to e-mobility than is generally assumed – on the other hand, implementation is being slowed down by very specific structural hurdles. This is not so much a technology problem as a structural problem.”
The detailed analysis underpins this assessment – and initially reveals an interesting finding: almost a quarter of respondents (24%) do not see any obstacles and are open to electric vehicles. At the same time, however, clear barriers also emerge: 40 percent cite charging and parking problems in first place, followed by the high purchase costs (38 percent). 22% criticize the lack of suitable vehicle models, 17% criticize inflexible contract models.
Charging infrastructure as a critical bottleneck
It is particularly revealing that loading and parking problems are the biggest obstacle. “Many trade businesses are under increasing
sustainability pressure from their clients,” explains Thies. “Public tenders, but also private clients, are increasingly asking for
environmentally friendly journeys to the construction site. At the same time, companies are calculating very precisely – an e-transporter that cannot be reliably charged is simply not practical.”
This tension also explains why many companies are hesitant to purchase e-vehicles despite a high level of general willingness to do so. “It’s not technophobia, but pragmatism,” continues Thies. “Tradespeople need reliable, affordable solutions – not compromises.”
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a business factor.
Advice gap as an underestimated factor
The survey also reveals a gap in advice: 11% of companies feel unsure about selecting suitable vehicles and planning the necessary infrastructure. “People often underestimate how complex the transition actually is,” observes Thies. “It’s not just about the vehicle itself, but also about charging planning, route optimization and backup strategies for emergencies.”
Smaller companies in particular are often overwhelmed by the variety of options and the long-term commitments of traditional leasing contracts. “A two-man business can’t afford to make the wrong decision over 36 months. If the e-vehicle doesn’t work, it threatens the existence of the business.”
Uncertainty leads to delays in the changeover despite a fundamental willingness. Many companies would be quite prepared to act immediately – if they had the necessary certainty.
The breakthrough is stalling – obstacles to the use of e-vehicles/ What obstacles do trade businesses see when making the switch?
- 40,4 %: Loading and parking problems (operation/construction sites)
- 38,1 %: High acquisition costs
- 22 %: Lack of suitable vehicle models
- 17,4 %: Lack of flexible contract models / fear of commitment
- 10,7 %: Uncertainty / lack of advice
- 23,7 %: See no obstacles (open to e-vehicles)
- 3,1 %: Don’t know / no answer
Flexibility as the key to the market success of e-vehicles
“The results indicate that flexible usage models could accelerate the breakthrough. 17% of respondents cited the lack of flexible
contract models as an obstacle. “We see great interest in test phases and shorter commitments,” explains Thies. “Many companies would like to try things out before committing themselves. This is understandable – after all, they are often investing in their livelihood. That’s why we have specifically expanded our range to include flexible terms and trial options to meet this demand.”
These findings reflect a fundamental change in mobility requirements: away from standardized solutions and towards individually adaptable concepts that are geared towards the reality of the respective company.
So the willingness is there – what is missing are the right framework conditions. This shows that the market is not yet optimally adapted to the needs of the skilled trades.
Outlook: Evolution instead of revolution
Despite the hurdles, Thies predicts that the electrification of trade fleets will continue – albeit in an evolutionary way. “The change will be gradual, driven by improved technology, falling costs and increasing customer pressure. Those who set the right course today and offer realistic, flexible solutions will guide an entire industry through this transformation process.”
About MHC Mobility
MHC Mobility is a European mobility company owned by a subsidiary of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC and is represented in seven European countries: Austria, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Poland. MHC Mobility offers fully integrated and innovative mobility solutions for customers – both locally and across borders.
Our simple and transparent solutions cover everything from leasing and fleet management to comprehensive end-to-end decarbonization solutions for companies, including infrastructure, energy storage and consulting. In this way, we help our customers overcome the challenges of operating national and international fleets and reduce their environmental impact.
MHC Mobility is a pioneer in the mobility sector with a fleet of over 12,000 vehicles throughout Germany. In addition to its headquarters in Bockel, the company supports its customers at eight other MHC Mobility Centers throughout Germany. Personal account managers develop customized mobility concepts for business customers and accompany the entire fleet design and management process.
Further information can be found at www.mhcmobility.de
Press contact:
Dr. Torben Kneisler
Dederichs Reinecke & Partner
Phone: +49 40 20 91 98 242
E-mail: torben.kneisler@dr-p.d