Acceptance of electric trucks in the German logistics industry

Road freight transport is globally and in Germany the second most significant source of CO₂ emissions in the transport sector. It is still mainly dominated by diesel-powered combustion engines. A particularly large share of emissions comes from heavy long-haul trucks, which are characterized by high mileage and high energy consumption. Against this background, it becomes clear: A successful decarbonization of the transport sector is only possible if road freight transport is consistently included.

In summer 2025, 204 complete interviews were conducted with leaders from the logistics industry. Participant selection focused primarily on companies with the WZ code (Wirtschaftszweig Code: economic sector code) 49.41, which refers to freight transport by road, and additionally on the code 52.29.1 for freight forwarding companies. The sample was quota-based on available information regarding the composition of the logistics sector by company size. The results can be generalized with this context and further limitations in mind.