The Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) has investigated how great the interest in alternative drives is in haulage companies. The researchers also wanted to find out the requirements that the companies make of their vehicles and what framework conditions have to be met. In a non-representative survey, 70 people from Germany were questioned, mainly managing directors from medium-sized transport companies. The background is the EU requirement to reduce the CO2 emissions of trucks by 30% by 2030.

As far as the economic requirements are concerned, everyone is more or less in agreement: The crucial factors are the reliability of the engine and the overall costs throughout the entire life cycle. Around half of those surveyed were prepared to switch to alternative drives. It emerged in this context that larger companies with a stronger financial position were more willing to innovate. A minimum range of the engines of around 800 km is required, however. Most of the companies surveyed were willing to refuel or recharge up to every 20 km on average, but the refueling or recharging time must not exceed 15 minutes. The Fraunhofer survey also revealed that there is currently a lack of relevant model projects. Moreover: the more those surveyed knew about alternative engines, the more open they were to change.