The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering (IAO) predicted back in the summer of 2018 that e-mobility could eliminate 75,000 of the current 210,000 jobs in the production of powertrains. This figure already takes into account the 25,000 new jobs that components such as batteries or power electronics are expected to generate. According to the study's final report , which was drafted together with IG Metall and companies from the automotive industry, "the spread of electromobility could nevertheless set an example for successful structural change."

The recommendations for action are expected to show the way. According to the researchers, companies must sensitize and qualify their workforce for the transformation. Another challenge is producing new components while the conventional ones are still needed. The scientists urge policymakers to allow sufficient deduction options for plug-in hybrids. The structural transformation should also be accompanied by a "targeted industrial and employment policy".

The Institute for Employment Research (IAB) has also worked on the topic. The research report expects technology-driven job losses to be "quite considerable." The switch to electric drives is expected to result in the loss of 114,000 jobs in car sector alone by 2035.