Your 10-seater bus: Switch to electric drive with 80% funding until August 31, 2025.
Up to 425 kilometers of range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. The time for electrifying your 10-seater fleet is now, as the current funding period ends on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
The current funding guideline of the BMDV offers an 80% subsidy for the conversion or new purchase of an electric 10-seater, but only until August 31, 2025.
The diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is a sustainable and economical alternative to purchasing new, preserving the value of existing specialized installations and is also fully eligible for funding.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric vehicles is often lower than that of comparable diesel models due to lower operating and maintenance costs.
Rising diesel prices, strict climate regulations, and increasing pressure from bureaucracy pose enormous challenges for fleet operators. Especially in the passenger transport sector with vehicles like a 10-seater, reliable and economical solutions are in demand. Electrification is no longer an option, but a necessity, supported by the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive. HEERO offers you pragmatic solutions: either by converting existing vehicles (Diesel-to-Electric, DTE) or through powerful new electric vehicles. Act now to benefit from the 80% funding from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) before the deadline on August 31, 2025.
Growing Barriers: Why Diesel Fleets Need to Act Now
The operation of diesel vehicles is increasingly becoming a burden for companies and municipalities. The combination of unpredictable fuel prices and new legal regulations such as the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) creates significant pressure to act. The CVD mandates binding minimum quotas for the procurement of low-emission vehicles, which by 2025 will be 38.5 percent for light commercial vehicles. These requirements directly affect public procurement and thus many operators of passenger transport minibusses. Ignoring this development not only leads to higher operating costs but also to exclusion from future tenders. The time for a strategic realignment of your fleet has come.
Your 4-point action plan for electrification before the funding period 2025
The switch to electromobility doesn't have to be a complex effort. With a clear plan, you ensure maximum benefits and avoid bottlenecks before the funding ends on August 31, 2025. Here are the four crucial steps:
Conduct demand analysis: Analyze the daily routes and occupancy of your 10-seaters. Our Heero vehicles, like the Tourer with up to 400 km range, cover most use profiles effortlessly.
Evaluate total costs (TCO): Don't just consider the purchase price. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) shows that e-vehicles, due to lower energy, maintenance, and tax costs, are often cheaper than diesel models after just a few years.
Choose the right solution: Decide between converting an existing vehicle and a new purchase. The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) conserves resources and is ideal for vehicles with expensive special fittings.
Apply for funding: The most important step is to apply for funding on time. The BMDV subsidizes the purchase or conversion with up to 80% of the additional investment costs and the charging infrastructure with 40%.
This structured approach makes the transition planable and economically attractive, especially for your electric minibus.
Renovation or new purchase: The right strategy for your 10-seater
The decision between upgrading a proven diesel and acquiring a new electric vehicle depends on your fleet strategy and the condition of your vehicles. Both paths lead to the goal of emission freedom and offer specific advantages.
Sustainability meets economy: The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE)
The DTE conversion is a cornerstone of the circular economy and one of our specialties. Instead of replacing a fully functional vehicle, we only exchange the drivetrain. This is particularly sensible if you own a Minibus Electric with expensive special equipment. The advantages are clear:
Resource Conservation: You avoid the grey energy that arises during the production of a complete new vehicle and act in accordance with the Circular Economy Act.
Value Retention: Your investments in the vehicle structure remain fully preserved.
High Range: A converted Heero DTE-Sprinter reaches up to 425 km range.
Full Eligibility for Funding: The DTE conversion is funded at the same 80% as a new vehicle.
Performance at a new level: The Heero E-New Vehicle Purchase
If your vehicle is already older or you are planning a fleet expansion, a Heero E-Bus is the first choice. You benefit from the latest technology and maximum efficiency. Our Heero Tourer for nine people, for example, offers a battery with 96 kWh net capacity and a DC fast charging power of up to 135 kW. This means the battery is recharged to 80% in about 40 minutes and ready for use.
Costs in plain language: Maximizing TCO analysis and funding pots
A well-founded cost consideration is the key to a successful fleet transformation. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the crucial metric here, as it takes into account all costs incurred over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. Studies show that electric commercial vehicles, despite higher acquisition costs, are often the more economical choice in the long run. The lower expenditures for energy, maintenance (no oil changes, fewer wear parts), and taxes compensate for the initial investment. The current funding landscape massively reinforces this effect. The BMDV program offers two crucial pillars:
80% grant on the additional costs of an electric vehicle or a DTE conversion compared to a diesel.
40% grant for the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure on your company premises.
This combination drastically lowers the entry barrier and makes the switch to an electric 10-seater an immediately profitable investment. But time is pressing: Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. We support you in the analysis and timely submission of applications.
Practicality in Focus: Range and Charging Infrastructure
The concern about insufficient range is a thing of the past. Our HEERO vehicles are designed for demanding everyday use in passenger transport. The HEERO Tourer, a minibus for up to nine people, achieves a practical range of up to 400 kilometers with its 96 kWh (net) battery. This allows for easy use in urban and regional transport. For longer distances or intensive use, the DC fast-charging capability with up to 135 kW ensures minimal downtime. The establishment of your own charging infrastructure is also supported by the government, which further reduces operating costs and increases independence. The combination of high range and supported charging infrastructure makes the electric 10-seater a reliable and future-proof solution for your company.
Start your funding analysis: 3 steps to 80% funding
The path to your subsidized electric fleet is straightforward. Utilize our expertise to complete the process on time and successfully. Answer three short questions about your fleet and your requirements. We will then create your personal subsidy roadmap and accompany you throughout the entire application process for the 80% funding. Secure your free and non-binding funding analysis now.
For the free analysis
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More useful links
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) informs about the funding program for climate protection and innovations in local rail passenger transport (KSNI).
The KfW presents funding programs on the topic of electromobility for companies.
Statista provides statistics on the number of electric buses in Germany, broken down by type of drive.
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) informs about its e-bus project.
The Federal Environment Agency provides information on climate protection in transport.
The Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy and Mobility of Rhineland-Palatinate (MKUEM RLP) hosts a presentation by the VDA on electromobility and automotive circular economy in Germany.
The German Association of Cities and Towns (DSTGB) offers a guide to charging infrastructure in municipalities.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure provides information on the topic of commercial vehicles.
FAQ
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
The Total Cost of Ownership (Gesamtbetriebskosten) is a calculation method that includes all costs of a vehicle over its entire period of use. This includes acquisition, energy (electricity/diesel), maintenance, insurance, taxes, and residual value. E-vehicles often have a cheaper TCO than diesel.
How long does it take to charge an electric minibus?
The charging time depends on the battery size and charging power. The Heero Tourer can charge at a DC fast charging station with up to 135 kW. This allows the battery (96 kWh net) to be charged from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes.
What is a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion?
In a DTE conversion, the complete diesel drivetrain (engine, transmission, tank) is removed from an existing vehicle and replaced with a modern electric drive (electric motor, battery, power electronics). This is a sustainable method of modernizing vehicle fleets.
Until when must the funding application be submitted?
The application deadline for the current BMDV e-mobility funding guideline ends on August 31, 2025. It is advisable to start the process early to be able to submit all documents in time.
Are the information provided here legal or funding advice?
No, the information provided here is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, or funding advice. For binding advice on your specific situation, we recommend contacting our funding experts.
Which vehicles can be converted?
Heero specializes in the electrification of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. These form an ideal basis for the conversion of minibuses, including variants with up to 10 seats or more, like the Sprinter 20-seater.
