Electrifying 5t diesel vehicles: reduce operating costs by up to 60% and future-proof your fleet.
Rising diesel prices, impending driving bans, and high CO2 taxes are straining the budgets of fleet operators in Germany. Upgrading your proven 5-ton diesel vehicles to a powerful electric drive not only drastically reduces operating costs but also secures your investments in expensive special superstructures. Discover the pragmatic solution that combines economy and ecology for municipalities and businesses.
The topic briefly and concisely
The conversion of 5t diesel vehicles to electric drive reduces total operating costs (TCO) by up to 60% through energy and maintenance savings.
By continuing to use chassis and special structures, the D2E conversion protects existing investments and follows the principle of circular economy.
Government funding programs can cover up to 80% of the retrofit costs, making electrification economically attractive immediately.
For fleet managers in the public sector and logistics industry, 5-ton diesel vehicles pose a growing challenge. The total cost of ownership (TCO) is skyrocketing due to fuel prices and maintenance efforts, while more and more German cities like Stuttgart or Hamburg are imposing access restrictions for diesel vehicles up to Euro 5 standard. HEERO offers a technologically leading solution with the D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric). We enable you to electrify your 5-ton diesel vehicles to reduce operating costs while following the principles of the circular economy. This way, you protect your existing fleet, save up to 60% of operating costs, and effortlessly meet all sustainability goals.
Cost trap diesel: How rising charges increase the TCO of 5t fleets by over 30%
The ongoing costs for a 5-ton diesel transporter have become a heavy burden for many municipalities and logistics companies. The CO2 tax alone noticeably raises the price of every liter of diesel, increasing the annual fuel costs per vehicle by several thousand euros. In addition, there are high maintenance costs, as diesel engines with their more than 1,400 components are significantly more susceptible than an electric drive with only about 200 parts. Many operators are facing an annual TCO increase of 5-8%. Additionally, cities like Berlin and Darmstadt are tightening access regulations, resulting in fines of up to €108.50 per violation, which complicates deployment planning. This development makes sticking to diesel technology an economic risk that can be avoided through a quick conversion.
HEERO D2E conversion: Protect investments and reduce operating costs by up to 60%
Instead of prematurely writing off your functional transporters with expensive special structures, Heero offers a solution that secures your investments. With our patented D2E technology (Diesel-to-Electric), you can electrify your proven 5t diesel vehicles to reduce operating costs. The conversion takes only 10 working days and turns your cost trap into a profitable, future-proof asset. The advantages of this strategy are immediately measurable:
Energy cost reduction: Electricity costs per 100 km are about 8 €, compared to over 20 € for diesel.
Maintenance savings: Maintenance costs are reduced by up to 50%, as maintenance-intensive components such as the exhaust system and transmission are eliminated.
Eligibility for subsidies: Government programs support the conversion with up to 80% of the costs.
Value stability: The value of your vehicle, including special structures, is preserved and even increased by the electric drive.
This method is the smarter way compared to a new purchase, as our analysis of conversion vs. new purchase shows in detail. Thus, electrification becomes a strategic decision for greater economic efficiency.
TCO analysis: The electrification pays off in less than 4 years.
A detailed analysis of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) demonstrates the financial superiority of electrification. While the initial conversion costs represent an investment, these are quickly offset by massive savings. An electrified 5-ton sprinter saves up to 13 cents per kilometer in pure operating costs compared to its diesel counterpart. With an annual mileage of 60,000 kilometers, this amounts to a savings of €7,800 per year per vehicle. The payback period for the conversion costs, including government subsidies, is often under 4 years. Additionally, the exemption from truck tolls for electric vehicles until the end of 2025 further reduces the TCO. Let us create an individual TCO analysis for your fleet. This will transform the switch from a pure cost issue to a clear investment decision.
Performance without compromise: Full payload and up to 425 km range
The concerns about the practicality of e-transporters are a thing of the past. Our D2E conversion is designed to maintain and even improve the performance of your fleet. A key advantage is that we keep the permissible total weight of 5 tons for a diesel transporter after electrification. Your payload will not be restricted. The components we use are designed for demanding use in trades or delivery traffic. Here are the key specifications:
Range: Up to 425 km on a single charge, ideal for regional distribution transport.
Power: A torque of up to 450 Nm ensures powerful acceleration, even when fully loaded.
Charging time: At a DC fast charging station, the battery is charged to 80% in under 90 minutes.
Reliability: We utilize the proven base of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and combine it with our tested electric drive technology.
These performance data prove that you do not have to make compromises in daily operational capability for a sustainable and cost-effective fleet. Learn more about how we secure the 5 tons total weight.
Circular economy as a strategy: Achieving sustainability goals with the existing fleet
The decision to electrify your 5t diesel vehicles is an active contribution to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle and producing a new one, which releases around 15 tons of CO2 equivalents, we extend the lifecycle of your existing fleet. This approach drastically reduces resource consumption and has an environmental footprint that is 60% better than manufacturing a new part. By continuing to use the chassis and body, more than 80% of material and energy is saved per vehicle. The EU Battery Directive also ensures that up to 95% of valuable raw materials such as nickel and cobalt are recycled at the end of the battery's life. With the D2E conversion by Heero, you not only comply with legal requirements but also position your company or municipality as a pioneer in sustainability. This way, you can efficiently achieve your sustainability goals.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO – economical, sustainable, and powerful
The electrification of your 5-ton diesel fleet is not a compromise, but a strategic necessity and an economic opportunity. The conversion reduces your operating costs by up to 60%, protects you from driving bans, and secures the value of your specialized vehicles for the next 10 years. You benefit from government grants, lower maintenance costs, and performance that does not fall short of diesel. Heero is your innovative partner, accompanying you on this journey with a proven technology. Take the first step into a quieter, cleaner, and more profitable future. Request your personal consultation now or book a zero-cost everyday test to experience the benefits yourself.
More useful links
National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure provides comprehensive information on commercial vehicles.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) informs about the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KSNI).
KfW Banking Group provides information on the promotion of electric mobility for companies.
Federal Environment Agency offers insights into climate protection in the transport sector.
International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) publishes a fact sheet on the total cost of ownership (TCO) of battery electric trucks in Europe.
Strategy& (PwC) informs in a press release about the breakthrough of electric trucks.
Fraunhofer ISI offers a press release on the deployment planning of electric trucks, potentials, and costs.
German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) provides information on the drive strategy for commercial vehicles.
FAQ
How long does the conversion of a 5-ton transporter take?
The pure conversion time in our manufactory is only 10 working days. During this time, the entire diesel drive train is replaced by our electric drive and the vehicle is fully configured for e-operation.
What subsidies are available for the electrification of commercial vehicles?
Companies and municipalities can benefit from various subsidy programs. This includes the guideline “Environmental Protection and Safety” of the BALM, which subsidizes up to 80% of the conversion costs. We are happy to advise you on the funding opportunities suitable for you.
Do I keep the warranty on the base vehicle?
The warranty on the base vehicle from Mercedes-Benz remains valid for all parts not affected by the conversion. For all E-components installed by us and the work carried out, you receive a comprehensive HEERO warranty.
Is the HEERO conversion available for all 5-ton transporters?
Our patented D2E conversion specializes in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as the base vehicle. This enables us to achieve a highly efficient and standardized process with maximum quality and reliability.
What happens to the old diesel engine?
In the spirit of the circular economy, the removed diesel engines and components are professionally refurbished and reused or subjected to certified recycling. This ensures that no resources are wasted.
How can I book a daily test?
You can easily request a free and non-binding daily test via our website or by phone. We will provide you with a converted vehicle so that you can convince yourself of the performance and practical suitability.
