Providers of electric cars: How to secure 80% funding for your fleet before August 31, 2025
Up to 425 km range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. The time for the electrification of your commercial vehicle fleet is now, as the current funding period ends on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
Take advantage of the 80% funding for retrofitting your commercial vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure; the application deadline ends on August 31, 2025.
The retrofit of existing diesel vehicles (DTE) is often more economical than purchasing new ones due to lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and the maintenance of specialized superstructures.
The Clean Vehicles Directive mandates a quota of 38.5% for clean light commercial vehicles in public procurement by 2025, which increases the pressure to act.
As a provider of electric cars and conversions, we see the challenges that fleet managers face every day: rising diesel prices, stricter environmental regulations, and the pressure to operate sustainably. Many hesitate due to high investment costs and concerns about practicality. However, the solution does not necessarily lie in purchasing new vehicles. With a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE), you can keep your tried-and-true vehicles, protect their value, and simultaneously benefit from substantial government subsidies. This guide shows you the four crucial steps to electrify your fleet in a timely and economical manner.
Your 4-step checklist for fleet electrification
The transition to electric mobility may seem complex, but it can be broken down into four manageable steps with a clear plan. Given the funding deadline on August 31, 2025, pragmatic action is crucial. We, as a specialized manufacturer of electric vehicles, will guide you through the entire process.
Conduct needs analysis: Analyze your current driving profiles, routes, and payloads for at least 14 days. This will help you identify the vehicles that are most suitable for conversion.
Check funding opportunities: The BMDV funding guidelines offer an 80% grant for vehicle conversion and 40% for charging infrastructure. An application must be submitted before August 31, 2025.
Evaluate profitability (TCO): Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Consider the savings in energy, maintenance, taxes, and CO₂ charges, which often reach 33%.
Choose partners for implementation: Select a provider that not only supplies vehicles but offers a complete solution consisting of conversion, charging infrastructure, and service. A professional conversion solution protects your investments in specialized setups.
This structured approach not only secures you the maximum funding but also ensures a smooth transition for your fleet.
Make optimal use of funding pots: secure an 80% grant
The current funding landscape in Germany offers a unique opportunity for the decarbonization of your fleet. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) significantly supports the purchase and conversion of commercial vehicles. The funding guideline for electromobility is the central instrument here.
It provides a funding rate of 80% of the investment additional costs for converting a diesel vehicle to an electric drive. Additionally, the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure at the operating site is subsidized by up to 40% of the costs. This regulation makes electrification economically attractive for fleets with expensive special structures that are to be retained. The deadline for applications is August 31, 2025. Taking action early is crucial to submit all necessary documents on time. Electromobility thus becomes a strategic advantage rather than a cost factor.
Cost comparison: Why retrofitting beats buying new
The total costs over the lifetime of a vehicle, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), are the crucial metric for fleet operators. While the acquisition of a new electric transporter incurs high costs, the DTE conversion significantly lowers this hurdle. A study shows that electric transporters have operating costs of only 10 cents per kilometer, compared to 15 cents for a diesel.
Here is a sample cost consideration:
Investment: Converting an existing Sprinter is significantly cheaper than buying a new electric vehicle, especially when expensive superstructures are already in place.
Operating costs: Energy costs for electricity are up to 80% lower than for diesel.
Maintenance: An electric drive has fewer wear parts, which can reduce maintenance costs by almost 90% over five years.
Subsidy: The 80% subsidy applies to the conversion and reduces the initial investment to a minimum.
An analysis of the Total Cost of Ownership makes it clear that conversion is not only sustainable but also the more economically intelligent option.
Technology in Focus: Range and Charging Power for Everyday Work
The practicality of e-commercial vehicles depends on range and charging power. As an experienced provider of electric cars, we equip our vehicles with powerful technology. Our standard battery features a gross capacity of 110 kWh and a net capacity of 96 kWh.
This enables impressive ranges for various electric commercial vehicles:
HEERO eTransporter: up to 500 km
HEERO DTE-Sprinter (conversion): up to 425 km
HEERO Tourer (minibus): up to 400 km
HEERO eBus: up to 300 km
Thanks to a DC fast charging power of up to 135 kW (or 165 kW for the mid-floor bus), the battery is recharged to 80% in about 30 minutes. This performance ensures that your vehicles spend more time on the road than at the charging station. The circular economy through the continued use of proven vehicle chassis is a key advantage of our DTE solutions.
Legal Framework: The Clean Vehicles Directive as a Driver
In addition to economic incentives, the legislator also creates facts. The EU Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented by the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), obliges public contractors to procure clean vehicles. By the end of 2025, 38.5% of new light commercial vehicles must meet the defined emission limits.
From 2026 onwards, the requirement will be even stricter: then 38.5% of the fleet must be completely emission-free. This regulation directly affects not only municipalities but also all companies executing public contracts. The transition to emission-free vehicles is thus no longer an option, but a necessity to remain competitive. Early transition ensures you a decisive market advantage.
Your advantage with HEERO: Partnership for an economic future
The electrification of your fleet is a strategic decision for greater efficiency and sustainability. With our expertise as a specialized provider of electric vehicles and DTE conversions, we offer you a practical and funding-optimized solution. We focus on preserving your proven vehicles and making the transition to electric-powered commercial vehicles simple and profitable.
Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your subsidy roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
Button: “For the free analysis”
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More useful links
Federal Government provides information on increasing the purchase premium for electric cars.
Federal Ministry of Transport provides an article on electromobility in Germany.
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action informs about the funding program for electromobility.
The Funding Database contains entries on funding programs for e-commercial vehicle applications and infrastructures.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure offers information on funding programs in the area of electromobility.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on new vehicle registrations.
Statista offers statistics on the truck fleet with alternative drives in Germany.
The Federal Environment Agency provides information on fleet target values.
FAQ
How long does a Diesel-to-Electric conversion at HEERO take?
A DTE conversion of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter typically takes about ten working days. During this period, we integrate our electric drive system, the battery, and all necessary components, while maintaining your vehicle's structure completely.
What range can I expect from a converted Sprinter?
A DTE Sprinter converted by HEERO achieves a practical range of up to 425 kilometers. The exact range depends on factors such as payload, driving profile, and outside temperature.
Does HEERO assist with applying for grants?
Yes, we provide a free grant analysis and actively support you in the application process to ensure you receive the maximum grant amount of 80% for your vehicle and 40% for the charging infrastructure and meet the deadline of August 31, 2025.
What is included in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
The TCO, or total operating costs, includes all costs incurred during the lifetime of a vehicle: purchase (or conversion), energy (electricity/diesel), maintenance, insurance, taxes, CO₂ levies, and the estimated residual value. E-vehicles often have a significant advantage here.
Can every Diesel Sprinter be converted?
We specialize in the conversion of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. Contact us for a free analysis to check the compatibility of your specific vehicle model and year of manufacture.
What warranties are there on the conversion and the battery?
HEERO offers comprehensive warranties on all installed electric components, including the drive system and the battery. You will receive detailed information on the warranty conditions in a personal consultation.
