Convert your car to electric: Secure up to 80% funding for your fleet until August 31, 2025.
Up to 425 kilometers of range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. Considering rising diesel prices and the final subsidy deadline on August 31, 2025, now is the crucial time to electrify your existing fleet.
The topic briefly and concisely
The deadline for applying for the 80% funding for converting commercial vehicles to electric drive ends on August 31, 2025.
Retrofitting in the sense of circular economy is often more economical than purchasing new, as it reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and preserves expensive special builds.
The EU Clean Vehicles Directive already requires public authorities to procure zero-emission vehicles, which increases the pressure to act.
The electrification of commercial vehicle fleets is no longer an option for municipalities and businesses, but a strategic necessity. High operating costs, strict climate requirements from the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive, and looming bureaucracy demand pragmatic solutions. Instead of expensive new vehicles, targeted conversion of vehicles to electric offers an economically and ecologically superior alternative. This approach, also known as Diesel-to-Electric (DTE), not only protects your budget through attractive subsidies of up to 80%, but also preserves the value of your tested special designs. Learn how to master this transition on time and sustainably optimize your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Pressure from regulations and costs: Why the transformation is strategically wise now
The operation of diesel fleets is increasingly becoming an economic burden. The EU directive on clean vehicles (Clean Vehicles Directive) already compels public contracting authorities to meet fixed quotas for zero-emission vehicles. By the year 2025, 45% of newly procured buses and a significant portion of trucks must be low-emission or zero-emission. At the same time, rising CO₂ prices and volatile fuel costs are impacting your balance sheet. Many companies underestimate that a retrofit can extend the lifespan of an expensive specialized structure by up to ten years. The conversion of an existing vehicle in terms of the circular economy is the answer to these challenges. This not only responds to legal pressure but also acts economically and ecologically in a forward-thinking manner.
Your 4-point plan for the timely electrification of your fleet
A successful transition requires a clear process. Use this checklist to secure your advantages and meet the crucial funding deadline on August 31, 2025:
Conduct needs analysis: Analyze the daily travel distances, typical payloads, and downtime of your vehicles. Our experts will assist you in defining the exact requirement profile for a conversion with up to 500 km range.
Apply for funding on time: The current funding guidelines of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offer an 80% subsidy on conversion costs and 40% on charging infrastructure. The deadline for application submission is August 31, 2025 – quick action is essential.
Examine economic efficiency (TCO): Consider the Total Cost of Ownership, the total operating costs. A DTE conversion reduces maintenance and energy expenses by over 50% compared to diesel. We create a transparent TCO analysis for your fleet for you.
Select implementation partner: Choose a certified partner who covers the entire process from collection to conversion in ten days, to delivery and service. Heero offers you a comprehensive one-stop solution.
This structured approach turns a regulatory obligation into an economic opportunity.
Funding pots in detail: How to secure the 80 percent funding
The current funding landscape is a key driver for fleet modernization. According to the Electromobility funding guideline from the BMDV, which runs until the end of 2025, you can receive significant subsidies for your transition. The guideline subsidizes the conversion of a diesel vehicle to a purely electric drive with 80% of the additional investment costs. At the same time, the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure at your operating site is subsidized with 40% of the costs. This funding is directly linked to the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive, which obligates public fleet operators to procure clean vehicles. Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025, to benefit from these conditions. An early application is the key to securing funding for projects like a subsidized e-bus conversion. The time to take advantage of this unique opportunity is running out.
Cost comparison: Retrofitting outperforms new purchase in total operating costs (TCO)
The decision between retrofitting and buying new should be based on a solid TCO analysis. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes all costs over the entire lifecycle of a vehicle, not just the purchase price. While a new electric transporter incurs high initial costs, the diesel-to-electric conversion is often 30-40% cheaper. The biggest advantage lies in preserving the value of your specialized equipment, which would be lost with a new purchase. The operating costs of a retrofitted electric vehicle are drastically lower: electricity is more price-stable than diesel, and maintenance costs decrease as many wear parts of the internal combustion engine are eliminated. Studies show that an electric transporter is already up to 25% cheaper to operate per kilometer compared to a comparable diesel vehicle. Your investment in the retrofit often pays off within three to five years.
Technical specifications: More range and power than you expect
Modern retrofit solutions surpass the performance of many stock electric vehicles. Heero relies on standardized, high-performance components for maximum practicality. Here are the key figures of our solutions:
Heero eTransporter: Up to 500 km range for local distribution.
Heero DTE-Sprinter: Up to 425 km range, ideal for crafts and logistics.
Heero Tourer (Minibus 9 Pax): Up to 400 km range with a 110/96 kWh battery (gross/net).
Heero Mid-Floor Bus: Up to 300 km range, equipped with a 137/115 kWh battery and a DC charging power of up to 165 kW.
Standard Quick Charging (DC): All models charge at up to 135 kW, allowing a charge to 80% in about 40 minutes.
These values show that a professional electric retrofit does not mean compromising on usability. Instead, you get a vehicle that is optimized for the needs of your business.
Charging infrastructure and lifespan: Sustainable investments in the future
A well-thought-out charging infrastructure is the backbone of any e-fleet. Thanks to the KsNI funding guideline, 40% of the costs for the installation of charging stations on your premises are covered. The Building Electric Mobility Infrastructure Act (GEIG) additionally provides the legal framework to accelerate the expansion. However, the greatest sustainability lies in continued use. Converting a car to electric is a lived circular economy. You prevent the scrapping of a functioning vehicle and save about 70% of the CO₂ emissions that would occur during the production of a new vehicle. This way, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your fleet and conserve resources. This strategy not only secures your mobility but also enhances your image as a responsible company.
More useful links
The KfW provides detailed information on four funding opportunities for sustainable mobility for companies in Germany.
The Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport offers comprehensive information on climate protection in transport, particularly regarding commercial vehicles with alternative drives.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides a fact sheet on the funding program KsNI, which addresses the retrofitting of vehicles.
The L-Bank informs about financial aids for BW-E-Trucks (electric trucks in Baden-Württemberg).
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure provides important information on the topic of commercial vehicles and charging infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD)?
The Clean Vehicles Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/1161) is a EU mandate that obligates public contractors to adhere to minimum quotas for clean and emission-free models when procuring vehicles. It is a key driver for the electrification of municipal and state fleets.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) refers to all costs that a vehicle incurs over its entire lifetime. These include acquisition, energy, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and depreciation. E-vehicles often have significant advantages here over diesel vehicles.
How long does it take to convert a car to electric?
A professional and standardized conversion process, as offered by Heero, typically takes only about ten working days from the collection of the vehicle to delivery as a certified electric vehicle.
Does the payload remain the same after conversion?
The additional weight of the battery is largely compensated by the elimination of the heavy combustion engine and its associated components. In many conversions, the payload therefore remains at a comparable level or is only slightly affected, which is unproblematic for most purposes.
What guarantees are there on the conversion and the battery?
Heero offers comprehensive guarantees that correspond to those of new vehicles. This generally includes a multi-year warranty on the electric drivetrain and a separate, often eight-year warranty on the battery's performance.
Do I have to take care of the funding applications myself?
No, specialized providers like Heero fully support you in applying for all available funding. This service ensures that your application is submitted correctly and on time by the deadline of August 31, 2025, to receive the maximum grant amount.
