A new funding call from the federal government offers up to 80% subsidy for e-buses and conversions — a strategic opportunity for transport companies and companies.
The Federal Government has launched a new funding call for the electrification of bus fleets. This is the decisive opportunity for municipalities and companies to press ahead with the transition to zero-emission drives and benefit significantly in the process. Find out how to make optimal use of battery bus funding 2025, in particular through the innovative D2E Retrofitting.
Increasing operating costs and strict emissions requirements pose enormous challenges for fleet operators. Electrification is the logical step, but investment costs are high. With the new federal funding call to promote alternative bus drives in passenger transport, this hurdle is significantly reduced. Until August 31, 2025, transport companies and bus fleet operators can submit project outlines in order to be reimbursed 80% of the additional costs of purchasing electric buses or upgrading existing vehicles. This guide shows you how to benefit from battery bus funding 2025 and make your fleet future-proof.
A new funding call from the federal government supports the purchase and conversion of buses to electric drives with 80% of the additional costs.
Project outlines can be submitted until August 31, 2025; vehicles and the associated charging infrastructure will be funded.
The conversion of existing vehicles is an explicitly promoted, economical alternative to buying new ones, particularly for special vehicles.
The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) has paved the way for a new funding round based on the “Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Bus Drive Systems” valid until the end of 2025. After a period of uncertainty, applications can now be submitted again, ending a long dry spell for many transport companies. The deadline for submitting project outlines is August 31, 2025, and approval will take place after the federal budget has been approved in autumn 2025. Since 2021, around 3,500 electric buses have already been supported by this guideline.
The new round aims to promote electrification across the board and to sustainably modernize public transport. The award is carried out in a competitive process in which criteria such as CO₂ efficiency and the degree of electrification play a central role. This realignment offers a clear opportunity for innovative approaches beyond just buying new ones.
A central and often overlooked aspect of the Directive is the explicit promotion of the conversion of conventional buses to alternative drives. This is an economically attractive option, particularly for fleet operators with expensive special vehicles, as is common in municipalities or in the craft sector. Instead of replacing a proven vehicle with an expensive design, only the powertrain is being modernized. The funding here also covers up to 80% of the additional costs compared to a diesel equivalent.
The prerequisite is that the upgrade guarantees a further useful life of at least 8 years or 600,000 kilometers. Our D2E conversion for Sprinter chassis meets this requirement and protects your previous investments. The circular economy thus becomes a pragmatic success model for your vehicle fleet. The funding makes the conversion the clear choice for rapid and cost-effective electrification.
The eligibility to apply for battery bus funding 2025 is broad and includes a wide range of stakeholders. It is not only large urban transport companies that benefit from this. The following groups can submit applications:
Private and public transport companies
Municipalities and cities with their own vehicle fleets
Logistics companies and craft businesses that operate buses
Operators of factory and occasional transport
It is not just the vehicles themselves that are being promoted. The program spans an entire ecosystem to ensure a successful transition. The funding rate for the purchase or conversion of vehicles is up to 80% of additional investment expenditure. A subsidy of up to 40% is granted for the necessary charging, refueling and maintenance infrastructure. This holistic Promoting charging infrastructure significantly lowers entry barriers. This makes the switch to e-mobility feasible for a wide range of users.
The path to funding begins with a meaningful project outline, which must be submitted via the online portal Easy-online by August 31, 2025. In this document, you must describe your project in detail. The applications are evaluated in a competitive process by project promoter Jülich (PtJ) and NOW GmbH. Several factors are taken into account to identify the most effective projects. Here are the key evaluation criteria:
1. CO₂-Avoidance: The expected savings potential is a decisive criterion.
2nd Deployment context: Public transport (public transport) projects are preferred.
3rd Electrification rate: Companies with few or no e-buses are given priority.
4th Funding requirement: The economic viability of the project is also assessed.
Careful preparation of documents is crucial for success. With our Expertise in funding applications we support you in positioning your project optimally. The final decision and approval of the funds is planned for autumn 2025 following the approval of the federal budget.
The 2025 battery bus funding is a financial support, but successful implementation requires an experienced technology partner. HEERO offers a comprehensive solution that goes far beyond pure automotive technology. Our patented D2E conversion transforms your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinters into powerful e-vans with up to 425 km range. We analyse your specific needs, from route planning to charging infrastructure. The combination of funding and the lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of our e-solutions will pay off your investment in record time.
Since 2021, 1.2 billion euros in funding have already been approved to support projects like yours. We offer you not just a vehicle, but a complete electrification strategy tailored to you. Die high funding rate makes getting started particularly attractive now. This makes the transition to a sustainable fleet pragmatic and profitable.
The current 2025 battery bus funding represents a unique opportunity for fleet operators to make the switch to electric mobility cost-effective. With subsidies of up to 80% for vehicles and conversions and 40% for infrastructure, the time has never been better. In particular, promoting the conversion of existing vehicles in the sense of circular economy offers a smart way to cut costs and protect investments.
The 2.8 million tons of CO₂ avoided over the duration of the Directive so far show the enormous potential. HEERO is at your side as an innovative partner to make the most of this opportunity. We support you from analysis to funding application to integration of vehicles into your fleet. Take advantage of the opportunity to make your fleet future-proof, sustainable and cost-effective. Request a personal consultation now or book an everyday test for free.
For the first stage of the process, a project outline is required, which is submitted via the easy Online portal. This should explain the project, the expected CO2 savings, the context of use and the financing requirements in detail. HEERO supports you in creating a meaningful sketch.
Yes, the charging, refueling and maintenance infrastructure required to operate the electric buses is supported with up to 40% of the investment costs. This enables a holistic system changeover.
Absolutely. The funding is aimed at all bus fleet operators, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the craft and logistics sectors. In particular, the conversion of special vehicles based on sprinters is an economically viable, subsidized measure.
After approval, which is expected in autumn 2025, you will receive a permit notice. You can then start implementing the project, i.e. ordering the vehicles or ordering the conversion. HEERO accompanies you through the entire process.
The conversion of an existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter protects your investment in expensive special structures. You keep your tried and tested vehicle and simply modernize the engine. Thanks to funding, this is often significantly cheaper than a new purchase and a clear commitment to the circular economy.
HEERO offers comprehensive advice that starts with the analysis of your needs and helps to prepare the project outline for battery bus funding 2025. We ensure that all technical and economic aspects are presented in an optimal way to maximize your chances of success. Simply request a free consultation appointment.
that Federal Ministry of Transport (BMDV) provides comprehensive information on the current funding guidelines for alternative drives in bus transport and general transport policy in Germany.
The Contract partner Jülich (PtJ) is responsible for processing and evaluating funding applications under the E-Bus Funding Directive and provides information about its role in funding research and innovation.
Die NOW GmbH is the National Organization for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology and provides information about its initiatives to promote emission-free mobility and infrastructure projects.
