Battery bus funding 2025: How to maximize your grants for fleet electrification
The federal government has launched a new funding call for the electrification of bus fleets. This is a crucial opportunity for municipalities and companies to advance the transition to emission-free drives and benefit significantly from it. Learn how to make the most of the battery bus funding in 2025, particularly through the innovative D2E conversion.
The topic briefly and concisely
A new funding call from the federal government supports the purchase and conversion of buses to electric drives with up to 80% of the additional costs.
Project sketches can be submitted until August 31, 2025; vehicles and the associated charging infrastructure will be funded.
The retrofitting of existing vehicles is an explicitly supported, economical alternative to new purchases, especially for special vehicles.
Rising operating costs and strict emission regulations pose enormous challenges for fleet operators. Electrification is the logical step, but the investment costs are high. With the new funding call from the federal government to promote alternative drives for buses in public transport, this hurdle is significantly lowered. Until August 31, 2025, transport companies and bus fleet operators can submit project outlines to be reimbursed for up to 80% of the additional costs for acquiring electric buses or retrofitting existing vehicles. This guide shows you how to benefit from the Battery Bus Funding 2025 and make your fleet future-proof.
The key points of the new E-Bus funding directive 2025
The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) has cleared the way for a new funding round based on the "Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses," which is valid until the end of 2025. After a phase 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 occur after the passage of the federal budget in autumn 2025. Since 2021, around 3,500 electric buses have already been funded through this guideline. The new round aims to drive the comprehensive electrification forward and modernize public transport sustainably. The allocation will take place in a competitive process, where criteria such as CO₂ efficiency and the degree of electrification play a central role. This reorientation offers a clear opportunity for innovative approaches beyond mere new purchases.
Focus on Retrofitting: An Economic Alternative to Purchasing New
A central and often overlooked aspect of the policy is the explicit promotion of retrofitting conventional buses to alternative drives. This is particularly an economically attractive option for fleet operators with expensive specialty vehicles, as is common with municipalities or in trades. Instead of replacing a tried-and-true vehicle with an expensive build, only the drivetrain is modernized. The funding also covers up to 80% of the additional costs compared to a diesel equivalent. A prerequisite is that the retrofit ensures an additional usage period of at least 8 years or 600,000 kilometers. Our D2E retrofit for Sprinter chassis meets this requirement and protects your previous investments. The circular economy thus becomes a pragmatic success model for your fleet. The funding makes the retrofit the clear choice for a quick and cost-efficient electrification.
Who is eligible to apply and what is being supported?
The eligibility for the Batterybuss funding 2025 is broadly defined and includes a variety of actors. Not only large urban transport companies benefit from this. The following groups can submit applications:
Private and public transport companies
Municipalities and cities with their own fleets
Logistics companies and craft businesses that operate buses
Operators of works and occasional transport services
Not only the vehicles themselves are funded. The program includes a whole ecosystem to ensure a successful transition. The funding rate for the acquisition or conversion of vehicles is up to 80% of the additional investment costs. A grant of up to 40% is provided for the necessary charging, refueling, and maintenance infrastructure. This comprehensive funding of the charging infrastructure significantly lowers the entry barriers. This makes the switch to e-mobility feasible for a broad user group.
The application process: From the draft to approval
The path to funding begins with a meaningful project outline, which must be submitted by August 31, 2025, through the online portal easy-Online. In this document, you must describe your project in detail. The evaluation of applications takes place in a competitive process by the project sponsor Jülich (PtJ) and NOW GmbH. Several factors are taken into account to identify the most effective projects. Here are the central evaluation criteria:
CO₂ Reduction: The expected savings potential is a crucial criterion.
Context of Use: Projects in public transport (ÖPNV) are preferred.
Electrification Rate: Companies with few or no e-buses are given priority.
Funding Requirements: The economic viability of the project is also assessed.
Thorough preparation of the documents is crucial for success. With our expertise in funding applications, we support you in optimally positioning your project. The final decision and approval of the funds are planned for autumn 2025, after the passage of the federal budget.
HEERO as a Partner: More than just a vehicle supplier
The Battery Bus Promotion 2025 is a financial support, but successful implementation requires an experienced technology partner. HEERO offers a comprehensive solution that goes far beyond mere vehicle technology. Our patented D2E conversion transforms your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into powerful e-transporters with up to 425 km range. We analyze your specific needs, from route planning to charging infrastructure. By combining subsidies and the lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of our e-solutions, your investment pays off in record time. Since 2021, 1.2 billion euros in subsidies have been approved to support projects like yours. We offer you not just a vehicle, but a complete, tailored electrification strategy. The high subsidy rate makes entry particularly attractive now. This makes the switch to a sustainable fleet pragmatic and profitable.
Conclusion: Now set the course for an emissions-free future.
The current battery bus subsidy 2025 represents a unique opportunity for fleet operators to economically transition to electromobility. With grants up to 80% for vehicles and conversions and 40% for infrastructure, the timing has never been better. In particular, the promotion of retrofitting existing vehicles in the sense of the circular economy offers a smart way to reduce costs and protect investments. The 2.8 million tons of CO₂ avoided over the course of the directive's period demonstrate the enormous potential. HEERO is at your side as an innovative partner to take advantage of this opportunity optimally. We accompany you from the analysis through the grant application to the integration of the vehicles into your fleet. Take the opportunity to make your fleet future-proof, sustainable, and cost-efficient. Request personal advice now or book an everyday test free of charge.
More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides comprehensive information on the current funding guidelines for alternative drives in bus transport and on general transportation policy in Germany.
The Project Management Jülich (PtJ) is responsible for the processing and evaluation of funding applications under the E-Bus funding guidelines and informs about its role in research and innovation funding.
The NOW GmbH is the National Organization for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology and informs about its initiatives to promote emission-free mobility and infrastructure projects.
FAQ
What documents do I need for the funding application?
For the first stage of the process, a project sketch is required, which is submitted via the easy-Online portal. This should detail the project, the expected CO2 savings, the application context, and the funding requirement. HEERO supports you in creating a meaningful sketch.
Does the program also promote charging infrastructure?
Yes, the necessary charging, refueling, and maintenance infrastructure for the operation of electric buses is funded with up to 40% of the investment costs. This enables a holistic system transition.
Is the funding also relevant for small businesses or trades?
Absolutely. The funding is aimed at all operators of bus fleets, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from crafts and logistics. Especially the conversion of special vehicles on a Sprinter basis is a financially sensible supported measure here.
What happens if my application is approved?
After approval, which is expected in autumn 2025, you will receive an approval notification. Then you can start implementing the project, i.e., ordering the vehicles or commissioning the conversion. HEERO accompanies you throughout the entire process.
Why is converting a Sprinter a good option?
Converting an existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter protects your investment in expensive special structures. You retain your proven vehicle and merely modernize the drive. Thanks to the funding, this is often significantly cheaper than a new purchase and a clear commitment to the circular economy.
How can HEERO support me in the funding process?
HEERO offers comprehensive consulting that starts with analyzing your needs and helps with creating the project sketch for the battery bus funding 2025. We ensure that all technical and economic aspects are optimally represented to maximize your chances of success. Simply request a free consultation appointment.
