Taking over leasing vehicles after the contract ends: Your path to a cost-effective e-fleet
Your leasing contract for a specialized diesel transporter is expiring, and you are faced with an expensive decision? Purchasing a new one comes with high costs and long delivery times. Learn how taking over and retrofitting your proven vehicle can not only save you up to 40% of the costs but also help you achieve your sustainability goals faster.
The topic briefly and concisely
Protect your investment by taking over leasing vehicles with expensive special constructions at the end of the contract and converting them to electric, instead of incurring high costs for new acquisitions.
Reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your fleet, as retrofitting is up to 40% cheaper than purchasing new and quickly pays off through lower operating and maintenance costs.
Act sustainably in terms of the circular economy and save up to 80% of CO2 emissions compared to the resource-intensive production of a new vehicle.
For fleet managers in municipalities and businesses, the end of a leasing contract for diesel commercial vehicles represents a strategic decision point. In the face of diesel driving bans and rising cost pressures, continuing with the old drivetrain is not an option. However, purchasing a new e-transporter, especially with expensive special modifications, means an investment often exceeding 100,000 € and waiting periods of more than 12 months. HEERO offers you a pragmatic solution: the takeover and conversion of your proven leasing vehicles. This approach secures your investment in special modifications, reduces total cost of ownership (TCO), and transitions your fleet seamlessly into an emissions-free future.
The dilemma at the end of the lease: valuable structures, outdated drive
Many fleet operators, especially in the municipal or craft sector, use leased vehicles with expensive special bodies, the value of which often exceeds 50% of the total vehicle value. When the leasing contract expires after three or four years, you face a challenge. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is proven, the body is perfectly tailored to your processes, but the diesel engine is becoming increasingly burdensome. Legally, you have the option to take over the vehicle at the calculated residual value in many contracts, often under what is called a right of first refusal. This option is key to protecting your original investment. Instead of returning the vehicle and investing a six-figure sum into a new electric vehicle with a new body, you secure the proven basis for the next step. Thus, the takeover is not the end of the contract, but the beginning of an economically and ecologically sensible transformation. With a TCO analysis for your fleet, this advantage becomes quickly apparent.
Cost-effectiveness in focus: Retrofitting beats new purchase in total costs
The decision between retrofitting and purchasing new is primarily an economic one. A new e-van costs significantly more to purchase than a comparable diesel, which initially drives up the total cost of ownership (TCO). A study by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) shows that e-vans can save up to 11,000 euros in operating costs over three years, but the high initial investment remains a hurdle. This is where the D2E retrofit (Diesel-to-Electric) comes in. It is the strategic alternative.
Let's compare the central cost factors:
New purchase: High purchase price for the e-vehicle plus the full costs for a new special body.
Retrofitting: Costs for taking over the leased vehicle (residual value) plus the retrofit costs.
In practice, this means a savings of up to 40% compared to purchasing new. The payback period for a retrofit is often only three to four years, after which you benefit from the lower operating and maintenance costs of the electric drive. A direct comparison of solutions demonstrates the superiority of retrofitting for existing fleets.
The HEERO conversion process: performance and familiar handling
The adoption of existing leased vehicles for conversion to electric is more than just an engine swap. It is a complete technological upgrade of your vehicle. The HEERO process is designed to maintain the integrity of your Sprinter and its special construction. Within just 10 working days, the diesel drivetrain is replaced with our powerful electric drive. Your team retains the familiar vehicle and can continue working without retraining.
The technical specifications also impress demanding fleet managers:
Range: Up to 425 km (WLTP combined), which is more than sufficient for most daily routes in logistics and trades.
Performance: A peak power of 83 kW ensures dynamic driving behavior, even when fully loaded.
Charging time: At a fast-charging station, the battery is charged to 80% in about 45 minutes.
Payload: The intelligent design ensures maximum payload, optimized for your operational purposes.
So, you don't have to compromise on performance. Instead, electrify your fleet without foregoing the proven vehicle base.
Sustainability through reuse: The principle of circular economy
The decision to retrofit is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Rather than scrapping a functioning vehicle chassis and an intact structure, you extend their lifespan by many years. The production of a new transporter generates a significant carbon footprint, which is often only offset after tens of thousands of kilometers through emissions-free operation. The German automotive industry itself sees the circular economy as a central lever for achieving climate targets by 2050. By continuing to use a Sprinter chassis, up to 80% of CO2 emissions compared to new production are saved. This corresponds to a reduction of around 20 tons of CO2 per vehicle. Your company improves its ecological balance from day one. This approach is not only ecological but also economically sustainable as it conserves resources and avoids waste. By pursuing your sustainability goals through retrofitting, you position yourself as a responsible actor.
Funding and Availability: Make the Most of Government Incentives
The government actively supports the transition to electric mobility. There are attractive funding programs for converting commercial vehicles, which significantly reduce investment costs. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) subsidizes the conversion to electric drive under the KsNI directive. Companies can receive up to 80% of the additional costs compared to a conventional drive as a grant. Heero actively supports you in applying for these funds to minimize your financial burden.
The process to take advantage of these benefits is straightforward:
Analysis of your leased vehicle and takeover options.
Joint review of suitable funding programs and assistance with the application process.
Planning the conversion after successful takeover and funding approval.
Integration of the emission-free vehicle into your fleet within a few weeks.
Another crucial advantage is the immediate availability. While delivery times for new electric transporters are often 12 months or longer, you can completely avoid long waiting times through conversion and modernize your fleet in a timely manner.
Conclusion: Your strategic advantage with HEERO
The acquisition and conversion of your leased diesel transporters is the smartest strategy for forward-thinking fleet operators. You protect your investments in expensive specialized bodies, significantly lower total operating costs, and avoid long delivery times. At the same time, by implementing the principle of circular economy, you make a measurable contribution to climate protection. Heero is your partner, providing not only a technologically leading solution but also guiding you through the entire process from analysis to funding and final handover. Take the opportunity to electrify your fleet economically, sustainably, and without compromising on performance. Request your personal consultation now or book a daily test free of charge to experience the benefits yourself.
More useful links
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on the vehicle fleet in Germany.
Federal Environment Agency (UBA) addresses the topic of electromobility.
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) addresses the topic of electromobility.
FAQ
What happens to my expensive special structure during the conversion?
Your special structure remains completely intact and untouched. The HEERO D2E conversion only replaces the drivetrain. The bodywork, driver's cabin, and structure are not changed, so you can use the vehicle as usual.
How long does the conversion of my vehicle take?
The actual conversion time in our factory is only about 10 working days. This allows you to quickly put your vehicle back into your fleet, minimizing downtime compared to waiting months for a new vehicle.
Does HEERO assist with applying for funding?
Yes, we offer comprehensive advice and active support in applying for available federal and state funding. Our goal is to secure the maximum funding amount for your project and minimize the administrative effort for you.
Do I keep the manufacturer's warranty for the base vehicle?
The original manufacturer's warranty for the drivetrain expires due to the conversion. However, HEERO provides a comprehensive warranty on all components of the new electric drive installed by us, including the battery.
Is the conversion also possible for an entire fleet of returned lease vehicles?
Yes, absolutely. We specialize in the serial conversion of fleets. We can develop a phased plan with you to gradually take over and convert your off-lease vehicles, enabling a smooth transformation of your entire fleet.
Where can I have a converted vehicle serviced?
The maintenance can be carried out directly by HEERO or by one of our certified service partners in Germany. The maintenance effort for an electric drive is also significantly lower than for a diesel engine, further reducing your operating costs.
