Efficiently electrifying the fleet: Proven performance without compromise
Rising operating costs and strict emissions regulations are forcing fleet operators to take action. However, many are hesitant to switch to e-mobility due to concerns about range, operation, and the loss of expensive specialized equipment. Discover a solution that future-proofs your existing fleet without requiring your drivers to retrain.
The topic briefly and concisely
The conversion of existing diesel fleets to electric drive protects investments in expensive special equipment and avoids long delivery times for new vehicles.
By maintaining the familiar vehicle and its operation, extensive retraining for the driving staff is eliminated.
The total cost of ownership (TCO) of a retrofitted fleet decreases significantly due to lower energy and maintenance costs as well as government incentives.
The electrification of commercial vehicle fleets is one of the biggest challenges of our time for municipalities and companies. Legal requirements, such as the EU's CO2 fleet limits coming into effect in 2025, and the growing pressure to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) require pragmatic solutions. This is exactly where Heero comes in: We enable you to electrify your existing fleet without sacrificing the familiar operation of the vehicles. Instead of replacing proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with expensive special bodies, we convert them into powerful e-transporters using our patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric). This approach not only saves your budget but also valuable resources and accelerates your sustainability goals.
The double challenge: Economic pressure and regulatory hurdles
Fleet managers in logistics, crafts, and municipalities are facing a dilemma. On one hand, operating costs for diesel vehicles are exploding due to fluctuating fuel prices and rising maintenance efforts. On the other hand, the EU is tightening the CO2 limits for light commercial vehicles drastically with Regulation 2019/631 starting in 2025. This leads to impending fines and potential driving bans in urban environmental zones, threatening the operational capability of over 6 million vehicles in Europe. Buying new electric vans seems like a solution, but long delivery times of up to 14 months and high acquisition costs present a massive hurdle. It becomes particularly critical when vehicles are equipped with expensive, custom-built bodies, the value of which would be lost with a new purchase. These economic and regulatory pressures require a smarter strategy than simply replacing the fleet.
This situation demands a solution that is both economically and ecologically convincing while allowing the operational business to continue seamlessly.
The HEERO solution: Preserve the existing, win the future
Instead of decommissioning your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Heero offers an innovative alternative: the D2E conversion. We replace the diesel engine and tank with a highly efficient electric drive with 245 hp and the latest battery technology. The crucial advantage: the chassis, the driver's cabin, and, above all, your expensive special structures remain completely intact. For your drivers, nothing changes in the operation of the vehicle—except that they are quieter and emission-free on the road. This approach makes it possible to electrify the existing fleet without having to give up the familiar operation of the vehicles. In just 10 days, a vehicle is converted and fully operational again. This way, you protect your existing investments and avoid the administrative overhead associated with integrating completely new vehicle models. With the Heero D2E Conversion, you not only bypass delivery bottlenecks but also make a strong statement for sustainable business practices.
But how does this technological innovation impact your balance sheet?
TCO analysis: Why retrofitting exceeds buying new
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the decisive factor for the profitability of a fleet. A study by Transport & Environment shows that electric vans already have 25% lower mileage costs compared to diesel counterparts. The Heero conversion significantly enhances this advantage. While the purchase costs for new e-vans can be up to 55% higher than those for diesel vehicles, conversion is a much more affordable investment. Your greatest savings are realized in operating costs.
Here are the key levers for cost reduction:
Energy costs: Electricity costs per kilometer are significantly lower than those for diesel.
Maintenance and repair: The maintenance costs for electric drives are up to 50% lower as maintenance-intensive components such as exhaust systems, clutches, or oil changes are no longer required.
Taxes and tolls: Converted vehicles benefit from vehicle tax exemption for electric vehicles and reduced or waived toll charges.
Subsidies: Government programs like the “Climate Protection Initiative for Businesses” financially support the conversion and reduce the initial investment.
By continuing to use your individual vehicle structures, you also avoid investments in the five to six-figure range. The analysis of the entire fleet costs clearly shows: Conversion is the fastest and most economical path to electrification.
Performance without compromises: range and reliability in everyday work
Practicality is crucial for commercial use. Concerns about the range and performance of e-transporters are widespread, yet the Heero technology disproves these. Our converted Sprinters offer a practical range of up to 425 km, which far exceeds the typical daily routes of delivery services, craft businesses, or municipal service providers. With a charging performance that enables fast charging during legally mandated breaks, maximum vehicle availability is guaranteed. The powerful 245-hp electric drive ensures outstanding driving dynamics, even when fully loaded. The towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons remains fully intact, a decisive advantage over many new e-transporters. Thus, you can electrify your existing fleet without sacrificing the familiar handling and accustomed performance of your vehicles. Our solution is designed to increase the productivity of your fleet without restrictions while simultaneously achieving sustainability goals.
This performance is based on a profound understanding of sustainable value chains.
Circular economy as a principle: More than just emission-free driving
The decision to retrofit a D2E is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping functional vehicles with high residual value, we extend their lifecycle for many years. This approach reduces the demand for primary raw materials and significantly lowers the CO2 emissions that occur during the production of new vehicles. The EU Commission estimates that circular-oriented measures in the automotive industry could save 12.3 million tons of CO2 annually by 2035. Every retrofitted transporter is a direct contribution to resource conservation. You not only avoid the disposal of a complex industrial good, but also actively help to make better use of the 5.4 million tons of materials that are involved in end-of-life vehicles each year. By focusing on the electrification of your fleet, you position your company as a leader in a forward-looking, responsible economic approach. This strategic advantage is becoming increasingly important in public tenders and to customers.
The transition to this future-proof solution is designed to be remarkably simple.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO – economical, sustainable, and proven in practice
The electrification of your fleet doesn't have to be complicated or an economic gamble. With the Heero D2E retrofit, you choose a pragmatic and intelligent path that combines economic and ecological goals. You reduce your operating costs, meet upcoming CO2 regulations, and protect your investments in expensive special bodies. At the same time, you benefit from the full performance and familiar operation of your Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, which ensures acceptance among your drivers and makes long delivery times for new vehicles unnecessary. As an innovative partner, Heero accompanies you from analysis to final implementation. We offer you a solution based on over 10 years of experience in electromobility and implemented by a certified provider for vehicle conversions.
Experience the future of urban mobility for yourself. Request your personal consultation now or book an everyday test for free.
More useful links
Dekra provides current information on electromobility in the fleet.
Statista delivers statistics on the share of electric vehicles in new registrations in the commercial sector.
Statista provides data on the share of electric cars in the fleets of German federal ministries.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on electromobility that gives an overview.
FAQ
For which vehicles does Heero offer the D2E conversion?
Heero specializes in the electrification of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. Our D2E system is designed for various lengths (L2-L4) and heights (H1-H3) as well as for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 to 5 tons.
What is the range of a Sprinter converted by Heero?
Our converted e-transporters achieve a practical range of up to 425 kilometers. This fully meets the daily requirements of most logistics, craft, and municipal companies.
What happens to my special bodies during the conversion?
Your valuable and often expensive special bodies (e.g., refrigerated containers, shelving systems, tail lifts) remain fully intact during the conversion. We only replace the drive unit under the vehicle, allowing you to continue using your investments 100%.
Do my drivers need special training for the converted vehicles?
No, extensive training is not necessary. Since the cockpit, controls, and driving behavior remain familiar, only a brief introduction to the loading process is required. Your employees can continue working immediately as usual.
How does Heero support me in analyzing profitability (TCO)?
We offer comprehensive consulting and create a detailed TCO analysis for your fleet. In doing so, we compare your current diesel operating costs with the projected costs after conversion and consider all relevant factors such as energy, maintenance, taxes, and funding opportunities.
How can I test the Heero vehicles?
We are confident in our technology and therefore offer you a free everyday test. This way, you and your drivers can experience the performance and practicality of our e-transporters directly in your operational process. Just contact us to schedule an appointment.
