Würth shows the way: How to convert your Mercedes Sprinter fleet to electric and save costs in the process.
Rising diesel prices and impending driving bans are putting pressure on fleet operators. Converting your reliable Mercedes Sprinter to electric drive, as practiced by Würth, offers an economically and ecologically superior solution. Learn how to maintain your specialized bodies and reduce overall operating costs byup to 30%.
The topic briefly and concisely
The conversion of a Mercedes Sprinter based on the Würth model protects expensive special structures and avoids high new acquisition costs.
A converted E-Sprinter from HEERO offers 245 horsepower and up to 425 km WLTP range, providing higher performance than many standard E-transporters.
Lower energy, maintenance, and tax costs, as well as exemption from tolls, can reduce total operating costs (TCO) by up to 28% compared to diesel.
For fleet managers and managing directors, modernizing the fleet is a central challenge. Legal requirements, sustainability goals, and economic pressure necessitate the transition to zero-emission drives. However, a complete new purchase of e-transporters often means the loss of expensive, specialized superstructures optimized over the years. Heero offers a pragmatic solution with the patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric). We retrofit your existing Mercedes Sprinter with a powerful electric drive, thereby safeguarding your investments, while significantly reducing operating costs and ensuring the future viability of your fleet for the next 10 years.
The Würth model: Why retrofitting outperforms new purchases
Large fleet operators like Würth face the challenge of future-proofing over 9,000 vehicles. Instead of phasing out proven transporters with expensive shelving systems and special tools, the company relies on an intelligent mix that also includes the electrification of the existing fleet. The decisive advantage is clear: The valuable superstructures, often costing over €20,000, remain intact. A D2E retrofit transforms a 3-year-old diesel sprinter into a modern electric vehicle and extends its lifecycle by at least 8 more years. This approach to circular economy conserves resources and capital. Instead of investing in completely new vehicles, the existing assets are selectively modernized. This not only avoids high acquisition costs but also the long delivery times of up to 18 months for new electric transporters. Therefore, the decision for a retrofit is a strategic investment in efficiency and sustainability.
Technical superiority: More performance and range for practice
The concerns regarding electric commercial vehicles often relate to performance and range. Heero disproves these prejudices with impressive performance data. A Sprinter converted by us boasts a peak performance of 245 hp (180 kW), significantly exceeding most production electric transporters. The basis for this is our battery system with a capacity of 110 kWh, which allows for a practical WLTP range of up to 425 km. This makes demanding daily operations for craft businesses or logistics companies easily manageable without intermediate charging. At a DC fast-charging station, the battery charges from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes with up to 135 kW. This performance ensures that your service vehicles in the field are ready for use without compromise. The conversion not only preserves the bodywork but also elevates the vehicle's performance to a new level.
Focus on cost-effectiveness: significantly reduce total operating costs (TCO)
The conversion of an existing Sprinter is not only sustainable but also economically extremely attractive. An analysis of total operating costs (TCO) shows the enormous savings potential. While a diesel Sprinter incurs operating costs of about €14.40 per 100 km, a converted e-Sprinter costs only about €6.00. This corresponds to a reduction in pure energy costs of almost 60%. In addition, there are other financial advantages:
Lower maintenance costs: The elimination of oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and clutch wear reduces service costs by up to 50%.
Tax advantages: E-vans are exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years.
GHG premium: Annual income of several hundred euros from the sale of CO2 certificates.
Toll exemption: Until at least the end of 2025, there is no truck toll for e-vehicles, saving several thousand euros per year with high mileage.
These factors lead to total costs per kilometer being up to 28% lower than that of a comparable diesel vehicle. Therefore, the investment in a conversion often pays off after just 3 to 4 years.
Special structures protect and secure investments
For many companies, especially in crafts and services, the vehicle setup is the actual capital. An individually customized shelving system, a mobile workshop, or a cooling unit can cost €30,000 and more. Purchasing a new e-transporter would nullify this investment. The Heero D2E conversion is the only solution that completely protects this capital. We focus solely on the powertrain and battery integration. The entire setup of your vehicle remains 100% untouched and immediately usable. This approach is particularly valuable for:
Craft businesses: Mobile workshops with expensive tool and material cabinets.
Logistics companies: Vehicles with special sorting or cooling systems.
Municipalities: Flatbed trucks or vehicles for green space maintenance with specific attachments.
Service fleets: Technician vehicles with permanently installed measurement technology and spare parts storage.
By converting your workshop van with shelving system, you not only avoid a loss of value but also months-long waiting times for a new, identical setup. This ensures the continuity and efficiency of your business operations.
Funding opportunities and legal framework conditions 2025
The transition to electromobility is supported by the government, even though the support landscape is constantly changing. For commercial fleet operators, there are still attractive incentives. The funding program "Climate-friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) explicitly subsidizes the purchase and conversion of commercial vehicles to alternative drives. Companies can receive up to 80% of the additional costs compared to a conventional vehicle as a grant. Heero actively supports you with the application process and helps to secure the maximum funding amount for your project. Additionally, you benefit from new declining balance depreciation rules for e-vehicles, which will apply from July 2025. These regulations make the investment even more attractive tax-wise. In view of impending diesel driving bans in over 50 German cities, conversion is not only an economic but also a strategically necessary decision to secure your mobility.
Your advantage with HEERO: A pragmatic and partnership-based approach
The decision to electrify is more than just purchasing a vehicle. HEERO sees itself as your strategic partner for a future-proof fleet. Our patented conversion process takes only about 10 working days and is carried out by certified specialists. We offer a comprehensive solution that spans from initial consultation, through TCO analysis, to support with grant applications. You receive a vehicle that excels in performance and range, perfectly tailored to your needs. Our solution is based on the principle of the circular economy and combines ecological responsibility with clear economic benefits. We are the leading provider of certified conversions for Mercedes commercial vehicles. Experience the future of urban mobility and increase the efficiency of your fleet. Request your personal consultation now or book a free everyday test and see for yourself the performance of a HEERO E-Sprinter.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides general information about electric mobility.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides information on the Climate Protection and Mobility funding program (KsNI).
Federal Environment Agency publishes a press release confirming the climate benefits of electric cars.
Federal Environment Agency provides a press release on the macroeconomic assessment of electric mobility.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on monthly vehicle registrations.
Fraunhofer ISI offers a press release on emission-free trucks and decreasing costs.
Strategy& (PwC) publishes a press release on the electrification of truck traffic.
German Energy Agency (dena) provides the dena Monitoring Report 2024.
FAQ
How long does the conversion of my Sprinter take?
The entire conversion process at Heero usually takes only about 10 to 15 working days. This way, your vehicle is quickly ready for use again.
Which Sprinter models can be converted?
Heero specializes in the conversion of the current Mercedes-Benz Sprinter series (from model year 2018) with rear-wheel drive. This includes panel vans, platform trucks, and chassis with special bodywork.
What warranty is there on the conversion?
Heero offers a comprehensive warranty on all components installed by us, including the electric motor and the battery. We would be happy to explain the exact warranty conditions to you in a personal consultation.
Do I lose payload due to the conversion?
The vehicle's empty weight changes due to the conversion. Thanks to a possible load increase to 4.25 tons, which can be driven with the normal B-driving license (due to a special regulation for electric vehicles), a high payload of up to 1.6 tons is retained.
Does Heero also offer a charging solution?
Yes, we provide comprehensive advice on the charging infrastructure suitable for your fleet. From the wallbox for depot charging overnight to fast-charging solutions – together with you, we find the most efficient and cost-effective option.
Why is conversion more sustainable than a new purchase?
The conversion follows the principle of the circular economy. It avoids scrapping a functioning vehicle and the resource-intensive production of a completely new transporter. This saves significant amounts of CO2 and raw materials.
