Fuel Cell Bus Funding 2025: How to Secure an 80% Grant
On July 7, 2025, the federal government published a new funding call to support buses with alternative drives. For transport companies and municipalities, this means the opportunity to have up to 80% of the additional investments for fuel cell buses and the associated infrastructure reimbursed. Act now, the deadline for project outlines already ends on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
A new funding call from the federal government (BMDV) supports the purchase and conversion of fuel cell buses until 2025.
The funding rate is up to 80% of the additional investment costs for vehicles and 40% for infrastructure.
Project sketches must be submitted by August 31, 2025, to be considered in the competitive process.
The decarbonization of public transport is one of the central challenges for municipalities and transport companies in Germany. Rising CO2 prices and the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive increase the pressure to switch to emission-free drives. With the new 2025 funding call from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), the conversion of your bus fleet to hydrogen and fuel cell technology is more economical than ever before. This program not only provides significant financial relief but is also a crucial lever in achieving your climate goals. Heero accompanies you as an experienced partner throughout the entire process – from application submission to implementation.
The current funding landscape for emission-free buses 2025
On July 7, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) launched a new, critical funding call. The aim is to provide massive support to transport companies in transitioning their fleets to climate-friendly drives. Since the start of the funding guideline in 2021, around 3,500 buses with alternative drives have already been approved. Today, more than 1,000 vehicles are already in daily use on Germany's roads. The new round of funding builds on these successes and is a central element in achieving Germany's climate goals. The deadline for submitting project outlines is August 31, 2025, which requires swift action. The coordination of the funding guideline is handled by the experienced NOW GmbH and the project sponsor Jülich (PtJ). This initiative is more than just a financial incentive; it is a clear political commitment to the future of fuel cell technology in public transport. The strategic focus on alternative drives is being consistently pursued.
What exactly is being promoted? A look at the details.
The funding program is comprehensively designed to support the transition holistically. It covers a wide range of investments necessary for a successful system change. The funding rate for the acquisition of new vehicles is particularly attractive. It amounts to up to 80% of the additional investment expenses compared to a diesel bus. For the necessary infrastructure, a funding rate of up to 40% is granted. The following measures are specifically eligible for funding:
Acquisition of fuel cell buses (including models with range extenders).
Purchase of pure battery buses, including trolleybuses.
The conversion of conventional diesel buses to fuel cell or battery drives, as offered by Heero with the D2E conversion.
Construction and expansion of the necessary charging and refueling infrastructure (hydrogen filling stations).
Specific maintenance facilities for the new drive technologies.
This broad funding base enables logistics companies and municipalities to build a complete ecosystem for emissions-free operation. An efficient infrastructure setup is the key to success here.
This is how the competitive application process works.
The allocation of funding is carried out in a competitive process to identify the most effective projects. The submission of project outlines must be made by August 31, 2025, via the online portal easy-Online of the federal government. After this deadline, the applications will be evaluated based on several criteria. These include the expected CO₂ reduction, the planned use context of the vehicles, and the targeted electrification rate of the entire fleet. A high degree of innovation and good scalability of the project are clear advantages. The approval of the selected projects will take place after the adoption of the federal budget law in autumn 2025. For interested parties, the ministry will offer an online seminar on July 15, 2025, to clarify questions regarding the funding call. Careful preparation of the application documents is crucial to succeed in the competition. The checklist for the funding application helps to meet all requirements.
Practical example: How the RVK becomes the largest H2 bus fleet in Europe with support
The Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK) is an excellent example of the successful use of funding. By 2025, the company will expand its fleet to 160 hydrogen-powered buses, thereby operating the largest H2 bus fleet in all of Europe. This was made possible by a grant from the BMDV amounting to 33,888,000 euros. This sum finances the acquisition of a total of 108 fuel cell buses of the latest generation. The fleet will be specifically expanded by 79 solo buses and 29 articulated buses. In 2020, RVK secured 7.4 million euros from the National Innovation Program for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology. This example shows that even large fleet changes can be financed with the right strategy. The combination of federal funds and earlier EU funding such as the JIVE project was the key to success. The electrification of an entire bus fleet is no longer a distant goal.
Economic Efficiency in Focus: TCO and the Role of Retrofitting
The high initial costs for new electric vehicles are often a hurdle. This is where the Fuel Cell Bus Funding 2025 comes in, cushioning the additional costs by 80%. However, there is an even more economical way: retrofitting existing vehicles. Heero is leading the way in the circular economy with its patented D2E retrofit for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Instead of writing off a proven fleet of vehicles, we extend their lifecycle. This not only saves the budget but also valuable resources. The retrofit is also eligible for funding and significantly reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Especially for craft businesses or companies with expensive special constructions, this is the most pragmatic solution. You keep your vehicle and still switch to an emission-free drive. The combination of funding and retrofitting makes the switch unbeatable economically. This is how alternative drives for buses become a smart investment.
Your advantage with HEERO: Partner for vehicles and funding
The funding process can be complex, but you don't have to manage it alone. HEERO is more than just a vehicle manufacturer; we are your strategic partner for the transformation of your fleet. We offer you comprehensive consultation to secure the maximum funding for your project. Our team supports you in creating a compelling project outline that meets all the criteria of the BMDV. We analyze your needs and present you with the most economical solution – whether it's a new vehicle or our innovative D2E conversion. With our expertise, you ensure that your application for the Fuel Cell Bus Funding 2025 is successful. We combine technological excellence with pragmatic implementation support. Use our experience to make your fleet future-proof and profitable. Request your personal consultation now or book a test-drive for free and experience the performance of our vehicles yourself.
More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs about current funding programs and political initiatives for the transformation of the transport sector towards more sustainability.
The NOW GmbH provides comprehensive information on national innovation programs for hydrogen and fuel cell technology as well as other climate-friendly drives in transport.
The Project Management Agency Jülich (PtJ) provides details on the funding guidelines it manages and the application process for research and development in the field of sustainable mobility.
FAQ
What is the exact funding rate for fuel cell buses?
The funding rate amounts to up to 80 percent of the additional investment expenses for a fuel cell bus compared to a reference vehicle with diesel drive. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), further surcharges are possible.
Is the hydrogen refueling infrastructure also funded?
Yes, the refueling infrastructure necessary for the operation of the buses, such as hydrogen refueling stations, is funded with a rate of up to 40 percent of the investment costs.
Can I also get funding for converting my existing bus fleet?
Yes, the guideline explicitly includes the conversion of conventional buses to battery or fuel cell drives. This is a core competency of Heero and a particularly economical option.
Who assists me with the application process?
Heero offers comprehensive advice and support in creating the project sketch and the complete application. We help you meet the requirements and maximize the success prospects of your project.
What happens after submitting the project sketch?
After the deadline on August 31, 2025, all submitted sketches will be evaluated in a competitive process. The selection is based on criteria such as CO2 savings and economic viability. The final approval will take place after the adoption of the federal budget in autumn 2025.
Where can I find the official information on the funding call?
The official information is published by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) and communicated through the responsible organizations NOW GmbH and the project sponsor Jülich (PtJ).
