The bus of the future: With 80% funding for an emissions-free fleet by 2025
Already over 3,500 e-buses are securing an 80% subsidy – when will you electrify your fleet? In light of rising diesel prices, strict climate regulations, and expiring funding, pragmatic action is required now. The bus of the future is not a vision, but an immediately implementable, economical reality.
The topic briefly and concisely
The crucial funding deadline for up to 80% grants for e-buses and DTE conversions ends on August 31, 2025.
The diesel-to-electric (DTE) conversion conserves investments in existing specialized structures and promotes the circular economy.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of an electric bus is often lower than that of a diesel bus due to reduced energy and maintenance costs.
The electrification of public and commercial passenger transport is no longer an option, but a necessity. Rising operating costs, the European Clean Vehicles Directive, and the impending cessation of subsidies force action. The bus of the future is electric, but the path there does not necessarily have to lead through expensive new vehicles. Heero offers you a pragmatic solution: the Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion of your proven vehicles. This approach not only protects your budget with up to 80% funding but also preserves the value of your existing fleet and supports a true circular economy. The deadline for the funding application ends on August 31, 2025 – it's time to set the course.
Take advantage of the funding countdown until August 31, 2025
The time for the conversion of your bus fleet is running out, as the current funding period ends on August 31, 2025. The "Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Public Transport" from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a unique opportunity. It covers up to 80 percent of the additional costs for the acquisition or conversion to electric drives. At the same time, the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) of the EU obliges public authorities to meet fixed quotas for clean vehicles, which will continue to increase from 2026. These regulations already affect over 45 percent of the newly procured buses. Those who do not act now risk not only higher operating costs but also the loss of significant subsidies. The strategic decision for the electric bus is thus a direct investment in your future viability. The combination of regulatory pressure and last-time funding creates a clear framework for action.
Realize your fleet electrification in four clear steps.
The path to a subsidized e-bus is straightforward with a pragmatic plan. With this checklist, you ensure that you receive your grants on time:
Conduct needs analysis: Analyze your current routes, mileage, and vehicle types. This way, you can precisely determine which ranges and charging capacities are required for your operation.
Check economic viability: Conduct a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis. This comparison of total operating costs shows that savings in energy and maintenance often compensate for the higher purchase costs.
Apply for funding: Compile all documents for the grant application with the BMDV. Note the deadline on August 31, 2025, to benefit from the 80% for vehicles and 40% for the charging infrastructure.
Evaluate implementation partners: Choose an experienced partner like Heero, who supports you not only with vehicle technology but also with grant consulting and implementation.
This structured approach minimizes bureaucratic effort and maximizes your economic advantage.
Maximize the value of your fleet through DTE retrofitting.
Why reinvent the wheel when you can continue using your proven vehicles? The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion is at the core of an intelligent electrification strategy and a prime example of circular economy in fleet management. Instead of replacing a fully functional bus, only the powertrain is replaced. Especially for vehicles with expensive specialized equipment, this approach protects your original investment. The benefits are measurable:
Investment Protection: The value of your existing vehicle builds is fully preserved.
Sustainability: Continuing to use chassis and body saves tons of CO₂ and resources compared to new production.
Availability: Converting a vehicle is often faster to implement than delivering a completely new bus.
Performance: A converted Sprinter, for example, can achieve a range of up to 425 kilometers.
With a DTE conversion solution, you are opting for the most economically and ecologically sensible path to electromobility.
Achieve your business goals with the right vehicle technology
Each area of application has specific requirements for the bus of the future. HEERO therefore offers specialized e-bus models based on proven platforms that make no compromises in performance and range.
The flexible urban traffic professional: Medium floor bus
This model is designed for demanding urban traffic and, with its 137 kWh gross battery, offers a range of up to 300 kilometers. Thanks to a charging power of up to 165 kW, the bus is ready for operation again in no time.
The versatile all-rounder: Rear low-floor bus
With a range of also up to 300 kilometers and a 110 kWh gross battery, this bus is the perfect solution for mixed application profiles. The DC fast charging with up to 135 kW ensures high flexibility in daily operation.
The passenger specialist: Tourer minibus
For transporting up to nine people, the Tourer offers an impressive range of up to 400 kilometers. It uses the same efficient 110 kWh battery and 135 kW charging technology. A summary can be found under our e-bus models. This technological specialization ensures the necessary performance for smooth operation.
Reduce operating costs through an intelligent charging infrastructure
The right charging infrastructure is crucial for the efficiency of your e-bus fleet and is subsidized by up to 40% of the costs. Thoughtful planning goes far beyond the mere installation of charging stations. Intelligent charging management can reduce your energy costs by over 20% by avoiding expensive peak loads. It takes into account the power needs of the entire depot and automatically schedules the charging processes of the vehicles for times with cheaper electricity rates, mostly at night. This not only eases the power grid but also maximizes the lifespan of the vehicle batteries. Therefore, investing in smart charging infrastructure is a key lever for optimizing your total operating costs. Analyzing your location and operating procedures is the first step towards a tailored and cost-effective charging solution.
Reduce your overall operating costs sustainably
The acquisition costs are just one part of the equation. An analysis of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) proves the cost-effectiveness of the electric bus over its lifespan. Studies show that the TCO of an electric bus can already be up to ten percent lower than that of a diesel counterpart. Here are the key factors:
Acquisition: The higher initial costs are reduced to a competitive level by the 80 percent BMDV funding.
Energy Costs: Electricity prices are more stable and cheaper in the long run compared to diesel prices.
Maintenance: Electric buses have significantly fewer wear parts. Maintenance costs can decrease by up to 40%, as oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and clutch repairs are eliminated.
Taxes: You benefit from advantages related to the CO₂ tax and future toll regulations for zero-emission vehicles.
A detailed TCO comparison shows that the bus of the future is not only cleaner but also cheaper to operate.
More useful links
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) reports on the milestone of 1000 funded e-buses.
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) provides a final report on the accompanying study of e-buses in public transport.
Renewably Mobile describes the funding program for the acquisition of electric buses in public local transport.
PwC contains information on the e-bus radar.
Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) offers a press release on the topic of e-buses.
Hamburg Transit informs about the introduction of 530 emission-free buses by 2025.
Statista provides statistics on the number of electric buses in Germany by type of drive.
Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) describes the e-bus project.
ifeu (Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg) describes the accompanying study for the promotion of electric buses in public transport.
FAQ
By when must the funding application for e-buses be submitted?
The deadline for submitting funding applications under the current BMDV guideline is August 31, 2025. It is advisable to start the process early, as preparing the documents takes time.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
The Total Cost of Ownership (total operating costs) includes all costs incurred during the entire lifespan of a vehicle. These include not only the purchase price but also expenses for energy (electricity/diesel), maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and depreciation.
What range does a HEERO e-bus have?
The range varies depending on the model. The HEERO low-floor and rear low-floor buses can reach up to 300 km. The HEERO Tourer for nine people can even achieve up to 400 km. A Sprinter retrofitted with HEERO technology can achieve a range of up to 425 km.
What is a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion?
In a DTE conversion, the combustion engine and associated drivetrain are removed from an existing diesel vehicle and replaced with a modern electric drive with a battery. The body, chassis, and structure are retained, conserving resources and saving costs.
Is the charging infrastructure also funded?
Yes, the necessary non-public charging infrastructure for the operation of electric buses is funded under the BMDV program with up to 40% of investment costs. This also applies to the necessary upgrading of the workshop infrastructure.
Are the contents on this page legally binding advice?
No, the information provided on this page serves as general guidance and does not replace legal or financial advice. We recommend conducting an individual analysis for a binding review of your situation and funding opportunities.
