Bus Electric Sectors: Secure your future fleet with 80% funding
With over 3,500 e-buses in Germany already securing substantial subsidies, when will you electrify your fleet? In light of rising diesel prices and the upcoming funding deadline on August 31, 2025, now is the decisive time to take action. Discover your clear roadmap for the transition.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% funding for e-buses and conversions by the BMDV ends on August 31, 2025.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric buses is often lower than that of diesel buses due to reduced operational and maintenance costs, as well as subsidies.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion is a sustainable and supported alternative to purchasing new vehicles, conserving resources while retaining existing vehicle structures.
For many industries in the public and commercial sectors, the pressure to decarbonise vehicle fleets is increasing. Rising operating costs, strict regulations such as the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive, and the imminent end of the current funding period necessitate action. Transitioning to electric buses is no longer a distant vision of the future but an economic necessity. However, investing in new vehicles and charging infrastructure often seems like an insurmountable hurdle. This article outlines a pragmatic approach, demonstrating how you can not only meet legal requirements but also sustainably reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your fleet through intelligent solutions like Diesel-to-Electric conversion and strategic funding planning.
Pressure to Act for Fleet Operators: Why 2025 is Crucial
The operation of bus fleets is at a turning point. Three key factors are creating a new urgency: cost development, legal requirements, and time-limited funding opportunities. Diesel prices have risen by over 30% in the past two years, significantly driving up operating costs. At the same time, the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) obliges public clients to procure 45% of their new buses as "clean vehicles" by the end of 2025, half of which must be completely emissions-free. However, the decisive factor is time: the current Electromobility funding guideline from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is expiring, and applications must be submitted by 31 August 2025. This guideline offers a unique opportunity to set the course for an economical and sustainable future before the pressure increases further.
Your 4-point action plan for timely electrification
A structured approach is the key to meeting the deadline on 31 August 2025 and fully capitalising on the benefits of electrification. With this plan, you will safely navigate through the process:
Needs Analysis and Fleet Check: Analyse your current routes, circulation plans, and the daily mileage of each vehicle. Identify the buses whose deployment profiles are already ideal for electrification today, such as the Heero Tourer Minibus with up to 400 km range.
Profitability Check (TCO): Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), i.e., the total operating costs. Take into account the up to 40% lower maintenance costs and significantly lower energy costs of electric buses compared to diesel. A well-founded TCO analysis for e-commercial vehicles is the basis for your investment decision.
Securing Grants: Submit your application for funding on time. The BMDV subsidises the additional costs for the acquisition of an e-bus or a Diesel-to-Electric conversion by up to 80%. The associated charging infrastructure is funded by up to 40%.
Plan Charging Infrastructure: Define the charging requirements based on your analysis. Plan depot chargers for overnight use and check if fast charging points are needed along the routes. A Heero mid-floor bus can, for example, charge at up to 165 kW.
These four steps form the foundation for a successful and manageable conversion of your fleet.
Optimize the use of funding pots: 80% grant for vehicles and retrofitting
The current funding guidelines of the BMDV are the central instrument for financing the transportation transition in your fleet. They drastically reduce the initially high investment costs and make the switch economically attractive. Particularly advantageous is that not only new vehicles, but also the conversion of existing diesel vehicles is funded with 80% of the additional investment costs. This not only saves your budget but is also a strong signal for the circular economy. For a successful application, it is crucial to know the funding conditions exactly and to submit the applications in full by the deadline on 31 August 2025. A detailed overview of E-Bus solutions helps in selecting the appropriate technology for the funding application. The time for preparation is running short, which is why immediate planning is now required.
Cost Comparison: How the TCO Calculation Favors the E-Bus
At first glance, the acquisition costs for an electric bus are higher than for a diesel vehicle. However, a simple consideration of the purchase price falls short. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) – the sum of all costs over the entire lifetime of a vehicle – paints a different picture. Studies show that the TCO of an e-bus can already be lower than that of a diesel bus, especially due to government subsidies. The main reasons for this are:
Lower energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometre than diesel.
Reduced maintenance: An electric motor has up to 70% fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine, which significantly reduces maintenance efforts.
Tax benefits and toll exemption: E-vehicles benefit from concessions that further reduce ongoing costs.
High subsidy rates: The subsidy of 80% on the additional costs massively reduces the capital commitment.
Due to these factors, the higher initial investment often pays for itself after just a few years, making the e-bus the more economical solution.
Sustainability meets economic efficiency: The advantage of DTE conversion
Why scrap a proven vehicle when only the drive is outdated? The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is the smartest form of modernization and a core principle of the circular economy. Instead of producing a completely new bus, the existing vehicle is reutilized. This not only saves up to 1 million tonnes of plastic waste in Europe annually, but also the grey energy that arises from the manufacture of a new vehicle. A HEERO DTE Sprinter achieves a range of up to 425 km after the conversion and is thus equipped for the most demanding operations. These electrified minibus solutions are a resource-saving and cost-efficient alternative to purchasing new, especially for fleets with expensive special builds. The conversion is also funded with 80%, making it doubly attractive.
Practicality in Focus: Range and Charging Infrastructure
The concern about insufficient range is often unfounded. Modern electric buses easily cover most urban and regional operational profiles. The Heero low-floor rear bus achieves up to 300 km with its 96 kWh net battery. For longer journeys, the Heero Tourer as a minibus offers a range of up to 400 km. A charging strategy adapted to the operational process is crucial. With DC fast charging capabilities of up to 165 kW, as with the Heero low-floor middle bus, the battery can be charged to 80% in about 30 minutes. The lifespan of modern traction batteries is designed for long vehicle use of over eight years and more than 160,000 km, which further secures the investment. Thoughtful planning of the charging infrastructure is key to maximizing the availability of your electric fleet.
More useful links
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs about the milestone of 1000 subsidised e-buses.
Project Management Agency Jülich (PTJ) provides detailed information on the funding of bus procurement.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides information on the Climate Protection and Mobility funding programme (KSNI).
Statista delivers statistics on the number of electric buses in Germany, broken down by drive type.
Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) informs about their e-bus project.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers comprehensive information on battery electric mobility.
Fraunhofer ISI provides information on the topic of electromobility.
FAQ
What is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
The Total Cost of Ownership, or total operating costs, include all expenses incurred over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. This not only includes the purchase price but also ongoing costs for energy (electricity/diesel), maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes and the potential resale value. For electric buses, the TCO is often lower than for diesel buses despite higher purchase costs.
How long does it take to charge an electric bus?
The charging time depends on the battery size and the charging power. With overnight depot charging (AC charging), it can take several hours. At a DC fast charging station, a bus like the Heero medium-low-floor bus can be charged to 80% of its capacity in about 30 minutes with up to 165 kW.
How long does a battery last in an electric bus?
Manufacturers generally provide warranties of eight years and 160,000 kilometres, with the battery expected to retain a residual capacity of at least 70-80% after this period. With proper care and intelligent battery management, the actual lifespan is often significantly longer and is designed for the entire lifecycle of the bus.
Is the conversion of my old bus complicated?
For specialised companies like Heero, the conversion is a standardised process. In the patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric), the complete combustion drive system is replaced with a state-of-the-art electric drive. The process usually only takes a few days and the vehicle retains its proven chassis and structure.
What information do I need for the funding application?
For the funding application with the BMDV, you generally need a detailed project description, an analysis of the current fleet, an economic efficiency calculation (TCO comparison), offers for the vehicles or the conversion, and a plan for the charging infrastructure. A professional funding analysis helps to prepare all documents correctly and on time.
Are the contents on this page legally binding advice?
No, the contents provided on this page serve general informational purposes and do not constitute legal or funding advice. For binding information on funding conditions and legal frameworks, you should contact the relevant authorities or specialised consultants.
