Bus Electric Expert Interview: Achieve your E-Fleet with 80% Funding by 31 August 2025
Already over 3,500 E-buses are securing up to 80% government subsidies – when will you electrify your fleet? Time is pressing, as the application deadline for the current funding round ends on 31 August 2025. This expert interview on bus electrification shows you the way.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% funding for e-buses and 40% for charging infrastructure ends on 31st August 2025.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of e-buses is often lower than that of diesel buses due to reduced energy and maintenance costs.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion is an economical and sustainable alternative to purchasing new vehicles, preserving existing vehicle structures.
The switch to e-buses is unavoidable for public transport operators and municipalities, driven by rising diesel prices, the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive, and ambitious climate goals. However, the complexity of grant applications and high initial investments pose a significant hurdle. This guide offers a clear, solution-oriented 4-point checklist to secure government funding of up to 80% for vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure on time. Learn how a strategic conversion, also known as Diesel-to-Electric (DTE), can optimise your Total Cost of Ownership and set the course for a sustainable future.
Quick Facts: The current subsidy situation for e-buses
The time for electrifying your bus fleet is now, as the conditions are clearly defined. The current funding guideline from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) sets decisive incentives, the key points of which you need to know. The clock is ticking until the deadline on 31 August 2025.
Here are the key facts about the current funding period:
80% grant: The government covers up to 80 percent of the additional costs for the purchase of a new E-Bus or for a Diesel-to-Electric conversion compared to a diesel equivalent.
40% for infrastructure: The necessary charging infrastructure is subsidised up to 40 percent of investment costs, significantly reducing the overall costs.
Deadline 31 August 2025: Project outlines for planned procurements or conversions must be submitted by this date to be considered in the current funding call.
3,500 funded buses: The current programme has already enabled the procurement of around 3,500 electric buses with a total volume of 1.2 billion euros.
These figures show the determination to drive change forward and offer a unique economic opportunity for operators.
Your 4-point action plan for timely promotion
Bureaucracy and tight deadlines require pragmatic action. With a clear strategy, you secure your funding without detours. The key lies in thorough preparation and needs analysis. Follow these four steps to successfully and timely electrify your fleet.
Here’s how to proceed systematically:
Analyse needs and TCO: Determine the exact needs of your fleet. Analyse the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), i.e., the total operating costs. A TCO analysis for electric buses often shows cost advantages over diesel within a few years.
Examine technology options: Decide between a new vehicle and a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE). Especially for special vehicles, a sustainable conversion solution saves the budget and existing constructions. A Heero Tourer minibus achieves a range of up to 400 km after conversion.
Plan charging infrastructure: Design the charging infrastructure according to the operation. A Heero mid-low-floor bus charges with up to 165 kW DC, minimizing downtime. The funding covers 40% of the costs here.
Prepare funding application: Gather all documents and create a detailed project outline. A complete electric bus funding application is the prerequisite for quick approval before the deadline on 31 August 2025.
With this plan, you transform regulatory pressure into a strategic advantage.
Understanding funding pots and guidelines in detail
The financial support is based on clear legal foundations that you should be aware of. The "Directive on the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Passenger Transport" from the BMDV is the central instrument. It is complemented by the European Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), which obliges public authorities to procure low-emission vehicles.
By the end of 2025, 45% of newly procured buses must meet the CVD criteria for "clean vehicles," and from 2026, the quota rises to 65%. This creates a high degree of planning certainty for your investments. The subsidies aim to compensate for the difference in costs between a diesel and an electric vehicle, ensuring profitability from day one. The combination of 80% vehicle funding and 40% infrastructure funding makes the transition more attractive than ever before.
Cost Comparison: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in Focus
The acquisition costs of an electric bus are higher, but the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) tells a different story. The TCO encompasses all costs over the lifetime of a vehicle – from acquisition through energy and maintenance to residual value. Studies show that electric buses are often more cost-effective than their diesel counterparts.
Key factors for TCO reduction are:
Lower energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometre than diesel, despite fluctuating prices.
Reduced maintenance: An electric motor has fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, making oil changes and other routine maintenance unnecessary.
Government subsidies: The 80% subsidy massively reduces the initial investment and improves the TCO balance from the start.
Especially the Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion optimises the TCO, as the costs for a completely new chassis are eliminated. A converted Heero DTE-Sprinter reaches up to 425 km range and conserves valuable resources.
Charging infrastructure and battery lifespan as success factors
A powerful charging infrastructure is the backbone of any E-bus fleet. The planning must consider operational processes, route lengths, and idle times. With DC rapid charging outputs of up to 165 kW, as with the Heero low-floor bus, vehicles are ready for use again to 80% within approximately 30 minutes. The battery capacities are designed for everyday use: The mid-low-floor bus has 137 kWh gross (115 kWh net), while the rear low-floor bus achieves up to 300 km real-world range with 110 kWh gross (96 kWh net).
The lifespan of modern lithium-ion batteries often exceeds the expected service life of the bus. Heero relies on circular economy by providing batteries with a second life after their use in the vehicle, for example, as stationary energy storage. This underscores the sustainable approach that goes far beyond mere CO₂ savings in operation and secures the value of your investment in the long term.
Act now: Secure your free funding analysis
The deadline on 31 August 2025 is approaching. Do not hesitate to set the course for your emission-free fleet. A well-founded analysis is the first step to fully exploiting the potential of current subsidy programmes and avoiding pitfalls. Use the expertise of specialists to create your individual roadmap.
Start your subsidy analysis: Answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap, and make use of the 80% funding.
For a free analysis
free · non-binding · timely
More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides information in this press release about the funding call for buses with alternative drives.
The Future Network Public Transport reports on the federal funding for e-buses and their importance for public transport.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action offers insights in this newsletter announcement into the energy transition and relevant funding measures.
The National Charging Infrastructure Steering Committee provides comprehensive information on charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.
The Federal Environment Agency publishes a detailed analysis of the environmental performance of various motor vehicles.
The KfW provides information on their funding programs for electromobility specifically for companies.
The German Association of Cities offers insights into electromobility from a municipal perspective and relevant developments.
The VDV (Association of German Transport Companies) provides information on e-mobility and other topics related to public transport.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for E-Bus funding?
Private and public transport companies, as well as other operators in the bus industry looking to convert their fleets to environmentally friendly drives, are generally eligible to apply.
What is the difference between a DTE conversion and a new vehicle?
In a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion, the combustion engine of an existing bus is replaced by an electric drive. This is often more cost-effective and sustainable than purchasing a completely new vehicle, as the chassis and bodywork continue to be used. This conserves resources in the spirit of the circular economy.
How long does it take to charge an E-Bus?
The charging time depends on the battery size and charging power. A Heero low-floor bus with a 137 kWh battery can be charged up to 80% of its capacity in about 30 minutes at a DC fast charging station with up to 165 kW.
What lifespan do the batteries in electric buses have?
Modern batteries in electric buses are designed for a long lifespan of many years and charging cycles, often exceeding the service life of the vehicle. After which they can be further used in a 'second life' as stationary energy storage devices.
Do I need to seek legal advice for the funding application?
The content presented here is intended for general information and does not constitute legal advice. When applying, it is advisable to review the official guidelines carefully or consult specialized consulting firms like Heero that assist in the preparation of the documents.
What happens if I miss the deadline on 31 August 2025?
If you miss the submission deadline, your project can no longer be considered in the current funding call. Future funding programmes are possible, but the conditions and time frames are currently uncertain. Therefore, it is advisable to take the current opportunity.
