Bus Electric Feedback: Transition to an E-Fleet with 80% Subsidy
Already 3,500 e-buses secure an 80% subsidy – when will you electrify your fleet? Rising diesel prices, strict EU regulations, and complex applications now demand a clear strategy. Act before the funding ends on 31 August 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% subsidy for e-buses and conversions is 31 August 2025.
The EU Clean Vehicles Directive already mandates a quota of 45% for clean buses in public procurement by the end of 2025.
The conversion from diesel to electric (DTE) is an eligible and sustainable alternative to purchasing new vehicles, which reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Switching to electromobility is no longer an option for fleet operators, but an economic and regulatory necessity. The EU Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) already sets clear quotas for the procurement of zero-emission buses, which will be tightened further by 2026. At the same time, high operating costs and CO₂ levies are putting a strain on budgets. The current funding guidelines from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offer a unique opportunity with a reimbursement of up to 80% for vehicles and conversions. This guide pragmatically shows you how to take advantage of this support, reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your fleet, and set the course for a future-proof passenger transportation.
Your starting point: Three facts that now necessitate action
The electrification of your bus fleet is driven by three key factors: expiring deadlines, clear regulations, and economic pressure. By 31 August 2025, funding applications for the current subsidy period must be submitted to benefit from the high grants. This deadline is crucial for the financial viability of your projects.
Here are the main drivers at a glance:
Deadline 31 August 2025: The current funding programme of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is ending soon. Up to 80% of the additional costs for electric buses or a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) are covered.
Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD): By the end of 2025, 45% of new buses procured in the public sector must be 'clean', half of which must be completely emission-free.
Economic Viability: The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which is the overall operating costs, is often already lower for electric buses due to reduced maintenance and energy costs compared to diesel vehicles.
This combination of regulatory pressure and financial incentives creates a narrow time window for a strategic decision.
Your 4-Point Action Plan for Timely E-Bus Subsidy
The path to a subsidised e-bus fleet requires a structured approach to securely meet the deadline on 31 August 2025. Careful planning ensures that all documents are submitted completely and correctly, maximising your chances of success in the competitive process.
Follow this checklist in four steps:
Needs analysis and TCO forecast: Determine your exact vehicle requirements and analyse the route profiles. A detailed Total Cost of Ownership calculation compares the lifecycle costs of an e-bus with a diesel counterpart and forms the basis for your investment decision.
Define solution (New vs. Retrofit): Check whether a new vehicle or a DTE retrofit is the better solution. The retrofitting of existing vehicles conserves resources and is also subsidised at 80%, which is particularly useful for special-purpose vehicles. Discover suitable retrofit solutions for your fleet.
Plan charging infrastructure: Design the necessary charging infrastructure at your depot. The subsidy covers 40% of the costs for non-public charging and maintenance infrastructure.
Apply for subsidies on time: Gather all documents and submit your project outline via the easy-Online portal. A formally correct e-bus subsidy application is crucial for approval.
With this plan, you lay a solid foundation for a successful subsidy application and the sustainable modernisation of your fleet.
Funding pots in detail: How to secure an 80% subsidy
The current funding programme 'Alternative Drives for Buses in Public Transport' by the BMDV is the central instrument for fleet electrification. It aims to compensate for the additional investment costs compared to a conventional diesel bus. Not only municipalities, but also private transport and commercial enterprises with a place of business in Germany are eligible to apply.
The funding rates are clearly defined: 80% of the additional costs for the purchase of new vehicles or the conversion of existing vehicles are subsidised. For the associated non-public charging infrastructure at the depot, there is a subsidy of 40%. This financial support makes the switch economically feasible even for smaller companies. The allocation is competitive, with criteria such as CO₂ avoidance playing an important role. The transition to an e-bus thus becomes strategically plannable.
Cost Comparison: Why the TCO Favors the E-Bus
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the crucial metric for economic fleet planning. It takes into account all costs over the entire lifetime of a vehicle, not just the purchase price. While Electric Buses are more expensive to purchase, they score with significantly lower operating costs.
A direct comparison shows the advantages:
Energy costs: The cost per kilometre for electricity is significantly lower and more stable than for diesel.
Maintenance costs: An electric motor has fewer moving parts than a combustion engine. This reduces maintenance costs by up to 70%.
Taxes and levies: E-vehicles benefit from tax reliefs and avoid rising CO₂ levies.
Especially the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) optimises the TCO. It preserves the value of an existing vehicle chassis and reduces investment costs significantly compared to new purchases. A Heero DTE Sprinter achieves up to 425 kilometres range, for example, making existing fleets future-proof. This strategy is a prime example of living circular economy.
Focus on Technology: Range, Charging, and Lifespan
Modern e-buses are well equipped for the demanding everyday life in route and travel traffic. The ranges are practical and cover most daily operations. The Heero Tourer minibus (9 seats) achieves, for example, up to 400 kilometres on a single charge. The mid-low-floor bus reaches up to 300 kilometres.
The charging infrastructure is key to operational readiness. With DC fast charging, downtime is used efficiently. The Heero mid-low-floor bus charges at up to 165 kW, which means that the 115 kWh net battery capacity is charged to around 80% in about 30 minutes. The standard charging power for other models like the rear low-floor bus is 135 kW. A thorough analysis of your routes during a test drive provides valuable data for planning. The lifespan of modern lithium iron phosphate batteries is designed for long-term operation and often exceeds ten years.
Act now: Secure your free funding analysis
Time is short until the application deadline on 31 August 2025. Bureaucratic hurdles and technical planning require lead time. Do not hesitate to take the first step. A professional analysis of your funding opportunities is the quickest way to gain clarity on your grant roadmap and set the course for an emission-free fleet.
Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
Button: “To the free analysis”
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More useful links
The Federal Government provides information on the promotion of electric buses by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy provides a final report on an accompanying study of electric buses in public transport (ÖPNV).
The Federal Ministry of Transport informs in a press release about the milestone of 1000 funded electric buses.
Agora Verkehrswende offers a fact sheet on municipal electric fleets.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on the topic of electromobility.
The KfW Banking Group provides information on the promotion of electromobility for companies.
The Federal Environment Agency publishes an analysis of the environmental impact of motor vehicles.
The National Charging Infrastructure Coordination Office provides information on commercial vehicles.
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) informs about e-mobility.
The German Energy Agency (dena) provides a dossier on the expansion of the charging infrastructure for e-trucks.
FAQ
By when must the funding application for Electric Buses be submitted?
The deadline for submitting project outlines in the current funding call by the BMDV is 31 August 2025.
What is the range of a converted Electric Bus?
The range depends on the model and battery capacity. A Heero Tourer (Minibus) can reach up to 400 km, while low-floor buses designed for urban transport can reach up to 300 km.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean for electric buses?
The TCO includes all costs incurred over the lifetime of a bus, including purchase, energy, maintenance, insurance, and taxes. For Electric Buses, the TCO is often lower than for diesel buses, as operating and maintenance costs are lower.
What charging power do modern Electric Buses have?
The DC fast charging power varies. Heero models offer up to 135 kW as standard, with the medium low-floor bus even up to 165 kW. This enables fast charging times of about 30 minutes for 80% capacity.
Is converting from diesel to electric sustainable?
Yes. The Diesel-to-Electric conversion is a core principle of the circular economy. It avoids scrapping an intact vehicle and saves the resources and CO₂ emissions that would occur with the production of an entirely new bus.
Are the contents of this article legally binding advice?
No, the contents are for general information purposes and do not constitute legal or funding advice. For binding information and application submission, professional advice should be sought.
