Bus Electric Interview: How to Secure 80% Funding for Your E-Bus Fleet by August 2025
Already over 3,500 e-buses in Germany benefit from an 80% government subsidy. This bus-electro interview will show you how to tackle rising diesel prices and the Clean Vehicles Directive with a clear 4-point plan and set the course for a sustainable future.
The topic briefly and concisely
Applications for 80% funding for electric buses and DTE conversions can be submitted to the BMDV until 31 August 2025.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric buses is often lower than that of diesel buses due to lower energy and maintenance costs.
The EU-wide Clean Vehicles Directive mandates a quota of 45% for clean buses in public procurement by the end of 2025.
Electrification of bus fleets is no longer a distant vision, but rather a business necessity. High operating costs for diesel vehicles, stringent EU requirements under the Clean Vehicles Directive, and the political will for emission-free public transport create pressure to act. At the same time, the current funding programme from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a unique opportunity: up to 80% of the additional investment costs for electric buses or a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) are subsidised. The application deadline is 31 August 2025. This guide, based on our bus-electric interview with industry experts, provides you with a pragmatic roadmap to convert your fleet on time, cost-effectively, and future-proof.
The Facts: Why 2025 is the Pivotal Year for the E-Bus Transition
The time to electrify your bus fleet is now. Three key drivers make a decision in 2025 unavoidable: attractive funding opportunities, clear legal requirements, and tangible economic advantages. Hesitation means missing out on guaranteed grants of up to 80% and failing to optimise the Total Cost of Ownership of your fleet.
Here are the key facts at a glance:
80% funding rate: The BMDV subsidises the additional costs for purchasing an eBus or an efficient D2E conversion with up to 80%.
Deadline 31 August 2025: Project outlines for the current funding round must be submitted by this deadline to be considered.
40% for charging infrastructure: The construction of the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure is also funded with up to 40% of the costs.
Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD): By the end of 2025, 45% of all newly procured buses must be 'clean', with half of them even completely emission-free.
This combination of high funding and legal pressure creates a unique time window for a strategic investment.
Your 4-point action plan for timely electrification
The journey to a subsidised E-Bus fleet is not a bureaucratic marathon, but a manageable process. Our bus-electrification interview has shown that a structured approach with four steps leads to success. This plan helps you meet all the requirements for the subsidy application by 31 August 2025 and make an informed decision.
Follow this proven checklist:
Needs and Route Analysis: Record the daily mileage, topographies, and schedules of your current fleet. This creates the data foundation for selecting the suitable battery technology and vehicle class with up to 400 km range.
Subsidy Check: Review the specific requirements of the current E-Bus subsidy 2025. Determine whether a new purchase or a DTE conversion for your existing vehicles is the more economical option.
Charging Infrastructure Concept: Plan the necessary charging infrastructure at the depot. Consider charging capacities of up to 165 kW for medium-low-floor buses to minimise downtime and maximise vehicle availability.
Technology and Partner Selection: Choose a vehicle solution that meets your range and capacity requirements. For instance, a Heero Tourer minibus achieves up to 400 km with a 96 kWh net battery.
With these four steps, you lay the foundation for a successful and economical fleet transformation.
Maximize the use of funding pots: Up to 80% subsidy from the BMDV
The current 'Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Passenger Transport' by the BMDV is the central instrument for the decarbonisation of public transport. It aims to accelerate the market ramp-up and financially relieve transport companies. The funding covers 80% of the additional investment costs compared to a reference diesel bus. This applies to both the purchase of brand-new electric buses and the conversion of existing diesel vehicles.
The deadline for submitting project sketches on 31 August 2025 is crucial. Applications will be assessed in a competitive process, with criteria such as CO₂ savings potential and the degree of electrification playing a role. The funding is a decisive lever to ensure the economic viability of electromobility from the outset and to drastically reduce investment costs. Thus, the transition becomes an opportunity rather than a burden.
TCO Analysis: How E-Bus Conversion Reduces Operating Costs
The higher acquisition costs of an electric bus are often perceived as a hurdle. However, an analysis of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) – the total operating costs over its entire lifespan – reveals a different picture. The TCO of an eBus is often lower in the long term than that of a diesel bus. This cost advantage stems from two main factors: lower energy costs and significantly reduced maintenance efforts.
Especially the Diesel-to-Electric retrofit (DTE) optimises the TCO. Instead of purchasing a completely new vehicle, the drivetrain of a proven existing vehicle is replaced. This not only conserves resources in terms of the circular economy but also your budget. The benefits are measurable:
Lower investment: A retrofit often costs only a fraction of a new eBus, shortening the payback period.
Reduced maintenance costs: The elimination of oil changes, exhaust systems, and wear-prone mechanical components reduces maintenance costs by up to 40%.
Stable energy costs: Electricity prices are generally more predictable and less volatile than diesel prices, which simplifies budget planning.
Value retention: You retain the value of your often expensive and specialised vehicle structures instead of disposing of them with the diesel vehicle.
A detailed calculation of the total operating costs is key to a well-informed investment decision.
Proven Technology: The Heero E-Bus models in detail
The theoretical benefits of electromobility must prove themselves in practice. Heero offers specialized and long-range solutions tailored to the demands of line and tourist traffic for this purpose. Our vehicles are based on proven technology and provide reliable performance for demanding everyday use. The Heero low-floor bus charges up to 165 kW to 80% in under 45 minutes.
An excerpt from our portfolio for passenger transport:
Heero low-floor bus: With a 115 kWh net battery and up to 300 km range, it is ideal for urban traffic. Its DC charging power of up to 165 kW ensures maximum availability.
Heero rear low-floor bus: It combines a range of up to 300 km with a 96 kWh net battery and a DC charging power of up to 135 kW.
Heero tourer (Minibus 9 Pax): Perfect for shuttle services and smaller groups, it offers a range of up to 400 km and a charging power of 135 kW.
Each of our E-Bus models is designed to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability.
Charging Infrastructure: The Foundation for Smooth Operations
An efficient charging infrastructure is the backbone of any e-bus fleet. Planning should occur alongside vehicle selection and be tailored to specific operational processes. Depot charging overnight is the most common method, while opportunity charging at terminus points can maximise range. Investment in the right charging infrastructure is also supported by the government: The BMDV programme funds the installation with up to 40% of the costs.
An intelligent charging strategy can further reduce operating costs by scheduling charging sessions during times with cheaper electricity tariffs. Modern charging management systems also ensure a stable power supply and avoid expensive peak loads. Careful planning not only ensures vehicle availability but also optimises energy costs in the long term. Schedule a non-binding test drive to experience the charging sessions live.
More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMV) provides information in this press release regarding a funding call for buses.
Statista offers statistics on the new registrations of electric buses in public transport in Germany.
PwC provides an analysis of the market for electric buses with the E-Bus Radar.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) offers information on the Climate Protection and Mobility (KSNI) funding programme.
The Federal Gazette publishes announcements regarding funding guidelines.
The KfW provides information on the promotion of electromobility for companies.
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) provides information on the E-Bus project.
The Federal Environment Agency provides information on the shift in transportation with a focus on bus and rail transport.
FAQ
By when must the funding application for e-buses be submitted?
The deadline for submitting project outlines within the framework of the current funding call by the BMDV is 31 August 2025.
Does the funding also apply to the conversion of my existing diesel buses?
Yes, the funding guidelines explicitly include the conversion of conventional buses to battery or fuel cell drives. The funding rate here is up to 80% of the additional costs.
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive?
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) is an EU directive that prescribes minimum quotas for the procurement of clean and emission-free vehicles by public contractors. For buses, the quota is 45% by 2025, half of which must be emission-free.
How long does it take to charge an electric bus?
The charging time depends on the battery size and charging power. The Heero medium-low-floor bus can charge with up to 165 kW direct current (DC), allowing the battery to be charged to 80% in about 45 minutes. Other models with a 135 kW charging capacity require a similar time.
Are the operating costs of an e-bus really lower?
Yes, studies and practical experiences confirm this. The electricity costs per kilometre are significantly lower than for diesel. In addition, expensive maintenance work such as oil changes, the replacement of exhaust systems or clutches are eliminated, which can reduce workshop costs by up to 40%.
Does Heero also offer advice on applying for funding?
Yes, Heero supports you with a free funding analysis. We help you create your subsidy roadmap and prepare the necessary steps for a timely and successful application submission.
