Purchase Electric Buses: Achieve an Electric Fleet with 80% Subsidies by 2025
Already 3,500 electric buses have secured an 80% subsidy – when will you electrify your fleet? The deadline for the current round of federal funding ends on 31 August 2025. Act now to get ahead of rising diesel prices and the Clean Vehicles Directive.
The topic briefly and concisely
The current BMDV funding offers up to 80% subsidy for the purchase or conversion of electric buses, but the application deadline is 31 August 2025.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric buses is often lower than that of diesel buses due to reduced energy and maintenance costs, making them more economical in the long term.
In addition to purchasing new vehicles, the diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is also eligible for funding and presents a sustainable option in terms of the circular economy.
If you want to purchase an electric bus, you face complex challenges: bureaucracy, high initial investments, and strict climate requirements such as the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive. At the same time, volatile diesel prices affect your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the total costs over the lifetime of a vehicle. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a solution with the current funding guideline: Up to 80% subsidy for the purchase or conversion to E-Buses and 40% for the charging infrastructure. This guide shows you in four clear steps how to make the most of this opportunity by the deadline of 31 August 2025.
Facts About E-Bus Subsidies: Overview of Deadlines and Quotas
The time to electrify your bus fleet is now. The current funding guidelines from the BMDV provide ideal conditions for the transition with high subsidies and clear objectives. The deadline for submitting project sketches is 31 August 2025, requiring swift and strategic action.
Here are the key points of the funding call:
Up to 80% subsidy: The funding covers the additional investment costs for the acquisition of new electric buses or a Diesel-to-Electric conversion compared to a diesel vehicle.
40% for charging infrastructure: The establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure is also subsidised by up to 40% of the costs, further reducing overall costs.
Deadline 31 August 2025: By this cut-off date, all project sketches must be submitted via the easy-Online portal to be considered in the competitive process.
Wide eligibility for funding: In addition to battery buses, the conversion of existing vehicles is also funded, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and preserving capital.
This funding is a direct response to the EU-wide Clean Vehicles Directive, which obliges public clients to meet fixed quotas for clean vehicles. The planning security provided by these subsidies enables you to set the course for a future-proof fleet.
Your 4-point action plan for timely promotion
The path to funding and the new electric bus does not have to be complicated. With a pragmatic approach, you can secure the grants in a timely manner before the 31st of August 2025. Since 2021, around 3,500 buses have already been approved through this programme.
Follow this practical four-step checklist:
Conduct Needs Analysis: Determine the energy requirements of your fleet and define the demands for range and charging capacity. Our HEERO models, such as the Tourer minibus, offer up to 400 km range with a 96 kWh net battery.
Check Profitability (TCO): Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership. Studies show that electric buses, despite higher acquisition costs, are often cheaper over their lifetime compared to diesel counterparts, especially with rising fuel prices.
Prepare Funding Application: Gather all necessary documents for submitting the project outline. A detailed checklist for your funding application helps to avoid errors and maximise success chances.
Plan Implementation: Plan the integration of vehicles and charging infrastructure into your operations in parallel to the application, to be ready for immediate start after approval in autumn 2025.
A structured plan is key to optimising the remaining time until the deadline and setting the course for the future.
Funding Programs and Regulations: BMDV and CVD in Detail
The financial support is based on the 'Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Bus Drives in Passenger Transport' from the BMDV. It aims to close the gap in acquisition costs between a diesel bus and an e-bus, which can amount to around 250,000 euros. The federal government covers up to 80 percent of these additional costs, significantly reducing the investment hurdle.
In parallel, the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) establishes the regulatory framework. By the end of 2025, 45% of newly purchased buses must be 'clean', with half (22.5%) being completely emission-free. From 2026, these quotas will further increase. If you purchase an electric bus now, you will not only meet future obligations but also position yourself as a pioneer.
Cost Comparison: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the Deciding Factor
The decision to opt for an electric bus is primarily economic. The key to assessment is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which encompasses all costs over the entire service life of approximately 12 years. While the acquisition costs for an eBus are higher, the operating costs are significantly lower. Savings of over 50% on energy and up to 60% on maintenance are realistic.
A calculation example illustrates this: a diesel bus costs about 1.12 Euros per kilometre, while an electric bus, including charging losses, can be as low as 1.01 Euros. Based on an annual mileage of 60,000 km, this results in annual savings of over 6,000 Euros per vehicle. Our TCO calculator enables a precise analysis for your specific requirements. The current subsidies further drastically improve this balance by reducing the initial capital costs.
Technology that convinces: Range and lifespan
Modern electric buses are well-equipped for the demanding everyday use in line and travel service. The Heero low-floor bus achieves a practical range of up to 300 km with its 115 kWh net battery. For longer distances, our tourer minibus even offers up to 400 km. A particularly sustainable alternative is the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE), in which your proven vehicle is retained and receives a new eDrive – a clear commitment to the circular economy.
The lifespan of the batteries is a common concern, but manufacturers now regularly provide warranties of eight years or 160,000 kilometers on the traction battery. During this period, the capacity must not drop below 80%. The technology is mature and offers a reliable basis for your fleet planning. With a thoughtful strategy, you can fully exploit the advantages and create real added value for your use cases.
Charging Infrastructure: The Foundation for E-Operations
A powerful charging infrastructure is the backbone of any eBus fleet. The planning must consider energy needs, downtimes, and grid connection capacity. The good news: The setup is subsidised with 40% of the costs under the BMDV guideline. There are two primary charging concepts: depot charging overnight (AC charging) and opportunity charging at termini (DC fast charging).
Heero vehicles are designed for high charging capabilities. The mid-low floor bus charges at up to 165 kW (DC), all other models at up to 135 kW (DC). This makes it possible to charge up to 80% in approximately 30 to 40 minutes, ensuring high operational flexibility. A careful preliminary analysis, as described in our guide to purchasing eCommercial vehicles, ensures a smooth transition.
Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap and take advantage of the 80% subsidy.
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More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action provides information in its newsletter on the energy transition and current developments.
PwC offers a press release on federal support for electric buses and its impact on market ramp-up.
Statista provides statistics on new registrations of electric buses in public transport in Germany.
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) provides information about the E-Bus project and the electrification of public transport.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) offers information on the Climate Protection and Sustainability in Transport (KSNI) funding programme.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) publishes an article on electromobility in Germany.
Agora Verkehrswende discusses the transition to electric buses in Europe.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides comprehensive information on the topic of passenger transport.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the E-Bus funding?
Eligible applicants are transport companies and other users from the bus sector who transport people in public transport. This includes both municipal and private companies in Germany.
What does Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) mean?
DTE is a process in which an existing diesel bus is converted by replacing the internal combustion engine and associated components with an electric drive train with a battery. This is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to purchasing new, which is also subsidised at 80%.
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD)?
The CVD is an EU directive that has been implemented into German law. It requires public purchasers to adhere to mandatory minimum quotas for low and zero-emission vehicles when procuring vehicles, in order to improve air quality and reduce CO₂ emissions.
How long does it take to charge an electric bus?
The charging time depends on the battery size and charging power. With DC fast charging, as supported by Heero buses with up to 165 kW, charging from 20% to 80% can take about 30 to 40 minutes. A full overnight charge at an AC wall box takes several hours.
What happens after the application deadline on 31 August 2025?
After the deadline, the submitted project outlines will be evaluated in a competitive procedure. Criteria include CO₂ reduction and degree of electrification. Project approval will take place after the federal budget is passed in autumn 2025.
Is this article a legally binding consultation?
No, the contents of this article are general guidelines and do not replace legal or grant consultation. The information is based on the guidelines and data known at the time of publication without guarantee.
