Bus Electric Position: Set the course for your E-fleet with 80% funding until 2025
With 3,500 e-buses already securing an 80% subsidy, when will you electrify your fleet? With rising diesel prices and the final funding deadline on 31 August 2025, now is the crucial time to act. We will show you the pragmatic path to profitable e-mobility.
The topic briefly and concisely
The current funding round from the BMDV offers an 80% grant for eBuses and DTE conversions, as well as 40% for charging infrastructure, but only if the application is submitted by 31 August 2025.
The EU Clean Vehicles Directive mandates a 45% quota for clean buses in public procurement by the end of 2025, making the transition strategically necessary.
Thanks to lower energy and maintenance costs, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for Electric Buses is, despite higher initial purchase prices, more cost-effective in the long term than for diesel buses.
The electrification of bus fleets is no longer a distant vision of the future, but an economic necessity. High operating costs for diesel vehicles, stringent requirements from the EU Clean Vehicles Directive, and increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals demand a clear electric bus stance from you as a decision maker. The current funding directive of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a unique opportunity with an 80% cost coverage for vehicles and conversions. This article is your practical guide to making the most of this opportunity in a timely and strategic manner.
Quick Facts: The current subsidy situation for e-buses
The time for electrifying your bus fleet is now. The BMDV has initiated the fourth call for funding, which runs until 31 August 2025. This deadline is crucial for securing significant grants. Already, more than 3,500 buses have been funded through this programme.
Here are the key data points of the current funding guidelines:
80% grant for the additional costs when purchasing electric buses.
80% funding for the conversion of existing diesel vehicles (Diesel-to-Electric).
40% grant for the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure.
Final deadline for submitting project outlines is 31 August 2025.
This funding is your chance to set the course for a future-proof electric bus position while significantly reducing investment costs. The legal framework further underscores this urgency.
Your 4-point action plan for timely promotion
Bureaucracy and complex applications should not be a hindrance. By following a structured approach, you can secure the funding without detours. This 4-step plan pragmatically guides you through the process.
Conduct need analysis: Determine the exact requirements of your fleet. Analyse circulation plans, range requirements, and depot capacities. Heero models like the Tourer MiniBus cover many scenarios with a range of up to 400 km.
Check economic viability (TCO): Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership. Consider the 80% subsidy, lower maintenance costs of electric buses, and the saved fuel costs. Our experts support you with a detailed TCO analysis.
Submit funding application on time: Gather all documents for the application at the BMDV. Be sure to meet the deadline of 31 August 2025, to benefit from the 80% subsidy. A detailed guide helps you with the electric bus funding application.
Plan infrastructure and implementation: Design the charging infrastructure at your depot. With DC fast charging up to 165 kW, as with our mid-low-floor bus, you minimise the downtime of your vehicles.
A clear plan is the foundation for successfully transforming your fleet.
Legal Framework: Why the Clean Vehicles Directive Compels Action
In addition to the economic incentives, there is a clear legal framework driving electrification forward. The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented through the German Clean Vehicles Procurement Act, sets binding minimum quotas for public procurement. For bus transport, this specifically means: by the end of 2025, 45% of newly procured vehicles must be 'clean', with half of them even being completely emission-free.
From 1 January 2026, these requirements will be further tightened to a quota of 65%. This regulation affects all transport companies providing public transport services. Those who do not act now risk becoming non-competitive in future tenders. The strategic orientation of your Bus Electric Position is therefore directly linked to meeting these quotas. The current subsidy is the ideal instrument to economically meet these legal requirements.
Cost Comparison: The Total Cost of Ownership as a Basis for Decision-Making
The higher purchase price of an e-bus is often perceived as a hurdle. However, a sole focus on investment costs falls short. What matters is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), meaning the total operating costs over the entire lifespan of the vehicle. This is where the clear superiority of the electric drive shows.
The TCO calculation for an e-bus is more favourable for three reasons:
Lower energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper to operate than diesel. Intelligent charge management can reduce costs by a further 15%.
Reduced maintenance costs: An electric motor has up to 40% fewer wearing parts than a diesel engine. Oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and clutch repairs are completely eliminated.
Government subsidies: The subsidy of 80% on the additional purchase costs and 40% on the charging infrastructure drastically reduces the initial investment.
A Heero rear low-floor bus with a 96 kWh net battery and up to 300 km range is thus a more economical investment over its lifespan than a comparable diesel model. The analysis of the total operating costs provides the facts for your decision.
Circular Economy in Practice: Retrofit Instead of New Purchase
Sustainability means more than just emission-free driving. It begins with resource conservation. Instead of expensively replacing a fully functional diesel fleet, the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) offers an economically and ecologically superior alternative. This principle of circular economy is central to our philosophy.
In a DTE conversion, the existing combustion engine is replaced with a highly efficient electric drive. Especially for vehicles with expensive special modifications, this approach pays off in a very short time. A Heero DTE-Sprinter achieves a range of up to 425 km after conversion. The 80% funding explicitly also applies to these conversion solutions. You receive a technologically new vehicle, conserve your budget, and make a measurable contribution to CO₂ reduction.
Charging Infrastructure: The Foundation for Smooth Operations
The performance of your E-Bus fleet depends heavily on suitable charging infrastructure. Careful planning is crucial to maximize vehicle availability and minimize operating costs. The good news: The installation is subsidised by the government with 40% of the investment costs.
Modern DC fast-charging systems are key to short downtimes. Our vehicle range is optimised for high charging capacities:
Standard charging capacity: up to 135 kW DC for models like the Tourer or rear low-floor bus.
Peak charging capacity: up to 165 kW DC for the mid low-floor bus.
A charging capacity of 165 kW means that the bus's 115 kWh net battery is recharged to about 80% in approximately 30 minutes. This speed allows for flexible integration into existing schedules without long downtimes. Investing in scalable charging infrastructure thus ensures the efficiency of your entire fleet for the coming years.
More useful links
The Federal Ministry of Transport provides information on the milestone of 1000 subsidised e-buses.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) offers detailed information on the Climate Protection and Mobility Support Programme (KSNI).
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs provides a final report on the accompanying study of e-buses in public transport (ÖPNV).
The Federal Environment Agency publishes an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) offers information on its e-bus project.
FAQ
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean for electric buses?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) or overall operating costs include all expenses incurred over a bus's lifetime: purchase, energy (electricity/diesel), maintenance, insurance and residual value. For electric buses, the TCO is often lower because savings on energy and maintenance outweigh the higher purchase costs.
What is the range of a HEERO electric bus?
The range varies depending on the model. The Heero low-floor and rear low-floor bus offer up to 300 km. The tourer minibus achieves up to 400 km and a Sprinter converted to electric (DTE) even up to 425 km.
Who can apply for funding for electric buses?
Eligible applicants are transport companies and other stakeholders in the bus industry in Germany who want to convert their fleets to climate-friendly drives. This includes both private companies and public clients.
What happens if I miss the deadline on 31 August 2025?
The current funding call from the BMDV is time-limited. After 31 August 2025, it will no longer be possible to apply under this round. Whether and in what form future funding programmes will be available is currently not determined.
What battery sizes does Heero use?
Most Heero models use a battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net. The mid-floor bus is equipped with a larger battery of 137 kWh gross and 115 kWh net to meet the demands of line traffic.
Does Heero also offer support in applying?
Yes, Heero offers a free funding analysis. We support you in creating your grant roadmap and preparing the necessary steps for a timely and successful application.
