Bus Electric Locations: With 80% funding to the E-fleet
Already 3,500 e-buses are securing an 80% subsidy - when will you electrify your fleet? Time is of the essence, as the current funding round ends on 31 August 2025. Discover how to pragmatically tackle bureaucracy, diesel prices, and climate regulations.
The topic briefly and concisely
The current funding round by the BMDV offers up to 80% subsidies for e-buses and retrofits, as well as 40% for charging infrastructure, but the application deadline ends on 31 August 2025.
The transition to electric buses is being accelerated by the EU Clean Vehicles Directive, which mandates a 45% quota for 'clean' buses by the end of 2025.
A TCO analysis (Total Cost of Ownership) shows that e-buses are more economical in the long run than diesel buses, due to up to 40% lower maintenance and energy costs.
The electrification of bus fleets is no longer a distant vision, but an economic necessity. Rising diesel prices, strict requirements from the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive, and increasing pressure for CO₂ reduction pose significant challenges for fleet operators. At the same time, the current funding guidelines of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offer a unique opportunity: Up to 80% of the additional costs for purchasing or converting to electric drives, as well as 40% for charging infrastructure, are subsidised. This article shows you in four clear steps how to make the right decisions for your electric bus locations, apply for funding in a timely manner, and sustainably reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your fleet.
Status Quo: Regulatory Pressure and Economic Opportunities
The pressure for action for transport companies and municipalities is high. The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented into German law, establishes binding minimum quotas for the procurement of emission-free buses. By the end of 2025, 45% of all newly procured buses must be "clean," half of them completely emission-free. These regulatory requirements coincide with volatile diesel prices and high operating costs. At the same time, the BMDV has opened the current funding round to support the transition of drives until 31 August 2025. Subsidies of up to 80% on the additional investment costs of an eBus compared to a diesel model are available. This funding explicitly includes the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) of existing vehicles. This is a crucial opportunity to preserve expensive special builds and strengthen the circular economy. The combination of legal obligation and attractive funding creates a tight window for strategic decisions.
Your 4-point action plan for timely electrification
A structured approach is key to not missing the deadline of 31 August 2025 and correctly setting the course for your bus electric sites. With a clear checklist, you overcome the complexity of vehicle technology, charging infrastructure, and funding applications. Approach it pragmatically as follows:
Conduct needs analysis: Analyse your current routes, schedules, and energy requirements. Determine which vehicles are suitable for conversion and where new vehicles like the HEERO Tourer with a range of up to 400 km provide the best solution.
Calculate TCO potential: Determine the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Consider not only the acquisition but also the up to 40% lower maintenance and energy costs of e-buses. A detailed TCO analysis is the basis for your investment decision.
Develop charging concept: Plan the necessary charging infrastructure at your depot. Depot charging overnight with 50 to 150 kW is often the most economical solution. HEERO buses like the low-floor bus support DC fast charging with up to 165 kW, which increases flexibility.
Apply for funding: Assemble all documents for the funding application. Time is short, as the submission of project outlines via the easy-Online portal must be done by 31 August 2025. A precise funding application for e-buses is crucial for success.
This systematic preparation is the basis for the next step: selecting the appropriate funding sources and financing models.
Targeted use of funding pots: 80% for vehicles, 40% for infrastructure
The "Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives in Public Transport Buses" by the BMDV is the central tool for your fleet conversion. It caps eligible additional costs at 80% for the acquisition or conversion of vehicles. This means that the majority of the price difference between a new diesel bus and an eBus or a DTE conversion is covered by the state. This is particularly attractive for the conversion of special vehicles, whose value is retained. Additionally, up to 40% of the costs for the establishment of the associated charging infrastructure at the Bus Electric locations are covered. Eligible parties include transport companies and other actors in the bus sector. The award is conducted in a competitive process, where criteria such as CO₂ savings potential and the degree of electrification are evaluated. Time is pressing, as the deadline for submission is 31 August 2025. An accurate cost calculation is therefore essential.
Cost Comparison: Why Considering TCO is Crucial
The higher purchase price of an electric bus initially deters many decision-makers. However, a sole focus on the purchase price is too short-sighted. Crucial for an economic decision are the total operating costs, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Studies show that the TCO of an e-bus over a lifecycle of ten years can be up to 15% lower than that of a diesel bus. This is due to two main factors:
Lower energy costs: Electricity is more price-stable and cheaper compared to diesel. Intelligent charging at the depot during nighttime hours can further reduce costs.
Reduced maintenance costs: An electric motor has significantly fewer moving parts than a combustion engine. Oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and brake wear (due to recuperation) are eliminated, reducing maintenance costs by up to 40%.
The Diesel-to-Electric (D2E) conversion of a Heero Sprinter with a range of up to 425 km reinforces this effect, as the expensive base of the vehicle is retained. The right charging infrastructure is key to maximising these cost advantages.
Charging Infrastructure: The Backbone of Your E-Bus Fleet
An efficient charging infrastructure is crucial for reliable operation at all electric bus locations. The most common and cost-effective method is depot charging overnight. Vehicles are fully charged over several hours at capacities between 50 kW and 150 kW. This preserves the batteries and often utilises cheaper off-peak tariffs. For maximum flexibility, Heero vehicles are designed for high DC charging capacities. The rear low-floor bus and the tourer charge at up to 135 kW, while the mid-floor bus charges at up to 165 kW. This allows an 80% range to be restored in about 30 minutes. Planning the charging infrastructure must include grid connection, transformers, and intelligent control of the charging process. The 40% subsidy from the BMDV for these infrastructural measures significantly reduces the investment hurdle. The lifespan of the technology is an important factor for long-term planning.
Lifespan and Sustainability: The Advantage of the Circular Economy
Sustainability means more than just emissions-free driving. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of a vehicle. Heero focuses on the principle of circular economy through the Diesel-to-Electric conversion. Instead of scrapping a fully functional bus or transporter with expensive special equipment, its life is extended for many years. This not only saves up to 70% of CO₂ emissions compared to new production, but also conserves valuable resources. The installed battery systems, such as the 110 kWh gross battery in the Heero Tourer or the 137 kWh variant in the low-floor bus, are designed for a long service life. After being used in the vehicle, the batteries can be reused as stationary energy storage. This durability and focus on reuse make the electrification not only ecological but also economically a future-proof investment. Start your analysis now to benefit from these advantages.
More useful links
Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) reports on the milestone of 1000 funded electric buses.
Federal Funding Database provides information on the funding programme for alternative drives for buses in passenger transport by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI).
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection provides the final report of a accompanying study on electric buses in public transport (PT).
PwC offers analyses and insights on the topic of electromobility in public transport with the E-Bus Radar.
KfW provides information on the funding programme 'Sustainable Mobility for Companies and Municipalities'.
Wikipedia offers an article on battery buses.
Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) provides information on the topic of electromobility.
Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) publishes monthly figures that may be relevant for production figures of electric buses.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides information on the funding programme Climate Protection Projects in Local Transport (KSNI).
FAQ
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive?
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) is an EU directive that obliges public contractors to comply with binding minimum quotas for low-emission and zero-emission models when procuring vehicles. The quota for buses is 45% until the end of 2025, half of which must be emission-free.
What does Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion mean?
In DTE conversion, the diesel engine and drive train are removed from an existing commercial vehicle and replaced with a fully electric drive train with a battery. This is particularly economical and sustainable for vehicles with expensive special bodies, as the base vehicle continues to be used (circular economy).
What is the deadline for the current funding application?
Project outlines for the current funding round of the BMDV for the promotion of buses with alternative drives must be submitted via the easy-Online funding portal by 31st August 2025 at the latest.
What are the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) encompasses all costs incurred over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. These include not only the purchase price, but also costs for energy, maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and residual value. For electric buses, TCO is often lower than for diesel buses, even though the purchase price is higher.
How quickly can the Heero buses charge?
Charging power varies depending on the model. The Heero medium-low floor bus can fast charge with up to 165 kW DC. The rear-low floor bus and the tourer (minibus) charge with up to 135 kW DC. This allows the battery to be charged to about 80% in around 30 minutes.
Are the contents on this page legal advice?
No, the contents provided on this page are exclusively for general information and do not represent legal or funding advice. For binding advice on your specific situation, please contact our specialists or a qualified advisor.
