A strategic guide for municipalities and companies to maximize subsidies for electric buses and conversions.
The funding landscape for e-buses in Germany will change again in 2025. While federal funding returns, country programs remain an important pillar. Find out how to make the electrification of your fleet economical and efficient through the right combination of federal and state funding.
For fleet operators in the public and private sectors, switching to zero-emission drives is one of the biggest challenges. The decisive question is not whether, but how, this change will be financed. After a break in federal funding in 2024, the situation is new in 2025. The Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport (BMV) is reactivating its programs, which run parallel to the offers of the federal states.
This complex mix of federal versus state bus funding in 2025 requires a clear strategy to secure up to 80% of additional investment costs. HEERO is your partner who will guide you through this process and identify the optimal funding environment for your fleet - whether for new vehicles or our patented D2E-conversion (diesel-to-electric).
In 2025, federal funding for e-buses will return with an 80% subsidy on additional investment costs and will run in parallel with the national programs.
State programs offer flexible funding rates of 30-80% and can be a strategic addition or alternative to federal funding.
The D2E-conversion (diesel-to-electric) of existing vehicles is an eligible and economically attractive option for obtaining expensive special structures and reducing the TCO.
The year 2025 marks a turning point for the financing of electric buses in Germany. After federal funding paused in 2024, the focus is now once again on programs at federal level that run until the end of 2025. This creates new incentives for municipalities and all bus operators to push ahead with the modernization of their vehicle fleets. The challenge is to compare and strategically combine the reavailable, often higher federal funding with the specific country programs.
The right choice can reduce your own share of an investment by over 50%. It is about setting the course for a sustainable and economic future, based on a solid financing foundation. The coexistence of these programs opens up new opportunities that need to be understood and used.
The central instrument at federal level is the BMV guideline for the promotion of alternative bus drives. It offers transport companies significant financial relief with a clear goal: to reduce emissions from passenger transport. The conditions are extremely attractive and practice-oriented. The funding covers up to 80% of additional investment costs for the purchase of an electric bus compared to a diesel model. This also applies explicitly to the conversion of existing vehicles, such as HEERO with the D2offers e-technology.
In addition, up to 40% of the costs for the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure are subsidized. This broad support makes the transition predictable and economically viable. With the right Funding application timetable secure these funds. The clear structure of the program, which is limited to December 31, 2025, provides planning security for your investment decisions.
In addition to the federal government, the federal states also offer their own funding programs, which vary greatly in scope and orientation. These programs are often a valuable alternative or addition, particularly when federal funding has been exhausted or specific regional goals are being pursued. Funding rates for vehicle procurement vary significantly. Baden-Württemberg, for example, offers funding of up to 80% of the additional costs, while other federal states provide subsidies of between 30% and 60%. This flexibility also makes it possible to implement smaller projects or special requirements.
A closer look at each Funding program in your federal state is therefore essential. Many companies underestimate the potential of these regional pots. They can be the decisive factor in presenting an electrification project economically. The countries' programmes are a dynamic field and an important component of overall financing.
The decision between federal and state funding - or a combination - depends on several factors. There is no general answer; an individual analysis is crucial. Here are the key differentiators:
Funding volume and quota: The federal government often offers the highest rates of up to 80% for vehicles and 40% for infrastructure. At 30-80%, country programs are more flexible, but budgets are usually smaller.
Eligibility to apply: Federal programs are available nationally and to all companies, while country programs are often limited to businesses based in the region.
Funding subject: While the federal government makes a clear distinction between vehicles and infrastructure, country programs can also subsidize feasibility studies or consulting services with up to 50%.
Combinability: The possibility of cumulating federal and state funding must be examined in the respective funding guidelines. This is often the key to maximum funding.
The complexity lies in the optimal coordination of these programs. The analysis of current BMV policy This is the first step. From here, appropriate state funding can be added as a component.
Federal versus state bus funding in 2025 is particularly relevant for operators of fleets with expensive special bodies, as is usual with Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vehicles. Instead of buying a completely new electric vehicle, D enables2E-conversion from HEERO
of valuable construction. This is a prime example of the circular economy. The additional investment costs for the conversion are significantly lower than for a new purchase and are supported by the federal government of up to 80%. This not only reduces acquisition costs (CAPEX), but also lowers total operating costs (TCO) sustainably.
Many fleet managers focus only on the purchase price, but overlook the huge savings from maintaining existing systems. Companies can also benefit from accelerated depreciation of 30% per year, which further reduces the financial burden. Die Promotion of e-bus conversion is therefore the most economically intelligent way to electrify.
The path to optimal funding can be complex, but with a structured approach, you can secure the maximum subsidies. HEERO is with you every step of the way. This is what the process looks like:
1. Free needs and fleet analysis: Our experts analyse your existing fleet and operational requirements. We will determine whether a D2E conversion or a new vehicle is the more economical solution for you.
2nd Identification of the optimal funding environment: Based on the analysis, we review all available federal and state programs. We create a tailor-made funding strategy, which often includes a combination of different pots to Funding rate of 80 percent to achieve.
3rd Support with the application process: Together with you, we will prepare all necessary documents and actively support you in submitting your application. Our goal is to reduce administrative work for you to a minimum and to maximize the chances of success.
This pragmatic approach ensures that you don't waste any money and future-proof your fleet.
The 2025 funding landscape offers excellent opportunities to decisively advance the electrification of your bus fleet. The key to success lies in intelligently combining federal and state programs. With the D2E-conversion offers HEERO a technologically leading and economically superior solution that is perfectly tailored to the funding criteria.
Not only do you protect your previous investments in special structures, but you also benefit from maximum subsidies and a significant reduction in total operating costs. As an innovative partner, we support you from analysis to successful funding application. Take advantage of the opportunity to modernize your fleet sustainably and cost-effectively. Request your personal consultation now or book an everyday test for free and experience HEERO's performance live.
The current funding guideline issued by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMV) to promote alternative bus drives in passenger transport is valid until December 31, 2025.
The D2E-conversion is often cheaper than a new vehicle, which reduces additional investment costs and thus the absolute funding requirement. You get your tried and tested vehicles and expensive special bodies, which support circular economy principles and improve overall profitability (TCO). The conversion is fully eligible for funding.
Yes, HEERO offers a comprehensive service that includes individual funding advice and active assistance with the application process. Our goal is to develop the optimal funding strategy for you from federal and state funding and to simplify the process.
The funding programs are primarily aimed at public transport companies, but private companies with bus fleets (e.g. tourist or factory transport) may also be eligible to apply. The exact conditions are set out in the respective federal and state guidelines.
Federal infrastructure funding covers 40% of the costs of building and upgrading charging infrastructure (e.g. charging stations, depot management systems) and necessary workshop equipment for servicing electric buses.
The patented HEERO D2E-conversion of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a standardized process that usually takes just a few weeks. This allows you to quickly get your vehicle back into zero-emission operation.
Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) provides comprehensive information on the funding guidelines for alternative drives in passenger transport, which are relevant for the electrification of bus fleets.
ON BEHALF OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, NOW GmbH coordinates and manages various funding programs for sustainable mobility, including those for the purchase of electric buses and the associated charging infrastructure.
Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) provides information and analyses on the development of public transport in Germany, including relevant funding landscapes for the electrification of bus fleets.
Federal Environment Agency (UBA) provides information on the environmental impact of transport and the benefits of electric mobility to reduce emissions, which underlines the relevance of the funding programs.
