Bus manufacturers face a choice: retrofit with 80% funding until August 31, 2025, or buy new at a high cost?
Over 3,500 electric buses have already been funded with an 80% subsidy. In light of rising diesel prices and the final funding deadline of August 31, 2025, bus manufacturers and operators are faced with a strategic decision. Act now to efficiently manage bureaucracy, costs, and climate regulations.
The topic briefly and concisely
The final deadline for applying for the 80% E-bus funding from the BMDV for vehicles and conversions is August 31, 2025.
The diesel-to-electric (DTE) conversion is a sustainable and economical alternative to purchasing new vehicles, protecting investments in existing vehicle structures.
The EU directive "Clean Vehicles Directive" (CVD) mandates increasing quotas for zero-emission buses and makes electrification essential for public operators.
For bus manufacturers and fleet operators, the situation is clear: The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) significantly tightens emissions targets starting in 2026. At the same time, the uncertain development of diesel prices puts pressure on the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your fleet. The crucial funding guideline from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a unique opportunity: 80% grant for converting to electric drive. However, the deadline for submitting project outlines ends on August 31, 2025. This article serves as your pragmatic guide to set the course for an economical and sustainable future – through the intelligent conversion of your existing fleet.
Your 4-step checklist for e-bus funding
The path to the subsidized e-bus fleet requires a structured approach to ensure compliance with the deadline of August 31, 2025. With just four strategic steps, you can secure a maximum subsidy of 80%.
Fleet analysis and TCO assessment: Capture the current status of your fleet with an average mileage of 87,000 km per year and analyze the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your diesel vehicles.
Conduct a cost-effectiveness comparison: Compare the TCO of a diesel-to-electric (DTE) conversion with the costs of a new purchase. A conversion can reduce investment costs by up to 50%.
Develop a charging infrastructure concept: Plan the necessary charging infrastructure, which is subsidized at 40%. Consider charging capacities of up to 165 kW for high vehicle availability.
Submit the funding application on time: Compile all documents for the project outline and submit them via the easy-online portal by the deadline of August 31, 2025.
This structured approach is the basis for the next crucial step: the detailed planning of the funding.
Make optimal use of funding pots: 80% for vehicles, 40% for infrastructure
The current "Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Public Transport" of the BMDV is the central tool for your fleet conversion. It covers up to 80% of the investment excess costs for the procurement or conversion to battery or fuel cell drives. In particular, the promotion of diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is a crucial advantage. It allows you to maintain the value of your existing vehicles. Additionally, 40% of the costs for the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure are subsidized. This promotion is a direct response to the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), which stipulates a quota of 65% for "clean" buses from 2026. Time is running out, as the allocation of funds occurs in a competitive process, where early submitted, well-founded concepts are preferred. The technological implementation is just as important as the financing.
Technology in Focus: Why Remodeling Outweighs Buying New
The DTE conversion is more than a cost-effective alternative; it is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle body, it is refurbished for a second, emission-free lifespan. A Heero rear low-floor bus achieves a practical range of up to 300 km with a 96 kWh net battery after the conversion. The Heero Tourer for 9 people even reaches up to 400 km. These figures easily cover most urban and regional circuits. Converting a proven base vehicle like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into a Heero DTE-Sprinter gives you up to 425 km of range. The core of the vehicle remains intact, minimizing driver training and simplifying spare parts supply. Another advantage is the quick availability compared to delivery times of over 12 months for new e-bus models. However, this technological superiority must also be reflected in the operating costs.
TCO Analysis: How Retrofitting Lowers Your Operating Costs
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the crucial metric for the profitability of your fleet. It includes all costs over the entire lifecycle of a vehicle. While a new electric bus incurs high acquisition costs, a DTE retrofit can reduce these costs by up to 50%. The operating costs of a retrofitted e-bus are significantly lower. Electricity costs are up to 70% lower compared to diesel, and maintenance costs drop by over 60% due to the elimination of oil changes and exhaust systems. A retrofitted bus often recoups its investment through the 80% subsidy and operating cost advantages after just four to six years. Studies show that e-buses are already cheaper today, including external costs, compared to diesel buses. The right charging infrastructure is key to fully leveraging these advantages.
Intelligently plan charging infrastructure: With up to 165 kW for full availability
An efficient charging infrastructure is the backbone of any e-bus fleet and is subsidized at 40%. The requirements vary depending on the vehicle type. Heero relies on powerful DC fast charging to minimize downtime. The Heero low-floor bus charges with up to 165 kW, allowing the 115 kWh net battery to be charged to 80% in about 45 minutes. Other models, such as the rear low-floor bus or the tourer, charge with up to 135 kW. These high charging capacities enable flexible depot charging overnight or quick opportunity charging during operational breaks. A careful analysis of your depot and the timetables is crucial for correct sizing. Intelligent charging management optimally distributes the available grid power and prevents expensive peak loads. This ensures maximum availability of your fleet at minimal energy costs.
Act now: Secure your free funding analysis
The time until the funding deadline on August 31, 2025, is short. Do not hesitate to set the course for a clean and economic future. Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding in a timely manner.
For a free analysis
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Note: The content of this article is general information and does not replace legal or funding advice.
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides comprehensive information on the funding program for climate protection and mobility, especially for commercial vehicles.
The L-Bank Baden-Württemberg informs about its funding programs for electric commercial vehicles.
The Funding Database of the BMWi delivers details on the funding program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy for e-commercial vehicles, applications, and infrastructure.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure provides information on commercial vehicles and charging infrastructure.
The KfW Bank Group gives an overview of funding opportunities in the field of sustainable mobility for companies.
DEKRA offers information on retrofitting trucks for electric drives.
A brochure from the BALM explains the funding for the retrofitting of commercial vehicles.
The PwC E-Bus Radar offers an analysis of electromobility in public transport (ÖPNV).
Statista provides statistics on the number of electric buses in Germany by drive type.
FAQ
Is it worthwhile to convert a diesel bus to electric drive?
Yes, especially for vehicles with expensive or special bodies. The conversion preserves the vehicle's value, is significantly cheaper than a new vehicle, and is subsidized at 80%, which drastically reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO).
What is the range of a converted E-bus?
The proven ranges of buses converted by Heero reach up to 300 km for city buses and up to 425 km for converted transporter models. These cover most daily usage profiles completely.
How long does a DTE conversion take?
A Diesel-to-Electric conversion is a standardized and plannable process. It is significantly faster than the often over a year delivery times for brand new electric buses.
What is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) encompasses all incurred costs over a vehicle's lifetime: acquisition/conversion, energy, maintenance, insurance, and subsidies. E-buses often have a cheaper TCO than diesel buses due to lower operating and energy costs.
What charging power do E-buses require?
This depends on the model and application. Heero buses utilize DC fast charging with 135 kW to 165 kW, allowing charging up to 80% battery capacity in about 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring high vehicle availability.
Who can apply for the E-bus subsidy?
Eligible for the BMDV subsidy are both municipal transport companies and private bus operators in Germany.
