Bus Configurator: Secure 80% funding for your e-bus fleet before August 31, 2025.
More than 3,500 e-buses secure an 80% subsidy - when will you electrify your fleet? Time is pressing because the decisive federal funding deadline ends on August 31, 2025. Find your solution now with the HEERO bus configurator.
The topic briefly and concisely
The funding period for 80% grants for electric buses and DTE conversions ends on August 31, 2025.
The EU Clean Vehicles Directive requires a quota of 45% for clean buses in public contracts by 2025, half of which must be emission-free.
A diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) and conserves resources in terms of the circular economy.
Rising diesel prices, strict climate regulations, and complex bureaucracy are making it difficult to operate bus fleets. The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive requires a quota of 45% clean vehicles in public tenders by 2025, with half of them required to have zero emissions. At the same time, the most attractive funding for e-buses and charging infrastructure will expire on August 31, 2025. Our bus configurator is your first step in pragmatically tackling these challenges. It enables you to conduct a clear needs analysis and lays the foundation for a successful, timely funding application and fleet modernization.
Deadline August 31, 2025: Secure 80% funding for your e-bus fleet
The time to convert your fleet is now. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) supports the transformation with the guideline "Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI). You will receive 80 percent of the additional investment costs for the purchase of an e-bus or a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE). This DTE conversion transforms your existing diesel vehicles into powerful EVs. Additionally, the necessary charging infrastructure is subsidized with 40 percent of the costs. The final application deadline for this comprehensive funding is August 31, 2025. Acting quickly secures you maximum economic benefits. With our application for E-Bus funding 2025, we will guide you through the process. The high demand underscores the urgency for many companies and municipalities. This funding framework is a crucial lever for the rapid decarbonization of your fleet.
Your 4-step plan for timely electrification
The path to a funded E-Bus is straightforward with the right strategy. We have broken down the process for you into four clear steps:
Analyze and configure requirements: Use the Heero Bus Configurator to determine the exact vehicle profile for your routes. Define range, passenger capacity, and charging requirements in just a few minutes.
Request funding analysis: Based on your configuration, we create a free and non-binding funding analysis. This roadmap shows your subsidy potential and the next steps for application submission.
Finalize vehicle solution: Decide between an efficient DTE retrofit or a new vehicle. Our experts support you in selecting the optimal solution for your fleet.
Plan charging infrastructure: Parallel to the vehicle procurement, we plan the appropriate charging infrastructure. We consider both depot and opportunity charging with up to 165 kW charging power.
This structured approach ensures that you meet the deadline on August 31, 2025. It transforms a complex task into a manageable process.
TCO Analysis: Why Retrofitting is More Economically Favorable than Purchasing New
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), also known as the total operating costs, is the decisive factor for the profitability of your fleet. A TCO analysis takes into account all costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. While electric buses may be more expensive to purchase, their operating costs are significantly lower. A Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) offers a dual advantage here. It preserves the value of your existing and often expensive specialized bodies. The investment is lower than that of a new purchase, while you benefit from all the advantages of electric drive. Here you can see the central cost factors in comparison:
Purchase costs: DTE conversion is up to 40 percent cheaper than a comparable new electric bus.
Energy costs: Electricity costs per kilometer are up to 70 percent lower than diesel costs.
Maintenance costs: Electric drives have fewer wear parts, which reduces maintenance costs by over 50 percent.
Grant funding: 80 percent subsidy on the conversion costs drastically reduces your initial investment.
CO₂ pricing: You avoid rising costs due to emissions trading.
Our detailed TCO calculation for electric buses shows how quickly your investment pays off. The conversion is therefore not only an ecological but above all an economic decision.
Up to 400 km range: Find the right model in the bus configurator
Each route places different demands on a bus. Our Bus Configurator helps you find the perfect vehicle for your purpose. All Heero models are based on the proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and offer practice-tested performance. The Heero Tourer is a popular choice as a high-performance electric minibus. You can choose between different E-bus models. Here is an overview of our core models:
Heero Mid-floor Bus: With a battery capacity of 137 kWh (gross), it achieves a real range of up to 300 kilometers. Thanks to a charging power of up to 165 kW, it is recharged to 80 percent in around 30 minutes.
Heero Rear-floor Bus: This model also offers up to 300 kilometers range with a 110 kWh battery (gross) and charges with up to 135 kW.
Heero Tourer (Minibus 9 Pax): Ideal for flexible passenger transport, this versatile passenger transporter achieves up to 400 kilometers range and also charges with up to 135 kW.
Each of these models can be precisely tailored to your needs. Choosing the right battery size and charging power is crucial for efficiency in daily operation. This flexibility ensures a future-proof and demand-oriented fleet solution.
Clean Vehicles Directive and Circular Economy: Act Future-Proof
The legal framework is becoming stricter. The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) requires public contracting authorities to comply with fixed quotas for low-emission and zero-emission buses. For Germany, this means a quota of 45 percent for "clean" buses by the end of 2025. At least half of that, or 22.5 percent, must be completely zero-emission. Our electric buses fully meet these requirements. The decision for a DTE retrofit is also a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a functioning vehicle, you extend its lifecycle by many years. This saves up to 25 tons of CO₂ per vehicle compared to new production. You reduce waste, conserve valuable resources, and act in line with a sustainable economy. This approach not only strengthens your environmental balance but also enhances your image as a responsible company.
Start your funding analysis: Your path to 80% funding
Answer three questions in our system to receive your personal grant roadmap. Take advantage of the 80 percent funding before the deadline on August 31, 2025.
For the free analysis
free · non-binding · on time
Note: The content presented here is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or funding advice.
More useful links
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy offers a final report on a supporting study for electric buses in public transport (ÖPNV).
Renewable Mobile provides information on the funding program for the purchase of electric buses in public transport.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs in an article about the milestone of 1000 funded electric buses.
Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) offers information about its E-Bus project.
PwC provides analyses and insights on the topic of electric mobility in public transport with the E-Bus Radar.
KfW provides information on the promotion of electric mobility for companies.
Federal Environment Agency offers an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
Öko-Institut provides a comprehensive report on the economic viability of electric mobility.
Federal Gazette contains publications of relevant legal or regulatory information.
FAQ
How long does a DTE conversion take?
A Diesel-to-Electric conversion at Heero usually takes only ten to twelve working days. This minimizes the downtime of your vehicles.
Do I fulfill the Clean Vehicles Directive with a HEERO E-Bus?
Yes, all E-Buses and DTE conversions from Heero are 100% emission-free and thus meet the highest requirements of the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive.
What is included in the TCO analysis?
Our TCO analysis (Total Cost of Ownership) compares all relevant costs: procurement (less subsidies), energy (electricity vs. diesel), maintenance, insurance, taxes, and CO₂ costs. This provides you with a transparent basis for decision-making.
Does HEERO also offer charging solutions?
Yes, we offer a complete ecosystem. This includes vehicle configuration, subsidy consulting, as well as the planning and installation of the appropriate charging infrastructure with up to 165 kW DC charging power.
Can I retrofit my existing bus?
Yes, our DTE conversion is specialized on the basis of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This allows you to retain your proven vehicles and electrify them cost-effectively.
What happens after August 31, 2025?
As of the current status, the KsNI funding guideline with high grants of 80% expires on this date. It is unclear whether and in what form there will be new funding programs thereafter, which is why it is recommended to apply before the deadline.
