Electrifying the bus fleet: How to secure funding for 2025
The electrification of your bus fleet is a strategic necessity driven by rising operating costs and strict emissions regulations. The federal government has launched a new funding round for 2025, which significantly supports not only the purchase of new vehicles but also the retrofitting of existing fleets. Take advantage of this opportunity to set the course for an economical and sustainable fleet.
The topic briefly and concisely
Project outlines for the funding of e-buses and retrofitting can be submitted to the federal government until August 31, 2025.
New vehicles are funded (up to 80% of the additional costs), the retrofitting of existing buses, and the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure.
The procedure is competitive; criteria include, among other things, CO₂ savings, context of use, and previous electrification rate.
For operators of bus fleets in the public sector and private industry, the pressure to decarbonize is higher than ever. Legal requirements and the goal of climate neutrality necessitate the transition to emission-free drives. At the same time, the high initial investments present a significant hurdle. The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) has created a solution specifically for this: With a new funding call under the guideline 'Funding for Alternative Drives of Buses in Public Transport', the transformation is actively supported. This guide shows you how to electrify your bus fleet, make optimal use of the funding in 2025, and why converting your tried-and-tested vehicles is a particularly clever strategy.
Overview: The Federal Funding for E-Buses 2025
The federal government has set the course for climate-neutral public transport and initiated a new funding call for 2025. Transport companies and other stakeholders in the bus sector can submit project outlines for the electrification of their fleets until August 31, 2025. Since the launch of the directive in 2021, around 3,500 buses have already been approved, of which over 1,000 contribute actively to CO₂ reduction. The program aims to offset the additional costs of electric drives compared to diesel buses and accelerate market penetration. The approval of the projects will take place after the adoption of the federal budget law in autumn 2025. The implementation will be coordinated by the experienced partners NOW GmbH and the project sponsor Jülich (PtJ). This initiative is a clear signal that the federal government sees the transition to clean drives as a central pillar of the mobility transition.
What exactly will be funded in 2025?
The funding call is broadly established and supports various paths to emission-free mobility. The funding rate for new vehicles covers up to 80 percent of the additional investment costs compared to a conventional diesel bus. This significantly reduces the financial burden for municipalities and companies. The following measures are eligible for funding:
Acquisition of new battery electric buses, including trolleybuses.
Purchase of fuel cell buses, including those with range extender technology.
The conversion of conventional diesel buses to battery or fuel cell drives.
Establishment of the necessary charging and refueling infrastructure (e.g., depots, charging stations).
Construction and adaptation of the associated maintenance infrastructure.
Especially the funding for the conversion is a key advantage for fleet operators who want to maintain their existing and often expensive specialty vehicles. This opens up a path that is both economically viable and sensible in terms of the circular economy.
The path to promotion: application procedures and deadlines
The process for applying for the funding is clearly structured and competitively designed. The crucial deadline for submitting project outlines is August 31, 2025. All applications must be submitted through the online portal "easy-Online." The submitted outlines will subsequently be evaluated by the project sponsors. Companies that currently have few or no e-buses in their fleet will be given preference in the allocation. The central evaluation criteria are:
The potential for CO₂ reduction of the project.
The planned deployment context (e.g., urban public transport).
The targeted electrification rate of the entire fleet.
The specific funding requirement and economic viability.
Early and careful preparation of the application documents is critical for success. The checklist for the funding application helps to keep all requirements in mind and maximize the chances in the competitive process.
Economic Efficiency in Focus: TCO and Funding Rates
Electrifying a bus fleet is not only an ecological but also an economic gain. The subsidy of up to 80% of the additional costs for new e-buses drastically lowers the acquisition costs. However, the real advantage lies in considering the total cost of ownership (TCO). Lower energy, maintenance, and repair costs lead to significant savings over the lifetime of an e-bus. The Heero D2E conversion amplifies this effect, as the investment in a completely new vehicle is avoided. This way, you protect the capital invested in your proven special-purpose bodies. The combination of an attractive subsidy rate of up to 80 percent and lower TCO makes the switch predictable and profitable. Since 2021, grants totaling more than 187 million euros have already been approved for individual transport companies. This shows the enormous financial volume available.
Infrastructure as a success factor: The promotion of charging concepts
A powerful e-fleet requires an equally powerful charging infrastructure. The federal funding program explicitly takes this critical factor into account. The subsidy covers the planning and construction of all charging, refueling, and maintenance infrastructure necessary for operation. This ranges from the installation of DC fast charging stations at the depot to the adaptation of workshops for the maintenance of high-voltage systems. A well-thought-out charging management is the key to smooth and efficient operation with over 40 vehicles. The funding secures the initial investment in the infrastructure and makes the overall project economically viable. Heero supports you not only with vehicle electrification but also advises you on the design of a tailored charging infrastructure solution. This ensures that your electrified fleet can deliver its full performance from day one.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO
The current bus fleet electrification promotion 2025 offers a unique opportunity for transport companies, logistics firms, and municipalities. It facilitates the transition to a clean, quiet, and cost-effective fleet with massive government support. Heero is your ideal partner to fully exploit this potential. With our patented D2E retrofit for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, we offer a pragmatic solution that focuses on circular economy and protects your investments. We combine the reliability of your existing vehicles with the performance of the latest electric drives. Let us set the course for your emissions-free future together. Request your personal consultation now or book a day-to-day test at no charge to experience the Heero technology live. We support you from analysis through the funding application to the commissioning of your electrified fleet.
More useful links
The official website of the Federal Government provides comprehensive information on political initiatives and funding programs, including the transition in transportation and electromobility.
The NOW GmbH is a federal owned company that coordinates the development and implementation of funding programs for sustainable mobility and energy, such as the federal funding for e-buses.
The Project Management Jülich (PtJ) is an institution of the Jülich Research Center and supports federal ministries in the implementation of research and innovation funding programs, including the evaluation of applications for e-bus funding.
FAQ
What documents do I need for the grant application?
For submitting the project outline through the easy-Online portal, detailed information about the project is necessary. This includes a project description, a calculation of costs and funding requirements, as well as an estimate of CO₂ savings potential. We recommend using our comprehensive checklist.
Does the federal government also support the charging infrastructure for e-buses?
Yes, the charging, refueling, and maintenance infrastructure necessary for operating the vehicles is explicitly eligible for funding. This is a central component of the funding call to enable a holistic transition.
What is the difference between the HEERO D2E conversion and a new purchase?
With our D2E conversion, the diesel drivetrain of your trusted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is replaced with our state-of-the-art electric drive. You retain your vehicle and the often expensive special body. This is usually faster, more cost-effective, and more sustainable than purchasing a completely new e-transporter.
How does HEERO support me in the funding process?
Our team provides comprehensive advice on the technological possibilities and economic benefits of electrification. We provide you with the necessary technical data for your grant application and help you convincingly present the ecological and economic benefits of your project. Request a free consultation now.
Are there also grants for fuel cell buses?
Yes, the funding guidelines explicitly include the procurement and conversion of fuel cell buses (including those with range extenders). Technological openness is a feature of the program.
Can I apply for funding even if my fleet is already partially electrified?
Yes, you can apply. However, according to the ministry, applications from transport companies that currently have few or no e-buses in their fleet are given preferential treatment during allocation in order to promote widespread market penetration.
