Electrifying Daimler Buses: Secure 80% funding before the deadline on August 31, 2025.
Up to 3,500 e-buses are already benefiting from an 80% government subsidy – when will you electrify your fleet? Time is running out, as the current funding deadline from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) ends on August 31, 2025. Act now to address rising diesel prices and strict climate regulations with an economically sensible solution.
The topic briefly and concisely
The deadline for applying for the 80% funding for e-buses and conversions ends on August 31, 2025.
The diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to purchasing new, preserving the value of existing fleets.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of an electric bus is, in the long run, up to 15% lower than that of a diesel bus due to lower energy and maintenance costs.
For operators of Daimler buses, electrification is becoming a strategic necessity. Legislative requirements such as the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive increase pressure, while volatile fuel prices make operating costs unpredictable. A diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) offers a pragmatic and sustainable solution. It not only secures the value of your existing fleet but also reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over the entire lifecycle. With the current BMDV funding guideline covering 80% of the conversion costs, the timing for the switch is ideal. This article will show you the necessary steps.
Time is of the essence: Why converting your bus fleet to electric is now inevitable.
The regulatory framework for bus fleets is noticeably tightening. The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) already specifies clear quotas for low-emission vehicles in public tenders. By 2025, 45% of newly purchased buses must be clean, with half of them being completely emission-free. These requirements make timely modernization essential.
Here are the facts you need to know now:
Deadline for funding applications: Applications for the 80% funding must be submitted by August 31, 2025.
Funding rate for vehicles: 80% of the additional investment costs for the conversion or purchase of an e-bus will be covered by the BMDV.
Funding rate for infrastructure: The necessary charging infrastructure at your depot will be subsidized by 40%.
Clean Vehicles Directive: From 2026, the quota for clean buses will rise to 65%, increasing the pressure to act.
Many operators underestimate that converting an existing bus often represents the more economical alternative to purchasing a new one. The combination of legal requirements and the expiring, highly attractive funding creates a narrow time window for a strategic decision that pays off in the long run.
Your 4-point plan for 80% funding for Daimler buses
The path to the promotion and electrification of your Daimler buses can be clearly and calmly mastered with a structured approach. Only four steps are necessary to future-proof your fleet and receive the maximum promotion.
Conduct fleet analysis: Identify the vehicles in your fleet that are suitable for a Diesel-to-Electric retrofit. Analyze daily driving performances and downtimes to determine the charging needs. Our experts will assist you in creating a detailed requirement profile.
Check eligibility for funding: Ensure that your company is eligible to apply. Both legal entities under public law and private companies with a place of business in Germany can apply for the funding.
Calculate cost-effectiveness: Determine the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A DTE retrofit significantly reduces operating costs by eliminating fuel expenses and up to 40% lower maintenance costs. Request your individual TCO analysis to quantify the savings potential.
Submit the application on time: Collect all documents and submit the funding application via the easy online portal by August 31, 2025, at the latest. We will support you at every step to avoid mistakes and maximize success chances.
This pragmatic approach not only secures you the funding but also lays the foundation for a technically and economically superior fleet strategy.
Renovation instead of new purchase: The technical superiority of the DTE conversion
The diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is more than just an engine swap; it is a commitment to the circular economy and a technologically advanced solution. Instead of scrapping a fully functional bus, its lifecycle is extended by many years. This not only saves up to 75% of the energy required for manufacturing a new vehicle but also conserves valuable resources.
Our conversion solutions for Daimler buses are based on proven technology and precise metrics:
Powerful batteries: Depending on the model, we use batteries with 110 kWh gross (96 kWh net) or 137 kWh gross (115 kWh net).
Practical range: Our converted low-floor mid and rear buses achieve a real range of up to 300 kilometers.
Fast charging: With up to 165 kW DC charging power, the bus is ready for 80% of operation again in about 30 minutes.
Proven basis: The conversion is carried out on the robust and well-known basis of your existing vehicle, which minimizes the familiarization for drivers and workshop staff.
A converted HEERO Tourer minibus on a Sprinter basis even achieves up to 400 km of range with a single charge. These figures prove that a DTE solution does not require compromises in performance and represents a full-fledged alternative to expensive new e-bus models.
Funding pots and cost comparison: This is how the switch pays off for you.
The decision to electrify is not only ecological, but above all economic. The current funding landscape makes the switch more attractive than ever before. With an 80% subsidy on retrofit costs and 40% on charging infrastructure, your initial investment is drastically reduced. However, the true strength of electrification is revealed in the ongoing costs, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
A direct comparison of the TCO clearly shows the advantages. Studies indicate that the total operating costs of an electric bus over a lifespan of 10 years are up to 15% lower than those of a comparable diesel bus. This results from several factors:
Energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper and more stable in price compared to diesel.
Maintenance: An electric motor has fewer moving parts, which reduces maintenance effort and costs by up to 40%.
Taxes & Toll: Electric vehicles benefit from tax exemptions and are exempt from tolls until the end of 2025.
CO₂ Pricing: Future costs due to rising CO₂ prices for fossil fuels are completely eliminated.
By retrofitting, you secure these advantages without having to bear the high capital costs of a new purchase. Learn more about the details of the E-Bus funding 2025 and take the opportunity to position your fleet economically and sustainably for the future.
Start your free funding analysis
Answer three short questions about your fleet and your requirements. You will promptly receive your personal grant roadmap and learn how to optimally utilize the 80% funding for your Daimler buses. Secure your timely application now.
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More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) reports on the milestone of 1000 funded electric buses.
The Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV) addresses the topic of more electric buses in public local transport (ÖPNV).
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action provides the final report of a supplementary study on electric buses in the ÖPNV.
The Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV) includes a press release regarding the funding call for buses.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) contains a press release from Wissing about climate-friendly buses.
The Project Management Jülich (PtJ) describes funding opportunities for fast charging infrastructure.
The Federal Environment Agency addresses the topic of climate protection in transport.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the e-bus funding?
Eligible applicants are legal entities under public law (e.g., municipalities) and private companies (e.g., bus companies, logisticians) with a place of business in Germany that are economically active.
What is the range of a retrofitted electric bus?
A low-floor bus retrofitted by Heero achieves a practical range of up to 300 kilometers. A minibus based on a Sprinter can even achieve up to 400 kilometers on a single battery charge.
How long does it take to charge a retrofitted bus?
With a DC fast charging capacity of up to 165 kW, the battery of a retrofitted bus can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes, allowing for short downtime in operations.
What is the advantage of a DTE retrofit compared to a new vehicle?
The DTE retrofit is a circular economy measure. It is cost-effective, conserves resources, and avoids the long delivery times of new vehicles. In addition, drivers and workshop personnel remain in their familiar vehicle environment.
What happens after the deadline on August 31, 2025?
It is unclear whether and in what form there will be new subsidy programs after the current funding guidelines expire. However, the Clean Vehicles Directive will continue to apply and will even increase the quota for clean vehicles to 65% from 2026.
Do you also get help with the application process?
Yes, Heero offers comprehensive funding advice. We support you from the analysis of your fleet, through the calculation of profitability, to the timely submission of the funding application, making the process as easy as possible for you.
