Become an innovation leader: How to strengthen your company's image and reduce costs with a retrofitted fleet.
Become an innovation leader: How to strengthen your company's image and reduce costs with a retrofitted fleet.
Did you know that retrofitting your special-purpose vehicles to electric can double their lifespan while reducing operating costs by up to 60%? The pressure to act remains: stricter EU regulations continue to apply, while the high federal subsidies recently expired in 2024.
The topic briefly and concisely
The 80% subsidy (KsNI) for electric commercial vehicles and conversions ran until 2024; since August 2024, no new funding calls are planned, and economic efficiency continues to be achieved through operating costs.
The diesel-to-electric conversion is often more economical (TCO) in the long term due to lower operating and energy costs than purchasing a new diesel vehicle.
By continuing to use existing vehicle structures (circular economy), companies strengthen their image as sustainable innovators and become less dependent on supply chains.
Rising diesel prices, impending city driving bans, and the pressure from the Clean Vehicles Directive present fleet operators with enormous challenges. At the same time, customers and partners expect a clear commitment to sustainability. Many feel forced to invest in expensive new vehicles and discard proven existing vehicles. However, there is an economically and emission-wise superior alternative. This article shows how you can strengthen your company's image as an innovative pioneer through a converted fleet and significantly reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO). Government funding of up to 80% of the additional costs ran until 2024.
Legal Framework: Why the Clean Vehicles Directive is Now Urging Action
The era of pure diesel fleets is coming to an end as regulatory requirements become stricter. Directive (EU) 2019/1161, known as the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), was implemented in Germany by the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG). Since August 2021, this law has prescribed binding minimum quotas for the procurement of low-emission vehicles for public contracting authorities. By the end of 2025, for example, 45% of all new buses must be "clean", with half of them even being completely emission-free.
For companies active in the B2G sector or seeking municipal contracts, an electrified fleet is therefore no longer a "nice-to-have", but a strategic necessity. Non-compliance with these quotas can lead to exclusion from public tenders. The directive aims to strengthen the market for electric commercial vehicles and drastically reduce emissions in the transport sector. This makes electrification the entry ticket for future business with the public sector. The good news is that the state is providing massive financial support for this transition.
Review: Up to 80% funding for the conversion and the associated charging infrastructure
The federal government supported the transition to clean drivetrains through the BMDV's "Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) funding program. This program subsidized the acquisition or conversion of commercial vehicles with alternative drivetrains with up to 80% of the additional investment costs. In addition, the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure was subsidized with up to 40%.
The crucial information for all fleet operators is the current status: the KsNI funding ran until 2024, and no new funding calls are planned since August 2024. Already approved projects will be fully funded. Those planning today calculate the transition without this subsidy and focus on the operating cost advantages. A professional funding analysis is the first step to clarify the situation in each individual case. This ensures that the investment in a future-proof fleet remains calculable.
Your 4-point plan to strengthen your image as an innovation leader
The path to an electrified fleet and to becoming an innovation leader is straightforward with the right strategy. Follow these four steps to make the transition efficient:
Needs Analysis and Fleet Check: Analyze the daily driving profiles and range requirements of your vehicles. Identify those vehicles whose expensive specialized bodies should be preserved – these are the ideal candidates for a conversion.
Profitability Assessment (TCO): Compare the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a conversion with a new purchase. Take into account acquisition, subsidies, energy, maintenance, and insurance costs over a holding period of eight years.
Commission a Subsidy Analysis: Have experts check which subsidy programs can be combined for your project. The KsNI subsidy covered up to 80% of the additional costs until 2024; a cleanly prepared application avoids formal errors that could lead to rejection.
Plan Charging Infrastructure: Determine the energy requirements of your converted fleet and plan a scalable charging infrastructure. The charging infrastructure was a component of the guideline at 40%; intelligent charging solutions further reduce operating costs.
This structured approach minimizes risks and maximizes the financial and emission-related benefits of your fleet modernization.
TCO analysis: How retrofitting outperforms purchasing new equipment economically
A decisive factor for any fleet investment is the total cost of ownership (TCO). The TCO includes all costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. While a new electric vehicle has high acquisition costs, converting the vehicle preserves capital because the most expensive component after the engine – the special body – is retained. Studies show that electric trucks are already often more cost-effective today than their diesel counterparts.
The higher initial investments of a conversion often pay off within four to six years through significantly lower operating costs. Energy costs per kilometer for electricity are significantly lower than for diesel. In addition, expensive maintenance work such as oil changes or exhaust system repairs is eliminated. A HEERO Sprinter achieves a range of up to 425 km and proves that a conversion means no compromises on performance. The conversion is therefore not only a statement for sustainability, but above all a smart commercial decision.
Circular economy as a competitive advantage: renovation instead of new purchase
The decision in favor of a DTE conversion is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with a valuable body, its life is extended by a new, locally emission-free drive. This principle of "rebuilding instead of buying new" not only conserves valuable resources but also reduces the CO₂ footprint that would be generated during the production of a completely new vehicle.
Companies that focus on the circular economy position themselves as responsible and forward-looking partners. They stand out positively from the competition and strengthen their brand. This approach documents that you strengthen your company's image as an innovative pioneer through a converted fleet and think about sustainability holistically. Preserving value through conversion is the most intelligent form of resource utilization in the vehicle sector. This strategy not only makes you lower in emissions but also more resilient to supply chain problems.
HEERO technology overview: Range and performance without compromise
Our conversion solutions and new vehicles are based on proven Mercedes-Benz technology combined with our patented drive technology. They offer the range and performance you need for demanding everyday work. Here is an overview of the key figures for our models (as of 07/2025):
HEERO eTransporter: Up to 500 km range for maximum flexibility in distribution transport.
HEERO DTE-Sprinter: Up to 425 km range after conversion, ideal for existing special bodies.
HEERO Mittelniederflur-Bus: Up to 300 km range, 137 kWh battery, and a DC charging capacity of up to 165 kW.
HEERO Tourer (minibus 9 Pax): Up to 400 km range with a 110 kWh battery and 135 kW DC charging capacity.
All models are designed for demanding commercial use and offer full suitability for daily operations. The fast-charging capability ensures minimal downtime and maximum productivity. This makes the switch to electromobility not only a strategic decision, but also one that is absolutely practical.
More useful links
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) offers statistics on the vehicle population in Germany on this page.
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) provides a publication on the analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) offers a dossier on the topic of electromobility.
The National Centre for Charging Infrastructure provides information on commercial vehicles and electromobility.
The Fraunhofer ISI offers information and research results on the topic of electromobility and energy systems.
The ADAC offers information and tests on the topic of e-vans.
