Become an innovation leader: How to strengthen your company's image and reduce costs with a retrofitted fleet.
Did you know that a diesel-to-electric conversion can double the lifespan of your specialty vehicles while reducing operating costs by up to 60%? The time to switch is now, as high subsidies and stricter EU regulations create a clear pressure to act.
The topic briefly and concisely
The deadline for the 80% funding (KsNI) for e-commercial vehicles and conversions ends on August 31, 2025; quick action is required to secure the grants.
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 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 compelled to invest in expensive new vehicles and to discard proven existing vehicles. However, there is a financially and ecologically superior alternative. This article shows how you can enhance your company's image as an innovative pioneer with a retrofitted fleet, benefit from 80% government funding, and significantly reduce total operating costs (TCO).
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 are becoming stricter. The directive (EU) 2019/1161, known as the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), has been implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG). This law has required public procurers to meet binding minimum quotas for the procurement of low-emission vehicles since August 2021. By the end of 2025, for example, 45% of all new buses must be "clean", with half of them being completely emission-free.
For companies operating in the B2G sector or seeking municipal contracts, an electrified fleet is no longer a "nice-to-have", but a strategic necessity. The failure to meet these quotas can lead to exclusion from public tenders. The directive aims to strengthen the market for electric utility vehicles and drastically reduce emissions in the transport sector. Thus, electrification becomes the ticket to future business with the public sector. The good news is that the state is massively supporting this transition financially.
First August 31, 2025: secure 80% funding for retrofitting and 40% for charging infrastructure
The federal government supports the transition to clean drives with the funding program "Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) of the BMDV. This program offers a unique opportunity: it subsidizes the purchase or conversion of commercial vehicles with alternative drives by up to 80% of the additional investment costs. Additionally, the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure is funded by up to 40%.
However, the crucial information for all fleet operators is the deadline: Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. Given the high volume of applications and processing times, quick action is required. Those who hesitate now risk missing out on this attractive funding and having to finance the transition entirely from their own resources. A professional funding analysis is the first step to utilize this opportunity in a timely manner. This makes the investment in a future-proof fleet more economical than ever before.
Your 4-point plan to strengthen your image as an innovation leader
The path to an electrified fleet and becoming an innovation leader is straightforward with the right strategy. Follow these four steps to efficiently manage the transition:
Needs analysis and fleet check: Analyze the daily driving profiles and range requirements of your vehicles. Identify the vehicles that require expensive special modifications to be retained – these are the ideal candidates for a conversion.
Cost-effectiveness check (TCO): Compare the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a diesel-to-electric conversion with purchasing new vehicles. Consider acquisition, grants, energy, maintenance, and insurance costs over a holding period of eight years.
Secure funding analysis: Have experts examine which funding programs can be combined for your project. A professional application secures you the maximum grant rate of 80% and avoids formal errors that could lead to rejection.
Plan charging infrastructure: Determine the energy needs of your converted fleet and plan a scalable charging infrastructure. Use the 40% funding to implement smart charging solutions that further reduce operating costs.
This structured approach minimizes risks and maximizes the economic and ecological benefits of your fleet modernization.
TCO analysis: How retrofitting outperforms purchasing new equipment economically
A crucial factor for any fleet investment is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The TCO includes all costs over the entire lifecycle of a vehicle. While a new electric vehicle has high acquisition costs, the diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) conserves capital because the most expensive component after the engine—the specialized body—remains intact. Studies show that electric trucks are often already more cost-effective than diesel counterparts.
The higher initial investments of a conversion often pay off within four to six years due to significantly lower operating costs. The energy costs per kilometer for electricity are significantly lower than for diesel. Additionally, expensive maintenance works such as oil changes or exhaust system repairs are eliminated. A HEERO DTE sprinter achieves a range of up to 425 km and proves that a conversion does not mean compromising on performance. The conversion is thus not only a statement for sustainability, but above all a smart business decision.
Circular economy as a competitive advantage: renovation instead of new purchase
The decision to convert to a DTE upgrade is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with valuable components, its life is extended by a new, clean drive. This principle of 'upgrading instead of buying new' not only conserves valuable resources but also reduces the CO₂ footprint that would be created during the production of a completely new vehicle.
Companies that focus on the circular economy position themselves as responsible and future-oriented partners. They stand out positively from the competition and strengthen their brand. This approach demonstrates that you are enhancing your company's image as an innovative pioneer through a converted fleet and thinking sustainability holistically. Preserving value through conversion is the smartest form of resource utilization in the vehicle sector. This strategy makes you not only more ecological but also more resilient to supply chain issues.
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 of our models (as of 07/2025):
HEERO eTransporter: Up to 500 km range for maximum flexibility in distribution traffic.
HEERO DTE-Sprinter: Up to 425 km range after conversion, ideal for existing special attachments.
HEERO Mittelniederflur-Bus: Up to 300 km range, 137 kWh battery, and a DC charging power of up to 165 kW.
HEERO Tourer (Small Bus 9 Pax): Up to 400 km range with a 110 kWh battery and 135 kW DC charging power.
All models are designed for heavy commercial use and offer full everyday usability. The fast-charging capability ensures minimal downtimes and maximum productivity. This makes the switch to electromobility not only a strategic decision but also an absolutely practical one.
More useful links
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on the vehicle fleet in Germany on this page.
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) provides a publication for analyzing 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 Control Center 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 provides information and tests on the topic of e-transporter.
FAQ
By when must the funding application for the E-fleet be submitted?
The application deadline for the current funding program for climate-friendly commercial vehicles (KsNI) ends on August 31, 2025. Due to the necessary lead time for obtaining offers and preparing the application, early planning is strongly recommended.
What does Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) mean?
DTE refers to the process in which the diesel engine and associated components are removed from an existing commercial vehicle and replaced by a fully electric drive system (electric motor, battery, power electronics). The vehicle bodywork remains intact.
What is the advantage of converting compared to purchasing new?
The main advantage is value retention. Expensive and proven special body components (e.g., refrigerated bodies, workshop equipment) do not need to be newly acquired. This reduces investment costs, conserves resources (circular economy), and shortens the payback period.
Which vehicles can be converted?
Heero has specialized in the electrification of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles, particularly the Sprinter. The conversion is ideal for fleet operators who wish to continue using the proven base and existing bodywork of their vehicles.
How long does a conversion take?
The actual conversion process of a vehicle is a standardized procedure that usually takes only a few weeks. Including planning, logistics, and final approval, you should expect a manageable timeframe, which we are happy to specify for you in a personal consultation.
Are the converted vehicles fully suitable for everyday use?
Yes. Our converted vehicles offer ranges of up to 425 km and high charging capacities, designed for most commercial application profiles. They provide the same reliability and functionality as before the conversion but with significantly lower operating and emission costs.
