Fleet as a marketing tool: With 80% funding for a sustainable fleet through retrofitting
Up to 425 km range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. Given the rising diesel prices and stricter CO₂ regulations, electrifying your existing fleet is not only an ecological but also a strategic business decision. Take the opportunity to use your fleet as a marketing tool for sustainability through retrofitting, and secure an 80% subsidy.
The topic briefly and concisely
Take advantage of the state funding of 80% for retrofitting and 40% for charging infrastructure with an application deadline until August 31, 2025.
The retrofitting of existing commercial vehicles (DTE) is more economical than a new purchase due to the continued use of specialized superstructures and lower investment costs.
A retrofitted fleet serves as a powerful marketing tool that makes commitment to sustainability and circular economy visible while reducing operating costs (TCO).
Companies and municipalities face a double challenge: Operating costs for diesel fleets are rising relentlessly, while regulatory requirements such as the Clean Vehicles Directive increase the pressure for decarbonization. However, many are hesitant to completely replace reliable commercial vehicles, especially when expensive specialized superstructures are involved. The solution lies in the circular economy: A Diesel-to-Electric retrofit (DTE) transforms your existing vehicles into powerful e-transports. This article will show you in four clear steps how to take advantage of the state funding of 80% for vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure, meet the deadline of August 31, 2025, and make your fleet future-proof.
Pressure and Opportunity: Regulatory Requirements as a Driving Force
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented by the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), requires public authorities since August 2, 2021, to comply with minimum quotas for low-emission vehicles. For the first reference period until the end of 2025, for example, 45% of new buses must be "clean", half of which must be completely emission-free. These requirements create clear pressure for action that extends beyond the public sector. Companies that act now position themselves as pioneers and secure crucial competitive advantages. The transition is not a burden, but a strategic investment supported by attractive funding programs. However, the time for utilizing these programs is limited, which requires pragmatic action.
Your 4-point action plan for timely fleet electrification
The path to an electrified fleet and the utilization of the full funding is straightforward with the right strategy. Follow these four steps to make the most of the deadline on August 31, 2025:
Conduct funding analysis: Check your eligibility for the BMDV funding program, which covers up to 80% of the additional investment costs for vehicle conversions and 40% for charging infrastructure. A professional total cost analysis of the fleet is the first step here.
Assess vehicle potential: Identify the vehicles in your fleet that are best suited for a diesel-to-electric conversion. In particular, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans with costly modifications offer immense potential for cost savings.
Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Compare the total operating costs. A TCO analysis shows that e-vans are the more economical choice due to lower energy, maintenance, and tax burdens. Studies demonstrate TCO parity with diesel vehicles today.
Create an implementation roadmap: Plan the concrete steps from commissioning to retrofitting and integration of the charging infrastructure. A comprehensive mobility solution ensures a smooth transition.
This structured approach ensures that you not only meet the funding deadlines but also make the best technological and economic decision for your future.
Costs in Focus: Why Retrofitting Outweighs New Purchases Economically
The decision between retrofitting and purchasing anew is a question of cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), or the total operating costs over the lifespan of a vehicle, provides a clear answer here. While acquiring a new e-transporter means significant capital commitment, retrofitting as a sustainable investment preserves your liquidity and your existing assets. Especially for vehicles with special superstructures, whose value often exceeds that of the base vehicle, continued use is economically superior. A study by the ICCT shows that electric trucks in Germany have already reached TCO parity with diesel counterparts, largely due to subsidies and toll exemptions. Here is a direct comparison of the core factors:
Investment Costs: The DTE retrofit is significantly cheaper than a new vehicle, especially after deducting the 80% subsidy.
Preserving Value: Expensive and proven superstructures remain fully intact and ready for use.
Operating Costs: Electric drives score with 28-33% lower costs per kilometer due to cheaper electricity and reduced maintenance efforts.
Vehicle Availability: Retrofitting a Sprinter takes only a few weeks, while delivery times for new e-commercial vehicles often take many months.
These factors make retrofitting the faster and more capital-efficient method to modernize the fleet while simultaneously reducing operating costs.
Technology that convinces: Range and charging performance for everyday work.
The practicality of e-commercial vehicles is defined by range and charging performance. Modern DTE solutions offer values here that more than meet the demands of logistics, crafts and municipal services. The HEERO DTE-Sprinter, for example, achieves a range of up to 425 kilometers. For goods transport, the HEERO eTransporter even offers up to 500 kilometers on a single charge. All models use a 110 kWh (gross) battery with 96 kWh usable capacity designed for high continuous power. An exception is the medium-low-floor bus with a larger 137 kWh battery. The charging performance is equally impressive:
Standard DC fast charging: Up to 135 kW, meaning the battery is 80% charged in around 30 minutes.
Specialized bus solutions: The medium-low-floor bus charges with up to 165 kW, making it ready for use again even faster.
Flexible charging infrastructure: The acquisition of suitable charging infrastructure is subsidized by 40%, which makes setting up one's own charging points significantly cheaper.
These technological metrics prove that the electrification of diesel transporters does not require compromises in performance, but rather represents a real technological advancement.
Circular economy as a marketing tool: sustainability that pays off
By choosing to retrofit, you are making a strong statement for the circular economy. You avoid the enormous resource and energy expenditure associated with the production of a completely new vehicle. This not only reduces the CO₂ footprint of your fleet but also serves as a credible marketing argument. Customers and citizens reward companies that visibly take responsibility and conserve resources. You leverage your fleet as a marketing tool for sustainability through retrofitting, thereby communicating innovation and ecological awareness. This strengthens your brand and can provide a significant advantage in public tenders that consider sustainability criteria. The decision to utilize the existing fleet is thus a clear commitment to Circular Mobility. Consequently, a regulatory necessity becomes a true competitive advantage.
Your next step: Analyze funding potential in three questions.
The time until the funding deadline on August 31, 2025, is short but sufficient for a strategic decision. Do not wait until rising toll and CO₂ costs further burden your margins. Act now to secure the maximum financial support and future-proof your fleet. Transitioning to electromobility by retrofitting your proven vehicles is the most direct way to lower operating costs and achieve a positive ecological balance. Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
For the free analysis
free · non-binding · on time
More useful links
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KSNI), which creates incentives for environmentally friendly vehicle technologies and is relevant for the electrification of fleets.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides a fact sheet on the KSNI funding program, which specifically addresses the retrofitting of vehicles and contains important information for fleet electrification.
Statista offers comprehensive statistics and data on electromobility in Germany, providing an overview of the market and its development for fleet operators.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides the annual report on the vehicle stock in Germany, an important data source for fleet managers to analyze vehicle distribution and relevant trends.
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection informs about the circular economy and old vehicles, which is significant for the sustainable disposal and recycling of fleet vehicles.
Federal Environment Agency offers information on climate protection in transport, which is important for fleet operators to understand and implement environmental aspects and regulatory requirements.
Wikipedia provides a general overview of electromobility, its technology, and development.
FAQ
What range can I expect from a converted transporter?
The range depends on the model. A HEERO DTE Sprinter converted to electric can reach up to 425 km. The HEERO eTransporter for goods transport can cover up to 500 km, while bus solutions like the mid- or rear-low-floor bus are designed for up to 300 km. These values have been proven in practice and are sufficient for most daily operational scenarios.
How long does a Diesel-to-Electric conversion take?
A professional DTE conversion is a standardized process and generally takes only a few weeks. This is a significant time advantage compared to the often months-long delivery times for brand-new electric commercial vehicles.
What should be considered regarding charging infrastructure?
The required charging infrastructure depends on the fleet size and operational procedures. HEERO vehicles support DC fast charging with up to 135 kW (buses up to 165 kW). Planning and installation should occur alongside the vehicle conversion. Important: The costs for the charging infrastructure are eligible for 40% funding under the KsNI program.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean for e-vehicles?
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes all costs incurred over the entire lifetime of a vehicle. These include acquisition, energy (electricity instead of diesel), maintenance, insurance, taxes, and subsidies. Studies show that electric commercial vehicles have a lower TCO than diesel vehicles due to significantly lower energy and maintenance costs.
Is conversion also a sustainable solution?
Yes, the conversion is a prime example of the circular economy. It extends the life of an existing vehicle and avoids the CO₂ emissions and resource consumption that come with manufacturing a new vehicle. It reduces waste and conserves valuable resources.
Who is the free subsidy analysis offer aimed at?
The free subsidy analysis is aimed at all fleet operators from the private and public sectors in Germany. Specifically, managers, fleet managers, and purchasing decision-makers from municipalities, logistics companies, and craft businesses who want to modernize their fleet economically and future-proof.
