Eliminate the risk of engine failure by converting to electric drive
Did you know that an electric motor has up to 90% fewer moving parts than a diesel engine? This drastically reduces the likelihood of failure and lowers your operating costs. Learn how converting your existing vehicles can not only increase reliability but also meet legal requirements and take advantage of significant incentives.
The topic briefly and concisely
Converting a diesel transporter to electric drive eliminates up to 90% of the moving engine components and significantly reduces the risk of failure.
Thanks to the BMDV funding guideline, 80% of the conversion costs are subsidized, but applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025.
The continued use of the vehicle chassis through Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) is an active contribution to the circular economy and saves significant amounts of CO₂ and resources.
The ongoing debate about diesel prices, complex bureaucracy, and strict climate regulations poses enormous challenges for fleet operators. Especially the reliability of vehicles is a critical factor, as every failure of an engine component costs time and money. The solution lies not in the expensive purchase of new vehicles, but in the intelligent continued use of your proven vehicles. The goal is to eliminate the probability of engine component failures by converting to electric. This article shows you in four clear steps how you can increase your operational safety, reduce costs, and benefit from government subsidies through a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE).
The real risk: Why diesel engines are a ticking time bomb for your fleet
A typical diesel engine consists of more than 2,000 individual parts that are subject to constant wear. Every single kilometer increases the risk of a defect in injectors, turbochargers, or exhaust gas recirculation systems. Studies show that maintenance costs for diesel vehicles are significantly higher than those for electric vehicles. These unpredictable repairs lead to vehicle failures that can severely disrupt your operations. The complexity of diesel drivetrains is the main cause of unplanned downtime. Transitioning to a simpler, more robust drivetrain is therefore a direct lever for increasing your efficiency. Thus, the strategic decision to retrofit becomes a guarantor of greater planning reliability.
Implementing the solution: This is how the Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion works.
In the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE), the entire diesel drivetrain is replaced by a highly efficient electric drive. Your proven base vehicle, including expensive special structures, remains completely intact. For example, a HEERO DTE-Sprinter achieves a practical range of up to 425 kilometers. The installed battery with a net capacity of 96 kWh can be recharged at DC fast charging stations with up to 135 kW in about 40 minutes. The decisive advantage lies in the reduction of mechanical complexity by over 90%. Fewer parts mean fewer potential sources of error and a significantly longer service life of the drive. This technological leap makes your fleet future-proof and more reliable than ever before.
Increase profitability: The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in comparison
The total cost of ownership (Total Cost of Ownership, TCO) includes all expenses over the entire life cycle of a vehicle. While the purchase of an electric vehicle or the conversion may initially be higher, these costs often pay off within four to six years. This is due to massive savings in operating costs. Here is a sample breakdown of the benefits:
Energy costs: The electricity costs per 100 kilometers are significantly lower than those for diesel.
Maintenance & repair: Savings of up to 60% due to the elimination of oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and less brake wear.
Taxes & fees: Electric vehicles benefit from tax exemptions and lower CO₂ charges.
Subsidies: Currently, 80% of the conversion costs are subsidized.
A precise analysis of fleet total costs shows the enormous savings potential. This makes the conversion a clear economic decision.
Utilizing deadlines: Government funding and legal requirements as drivers
The federal government and the EU are creating strong incentives for the transition to electric mobility. The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) requires public authorities to meet a quota of 38.5% for clean light commercial vehicles by 2025. In parallel, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is significantly supporting fleet conversion. Through the current funding guideline, 80% of the additional costs for a DTE retrofit are subsidized. The necessary charging infrastructure at the operating facility is also subsidized by 40%. Important: The deadline for submitting applications is August 31, 2025. Those who act now secure maximum grants and achieve planning security for the next ten years. This combination of legal pressure and financial support creates a unique window of opportunity for modernizing your fleet.
Your 4-point action plan for risk-free and subsidized fleet electrification
The path to an electrified and fail-safe fleet is clearly structured. With this checklist, you can navigate the process efficiently and on time:
Conduct a needs analysis: Analyze the daily driving profiles and requirements of your current Sprinter fleet to determine the exact electrification needs.
Check for funding: Have your eligibility for the 80% funding from the BMDV for vehicle conversion and the 40% funding for charging infrastructure checked.
Calculate TCO potential: Compare the projected operating and maintenance costs of your new electric fleet with the current diesel costs to determine the payback period.
Secure free consultation: Book a non-binding funding analysis to receive your individual roadmap and a concrete offer for the conversion of your special vehicles.
This pragmatic approach ensures that you take advantage of all benefits and that the transition goes smoothly.
Living sustainability: Circular economy as the core of DTE conversion
The retrofitting of existing vehicles is a prime example of practiced circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with valuable special equipment, its lifecycle is extended by many years. This not only conserves your budget but also valuable resources. By continuing to use the chassis, several tons of CO₂ can be saved per vehicle compared to new production. The EU Commission emphasizes that the reuse of vehicles and components is a central building block in reducing raw material dependence. With a DTE solution, you position your company as a pioneer for sustainability and demonstrate that economy and ecology go hand in hand. A comparison between new purchase and retrofitting clearly shows the ecological advantages.
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
Fraunhofer ISI provides a detailed cost analysis of electric cars compared to combustion engines.
Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, and Mobility of Rhineland-Palatinate addresses electromobility and automotive circular economy in Germany in a VDA presentation.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) informs about the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in transport (KSNI).
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides information on commercial vehicles with alternative drives.
Federal Environment Agency offers a comprehensive analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (Fraunhofer IVI) informs about the working group on Commercial Transport and their research.
FAQ
How long does a DTE conversion take at Heero?
The pure conversion time for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is usually about ten to fifteen working days. Including all preparations and follow-up work, you should expect a total project duration of a few weeks.
What warranty is available on the conversion and the battery?
Heero offers a comprehensive warranty on all installed new parts of the electric drive, including the high-voltage battery. The exact warranty conditions, for example for 7 years or a certain mileage, are detailed in the individual offer.
What happens to the old diesel engine?
In the spirit of the circular economy, the removed diesel engines and components are professionally reconditioned and returned to the material cycle. Functional parts can be reused as spare parts, further increasing the sustainability of the entire process.
Do I have to take care of the funding applications myself?
No, Heero offers a comprehensive funding service. We analyze your eligibility for funding, support you with the application, and ensure that all documents are submitted on time by the deadline of August 31, 2025.
Does a converted vehicle meet the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive?
Yes, a vehicle converted to a purely electric drive is considered a zero-emission vehicle and fully meets the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) and the German Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG).
What technical specifications does a converted Sprinter have?
A Heero DTE-Sprinter has a battery capacity of 96 kWh (net), DC charging power of up to 135 kW, and a range of up to 425 km. Detailed technical data sheets can be found on our website under technical data in comparison.
