Increase the effectiveness of your fleet: Achieve success with fast-charging, converted e-transporters.
Up to 425 kilometers of range after a diesel-to-electric conversion, without the costs of a new vehicle? This is not just a vision for the future, but your chance to enhance the effectiveness of your fleet. Given rising diesel prices and the upcoming funding deadline on August 31, 2025, now is the critical moment to take action.
The topic briefly and concisely
Take advantage of the government funding of 80% for converting your diesel transporters and 40% for charging infrastructure before the deadline on August 31, 2025.
A diesel-to-electric (DTE) conversion protects your investments in expensive special equipment and is often more than 50% cheaper than a comparable new purchase.
Converted e-transporters achieve ranges of up to 425 km and charge with 135 kW DC power, qualifying them for over 95% of daily operations.
The electrification of commercial vehicle fleets is a challenge for many companies. High investment costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and concerns about insufficient range often hinder progress. However, there is a pragmatic solution that allows you to increase the effectiveness of your fleet through fast-charging, retrofitted electric transporters. The diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) transforms your proven existing vehicles into powerful electric transporters. This approach not only conserves your capital but is also subsidized by 80% by the government. This article shows you how to successfully navigate this path, optimize your total cost of ownership (TCO), and set the course for future-proof logistics.
Why switching to electric vans is strategically smart now
The pressure on fleet operators is growing: The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) has required binding quotas for clean vehicles in public contracts since 2021. At the same time, the current funding period of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) expires on August 31, 2025. A Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is the answer to these challenges and offers you four key advantages.
Secure 80% subsidy: The KsNI guideline promotes the conversion costs of your commercial vehicles by up to 80 percent.
Strengthen circular economy: Instead of an expensive new purchase, you extend the lifespan of your proven vehicles by at least ten years.
Protect investments: Expensive specialized superstructures remain intact, reducing overall costs by up to 60% compared to a new vehicle with a comparable structure.
Eliminate CO₂ emissions: Each converted van saves an average of 8 tons of CO₂ per year.
This combination of economic and ecological benefits makes electrifying your existing fleet the first choice. The next step is a clearly structured plan to realize these advantages on time.
Your 4-point plan for fleet electrification with 80% funding
A pragmatic approach is key to applying for funding on time and increasing the effectiveness of your fleet with fast-charging, retrofitted e-transporters. With this checklist, you can navigate the process securely:
Conduct needs analysis: Analyze your current routes and identify the vehicles whose daily mileage is less than 400 kilometers. Our experts will help you evaluate the potential for retrofitting.
Use free funding analysis: We will check for you without obligation which of your vehicles qualify for the 80 percent DTE funding and the 40 percent subsidy for charging infrastructure.
Plan charging infrastructure: A HEERO eTransporter charges to 80 percent in about 45 minutes at a 135-kW DC fast charging station. We will work with you to plan the optimal charging infrastructure, which is funded up to 40%.
Submit application on time: The deadline for submitting funding applications under the KsNI directive is August 31, 2025. We will prepare all necessary documents for you.
With this clear roadmap, bureaucracy becomes manageable. But what does the calculation look like in practice when considering the total costs?
Costs in plain language: TCO analysis of DTE retrofitting vs. new purchase
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), also known as the overall operating costs, is the key figure for the profitability of your fleet. A DTE conversion significantly lowers the TCO. Let's consider an example: A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a special structure. The analysis of the total costs presents a clear picture.
The conversion often costs less than half of a comparable new electric vehicle after deducting the 80 percent subsidy. At the same time, ongoing costs for energy and maintenance are reduced by over 50% compared to diesel. While a diesel transporter incurs costs of about 18 euros per 100 kilometers, the converted electric transporter only costs around 7 euros. Over a holding period of ten years, this results in savings of over 50,000 euros per vehicle. These figures demonstrate that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand when the technology is right.
Technology that convinces: Focused on range and charging power
Usability decides the success in everyday operations. Our DTE solutions are designed for tough conditions. A HEERO DTE-Sprinter achieves a real range of up to 425 kilometers. This is made possible by a battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net capacity. With this, you cover 95% of all typical operational scenarios in distribution traffic and craftsmanship.
Charging power is also crucial for fleet effectiveness. Here are the facts:
DC fast charging: Our retrofitted transporters standardly charge with up to 135 kW direct current (DC).
Short downtimes: In just 30 minutes, energy for another 200 kilometers is charged.
AC charging: An overnight charge at a 22-kW wallbox is also easily possible.
These performance data often exceed those of new E-transporters from the factory. With the right retrofit solution, your proven transporter becomes a technological pioneer. Understanding the funding landscape is crucial to finance this technology.
Funding pots and deadlines: How to secure your grants on time
The Federal Government supports the transition to clean commercial vehicles through the funding guideline "Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI). This program is the central instrument to achieve the ambitious goals of the Clean Vehicles Directive. Time is running out, as applications for the current funding round must be submitted by August 31, 2025.
80 percent of the investment additional costs for vehicle conversion are funded. In addition, there is a grant of 40 percent for the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure on your company premises. It is important that applications must be submitted before the award of the contract. Our funding experts will guide you through the entire process and ensure that your application meets all formal requirements. Please note that this information provides general guidance and does not replace legal or funding advice.
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
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides comprehensive information on climate protection in transport and on commercial vehicles with alternative drives.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) offers detailed information on the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KsNI).
The Federal Funding Database provides information on the funding program for electric commercial vehicle applications and the associated infrastructure.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure offers specific information on the topic of charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.
Transport & Environment has published a study showing that electric vans are more cost-effective overall than diesel vehicles.
DEKRA provides insights into retrofitting trucks to electric drive.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs about the task force for retrofitting to alternative drives.
FAQ
How long does a DTE conversion take?
The pure conversion time for a van is usually about 10 to 15 working days. Including all preparations and final touches, you should expect a total project duration of a few weeks.
Will the payload of my van remain after the conversion?
We place great importance on maintaining the original payload as much as possible. By using modern lightweight components and intelligently placing the battery, the payload remains at a practical level for most conversions, sufficient for 90% of cases.
What guarantees are there for the conversion and the battery?
HEERO offers a comprehensive warranty on all conversion components. We provide an 8-year warranty on the battery or a corresponding mileage, whichever comes first.
Can any diesel vehicle be converted?
We specialize in converting Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models, as they provide an excellent basis. In general, many light commercial vehicles are suitable for conversion. Contact us for an individual assessment of your fleet.
What happens to the old diesel engine?
In the spirit of the circular economy, the removed engines and components are expertly reconditioned and supplied to the spare parts market. This extends the lifecycle of the parts and avoids waste.
Does HEERO assist with applying for funding?
Yes, our service includes full funding consultation. We analyze your eligibility, prepare the application documents, and accompany you through the entire process up to approval to ensure you receive the maximum funding.
