Increasing efficiency in construction logistics: Converting diesel vehicles sustainably to electric drive
Rising diesel prices, impending driving bans, and ambitious climate goals are presenting fleet operators in construction logistics with enormous challenges. Converting your reliable diesel vehicles to a powerful electric drive is the pragmatic and economically superior solution. Learn how you can reduce costs, protect the environment, and enhance the value of your specialized vehicles with this strategy.
The topic briefly and concisely
Converting diesel vehicles to electric drive significantly reduces total operating costs (TCO) due to lower energy and maintenance costs.
By continuing to use existing vehicles with specialized designs, investments are protected and valuable resources are conserved in terms of the circular economy.
The conversion ensures compliance with legal requirements such as the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act and avoids impending diesel driving bans in city centers.
For companies and municipalities in construction logistics, the pressure to switch to emission-free drives is increasing. Sticking to diesel vehicles leads to incalculable costs due to rising CO2 prices and stricter environmental regulations. At the same time, the purchase of new electric commercial vehicles is often uneconomical, especially when expensive special structures are present. HEERO offers an innovative solution for this: We specialize in converting diesel vehicles in construction site logistics to electric drives for greater sustainability. This approach not only saves your budget but also ensures compliance with legal requirements and strengthens your competitiveness with a future-proof fleet.
The challenge: Economic and regulatory pressure on diesel fleets
The construction sector is responsible for a significant part of CO2 emissions, with around 65 percent of emissions on construction sites resulting from the burning of diesel. This leads to rising operating costs and increasing pressure from regulations. The Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG) has required public buyers to adhere to fixed quotas for low-emission vehicles since August 2021, with light commercial vehicles having a quota of 38.5 percent. For many operators of construction vehicles, such as municipalities or craft businesses, this means an urgent need for modernization. Switching a single crane from diesel to battery operation can save 140 tons of CO2 per year. These figures illustrate the enormous potential inherent in the electrification of construction vehicles. The future viability of municipal commercial vehicles directly depends on this transformation. The question is no longer whether, but how this transition can be achieved most efficiently.
The solution: D2E conversion as the core of the circular economy
Instead of prematurely decommissioning proven vehicles with expensive specialty designs, retrofitting offers an intelligent alternative. Our patented D2E retrofit (Diesel-to-Electric) transforms your existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into state-of-the-art electric vehicles in just 10 days. This approach is a prime example of the circular economy, as it extends the life of high-quality vehicles and minimizes resource consumption. Every year, nearly 7 million vehicles in Europe reach the end of their life cycle, generating over 1 million tons of plastic waste. By continuing to use the chassis and body, this waste is avoided, and the gray energy that would be incurred in the production of a new vehicle is saved. Continuing to use the existing vehicle fleet is the most resource-efficient form of mobility. The electrification of your fleet through retrofitting is therefore not only an economic decision but also a profoundly ecological one. Thus, a cost factor becomes a sustainable value driver for your company.
Cost-effectiveness in focus: drastically reduce total cost of ownership (TCO)
The decision to convert is primarily an economic one. While the initial costs for electrification incurr, the true savings lie in the total operating costs (TCO). Studies show that electric trucks are cheaper in the long run compared to their diesel counterparts, as the higher purchase costs often pay off within 4 to 6 years. The operating costs of a converted electric transporter are significantly lower, which can be attributed to several factors:
Energy Costs: The cost per kilometer for electricity is significantly lower than for diesel, often only 0.24 euros per kilowatt-hour including all types of charging.
Maintenance and Repairs: Electric drives have far fewer wear parts than combustion engines, reducing maintenance costs by up to 50%.
Tax Benefits: Electric vehicles benefit from a 10-year exemption from vehicle tax.
CO2 Charges: The increasing CO2 pricing for fossil fuels is completely eliminated.
Funding Programs: Government subsidies such as the (previously available) KsNI guideline support the conversion and procurement of charging infrastructure with up to 80% of the additional costs.
The analysis of total operating costs clearly shows the financial advantage of electrification. A detailed analysis of your fleet's TCO demonstrates how quickly the investment in a conversion pays off for you. This makes the transition to electric mobility a strategic investment in the profitability of your fleet.
Performance without compromise: range and power for everyday construction site use
A common concern regarding electric commercial vehicles relates to practicality, particularly with range and performance. Our retrofitted Heero vans impressively dispel this worry. With a certified range of up to 425 kilometers, our vehicles far exceed the daily requirements of most construction logistics professionals. The performance of the electric drive ensures dynamic handling and high torque, which is especially beneficial for heavy loads. The proven and robust foundation of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter remains completely intact. Our retrofitted vehicles often offer better driving dynamics than the original diesel vehicle. For special requirements, such as those with a Sprinter with a double cabin and platform, the drive system is precisely tailored to the intended use. This ensures that the performance is 100% reliable even under the most demanding conditions. This technological superiority makes the retrofit the first choice for forward-looking fleets.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO – combining economic efficiency and sustainability
The decision to retrofit diesel vehicles in construction site logistics to electric drive for greater sustainability is a strategic set of points for the future. You detach yourself from the volatility of diesel prices, effortlessly comply with current and upcoming environmental regulations, and sustainably reduce your operating costs. By continuing to use your proven special vehicles, you protect previous investments and act in the spirit of a true circular economy. Heero is more than just a vehicle supplier; we are your partner for the transformation of your fleet. We offer you a comprehensive solution that ranges from consulting to retrofitting to service and charging infrastructure. Experience the future of construction logistics today. Request your personal consultation now or book an everyday test free of charge and see for yourself the performance of our retrofitted e-transporters.
More useful links
Statista provides statistics and data on the topic of electromobility.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) publishes monthly new registration statistics for vehicles in Germany.
DEKRA informs about the conversion of trucks to electric drive.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) offers a leaflet on the promotion of conversions under the KsNI program.
Fraunhofer IML describes its activities in the field of electromobility.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) provides a factsheet on the total cost of ownership (TCO) of battery-electric commercial vehicles in Europe.
Fraunhofer IWKS offers a flyer on the topic of cycles in electromobility, including recycling and sustainability.
Federal Environment Agency (UBA) addresses the topic of climate protection in transport.
FAQ
How long does the conversion of my vehicle take?
Our standardized D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) is a highly efficient process. Typically, your vehicle is completely converted and ready for full operation within just 10 working days.
What warranties are there on the converted drive?
Heero offers comprehensive warranties on all components installed by us, including the electric motor and the battery. This ensures the same safety and reliability you expect from a new vehicle.
Does the payload of my vehicle remain after the conversion?
We prioritize maintaining the practicality of your vehicle. The weight of the electric drive train is optimized so that the payload in most cases remains comparable to that of the original diesel vehicle. Exact values depend on the specific model.
Does Heero also offer a solution for charging infrastructure?
Yes, we see ourselves as a holistic solution partner. If desired, we analyze your needs and plan and install the appropriate charging infrastructure for your depot - from a single wall box to intelligent load management for your entire fleet.
Can I test drive a converted vehicle?
Of course. We are convinced of the performance of our vehicles and therefore offer a free everyday test. This way you can convince yourself of the range, performance, and driving comfort under real conditions. Just contact us to arrange an appointment.
For which industries is the conversion particularly suitable?
Our solution is ideal for all industries that rely on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter as the base vehicle. This includes municipalities (public works), the construction industry, logistics companies, the horticulture and landscaping industry, and tradesmen with service vehicles.
