Full payload, zero emissions: Why converting your diesel pickup truck is the best investment
Your diesel flatbed truck with an expensive special structure is a valuable asset, but rising operating costs and looming driving bans are threatening its profitability. A new purchase is expensive and means the loss of your investment in the structure. HEERO offers the solution: a technologically leading D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) that gives your proven vehicle a second life while maintaining the full payload.
The topic briefly and concisely
Converting a diesel flatbed truck to electric drive protects the investment in expensive special builds and is more sustainable than buying new due to the circular economy.
Through intelligent design and the utilization of legal regulations, the full payload of the vehicle remains intact after electrification.
Government subsidies of up to 80% and massive savings on energy, maintenance, and tolls significantly reduce total operating costs (TCO).
For operators of commercial vehicle fleets, especially in municipalities and trades, diesel flatbed trucks with special superstructures represent a significant investment. The increasing diesel driving bans, rising CO2 prices, and the pressure to decarbonize force action. However, a new purchase of electric vehicles not only involves high costs but also results in the depreciation of the existing, often expensive superstructures. Heero offers a pragmatic and economically superior alternative with the patented D2E conversion. We convert your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to a powerful electric drive, secure your investment, and sustainably reduce your total cost of ownership (TCO).
The economic deadlock: Rising costs and regulatory pressure for diesel fleets
The operation of diesel pick-up trucks is becoming increasingly burdensome for companies and municipalities. CO2 prices are continuously rising, significantly increasing the cost of every liter of diesel – by 2025, an additional increase to 55 euros per ton is expected. This leads to additional costs of around 17 cents per liter. At the same time, the EU is tightening regulations for public procurement with the Clean Vehicles Directive, forcing municipalities to take action. By 2025, 38.5% of newly procured light commercial vehicles must be low-emission. Many fleet operators overlook that this cost development fundamentally alters the TCO calculation of their diesel vehicles. These external factors make the continued use of old diesel technology an incalculable risk for your budget. The question is no longer whether a transition is necessary, but how it can be carried out most intelligently.
Preserve value, shape the future: The HEERO D2E conversion as a strategic advantage
Instead of writing off your valuable superstructures, we are converting them into future-proof electric vehicles. Our D2E retrofit is a prime example of applied circular economy: We preserve the core of your investment – the vehicle chassis and the special structure. This process only takes about 10 working days, which not only saves your budget but also valuable resources. Compared to purchasing a new electric transporter, you avoid the CO2 emissions that occur during the production of a completely new vehicle. The biggest advantage lies in the continued use of your already existing, expensive special structures. This makes the retrofitting of a Sprinter chassis not only an ecological but above all an economically smart decision. This way, you secure the operational readiness of your fleet for the demands of tomorrow.
No compromises: How we ensure full payload during electrification
One of the biggest concerns with electrification is the potential loss of payload due to the weight of the batteries. HEERO has solved this problem. Through intelligent design and the use of modern, lightweight components, we ensure that your diesel flatbed truck retains its full payload capacity after converting to an electric powertrain. Legal regulations even allow for an extra weight of up to one ton for vehicles with alternative drives to offset the heavier technology without reducing the payload. Our engineers make optimal use of this leeway.
This is how we achieve the retention of full load capacity:
Optimized placement and weight distribution of battery modules.
Use of a lightweight yet robust electric powertrain.
Adjustment of the suspension to compensate for the battery weight.
Full utilization of the legal options to increase the permissible total weight.
So you can continue to transport up to 2.5 tons, just like with your original diesel vehicle. With an electrified 5-ton transporter, you remain flexible for all tasks in gardening and landscaping or for municipal use. The performance of your vehicle is not only maintained, but in many aspects even improved.
TCO Analysis: Why Retrofitting is Cheaper than Buying New
The total cost of ownership (TCO) is the decisive factor for the economic efficiency of a fleet. This is where conversion shows its true strength. While the initial investment for a conversion is incurred, you immediately benefit from massive savings in ongoing operations. The energy costs per kilometer are significantly lower than with a diesel. In addition, expensive maintenance work such as oil changes and exhaust system maintenance are eliminated. Studies show that battery-electric trucks are already achieving cost advantages over diesel trucks in many applications today.
Additionally, you benefit from attractive subsidy programs:
The federal program "Environmental Protection and Safety" (formerly De-minimis) subsidizes conversion with up to 80 percent of the costs.
In the context of the KsNI guideline, the acquisition of converted diesel vehicles is also promoted.
Until the end of 2025, electric commercial vehicles are exempt from truck tolls, representing another significant saving.
Through the THG quota, you can generate additional income annually.
This combination of lower operating costs and government funding makes conversion the most financially attractive option. A HEERO E-flatbed truck thus amortizes much faster than a newly purchased electric vehicle. This makes the transition to electromobility predictable and profitable.
Practicality in focus: range and performance for the demanding workday
The theoretical advantages of an electric drive must prove themselves in the hard day-to-day work. Our converted flatbed trucks are precisely designed for this purpose. With a practical range of up to 425 kilometers, our vehicles easily cover the typical daily distances of municipal enterprises, craft businesses, or logistics companies. Even at full load and under demanding conditions, performance remains consistently high. Most commercial transporters rarely drive more than 100 kilometers per day anyway. Our batteries are designed for a long service life of about 8 to 10 years in the typical usage profile. The instantly available high torque of the electric motor ensures impressive acceleration, even with a full load. Whether for the fleet of a gardening business or for use in the construction industry – the performance is convincing. The vehicles are simply charged overnight at the company premises and are ready for use again the next morning.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO – economical, sustainable, and powerful
Converting your diesel flatbed truck to an electric drivetrain with full payload capacity is the smartest decision for the future of your fleet. You protect your investment in expensive specialized structures, reduce your operating costs by up to 25%, and make an active contribution to climate protection through the principle of a circular economy. With a range that masters everyday work and attractive government subsidies of up to 80%, the conversion by Heero is the pragmatic and solution-oriented response to today's challenges. Heero is more than just a converter; we are your partner for a future-proof and profitable fleet strategy. Experience the benefits yourself. Request your personal consultation now or book a free-of-charge everyday test and see for yourself the performance of our converted electric flatbed trucks.
More useful links
Statista provides a statistic on the number of trucks with alternative drives in Germany.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) publishes monthly registration figures for vehicles in Germany.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) informs about the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KSNI).
The German Bundestag offers current short reports on political issues.
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) provides detailed information on environmental zones in Germany.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) offers a comprehensive fleet statistics of vehicles in Germany.
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) informs about measures and strategies for climate protection in transport.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action provides a comprehensive dossier on the topic of electromobility.
FAQ
Is the battery included in the conversion and how long does it last?
Yes, the high-performance battery is a central component of the conversion. We estimate a lifespan of 8 to 10 years with typical use in commercial applications. After that, the battery can be given a second life, for example as a stationary storage unit.
What guarantees does HEERO offer on the conversion?
HEERO offers comprehensive warranties on the electric drivetrain and battery, comparable to those of new vehicles. For precise details on the warranty conditions, please request a personal consultation.
For which vehicle models do you offer the conversion?
We specialize in the D2E conversion of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. These provide a proven and robust basis for our powerful electric drivetrains, especially for flatbed trucks and other vehicles with special bodies.
How does the subsidy for the conversion work?
We provide comprehensive advice on the available funding programs such as the KsNI directive or 'De-minimis' and actively support you in the application process to secure the maximum subsidy of up to 80% for your project.
Can I use my converted vehicle normally when fully loaded?
Yes, absolutely. Our converted vehicles are designed for tough daily work. The electric motor delivers high torque instantly, which ensures excellent driving characteristics, especially when fully loaded, without disproportionately affecting the range.
Where can I charge my converted vehicle?
Charging is easiest and most cost-effective overnight at a wallbox on your business premises. Our vehicles are compatible with common AC charging systems. On the road, public DC fast charging stations can also be used.
