Retrofitting diesel transport vehicles for zero-emission zones: Your path to a future-proof fleet
Municipal driving bans for diesel vehicles and rising operating costs threaten the efficiency of your fleet. Retrofitting your proven diesel vans to electric drive not only protects your investments but also sustainably reduces overall operating costs. Discover the technologically leading solution for municipalities, logistics, and crafts.
The topic briefly and concisely
Retrofitting diesel transporters is an economically attractive alternative to purchasing new ones, in order to prepare fleets for upcoming zero-emission zones.
Due to lower operating and maintenance costs as well as government subsidies, the conversion often pays for itself in just a few years.
The continued use of existing vehicles in the sense of circular economy significantly reduces the CO2 footprint more than the purchase of a new e-transporter.
The introduction of zero-emission zones (Zero Emission Zones) presents fleet operators with a strategic decision: purchase new vehicles or retrofit? While 35 cities in Europe are already planning to ban internal combustion engines by 2030, Germany often still lacks a clear legal basis for such zones. Nevertheless, the trend is irreversible. For fleet managers, this means acting now to secure access permissions and the operational capability of their vehicles. Heero offers a pragmatic and economically superior solution with the patented D2E retrofit (Diesel-to-Electric). We retrofit your reliable Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a powerful electric drive and prepare your fleet for the emissions-free future.
Regulatory Pressure: Why Zero-Emission Zones Are Becoming Relevant for Fleet Operators
Across Europe, hundreds of new environmental zones are being established to improve air quality in urban centers. Cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam are planning to introduce complete zero-emission zones by the year 2030. This development forces companies and municipalities to decarbonize their vehicle fleets. Although German legislation is still hesitant, the EU is establishing the basis for stricter local measures with directives like 2008/50/EC. For fleet operators, this means increasing uncertainty regarding access permissions for their diesel vehicles. Retrofitting your existing diesel vans for use in zero-emission zones is the proactive response to this challenge. A quick retrofit protects your fleet from impending driving bans. This regulatory dynamic makes sticking to pure diesel fleets an economic risk.
The economically smart alternative: retrofitting instead of buying new
A new purchase of electric transporters involves high investments and long delivery times. Converting a diesel transporter to electric drive often costs only about half as much as a comparable new vehicle. This is the superior strategy, especially for vehicles with expensive special bodies, as is common in municipalities or trades. Your proven vehicle base and valuable bodies remain completely intact. The core advantage lies in the continued use of invested capital. HEERO has perfected this process with the D2E conversion for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. We replace the combustion engine with a highly efficient electric drive train. Find out how the costs compare in detail. This makes the electrification of your fleet not a burden, but a strategic advantage.
Technical Excellence: Performance and Range for Everyday Work
The practical usability determines success in everyday use. Our retrofitted Heero transporters offer an everyday range of up to 425 km. This performance ensures that your vehicles can handle their routes in urban and regional logistics without limitations. The battery capacity is optimized for the typical usage profiles of craft businesses and municipal service providers. The maintenance costs for an electric drive are also up to 50% lower than for a diesel. Here are the key performance data of our conversion solution:
Range: Up to 425 km (WLTP)
Charging time: Fast charging (DC) to 80% in under 90 minutes
Motor performance: Optimized for high payloads and agile handling
Battery life: Designed for over 3,000 charge cycles
Payload: Remains almost fully preserved through optimized components
These technical facts demonstrate that you do not have to compromise on performance. The total cost of ownership analysis shows the full potential. The conversion is therefore not only an ecological but also a technologically advanced decision.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): How to reduce your fleet costs
The total cost of ownership (TCO) is the crucial metric for every fleet manager. A study by Transport & Environment shows that e-vans are on average 25% cheaper to operate than comparable diesel models. This advantage results from several factors. The energy costs per kilometer are significantly lower, and government subsidy programs can cover up to 80% of conversion costs. Furthermore, e-vehicles in Germany are exempt from the truck toll until the end of 2025, representing a significant saving. The amortization of conversion costs often occurs within 4 to 6 years. With Heero, you maximize these advantages and achieve your sustainability goals faster. The decision to convert is a direct investment in the profitability of your fleet.
Sustainability through circular economy: A double win
Retrofitting your existing fleet is a prime example of functioning circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle and producing a new one, we extend its lifecycle by many years. This avoids the significant CO2 emissions and resource consumption that come with manufacturing a new transporter. You not only reduce operational emissions to zero, but also conserve valuable raw materials. This approach reduces the CO2 footprint of your fleet by up to 70% compared to buying new. The continued use of the chassis and body is the most ecologically and economically sensible form of modernization. Utilizing your existing fleet is therefore the best choice for a sustainable future. This way, your fleet becomes a pioneer for resource-efficient logistics.
Customized solutions for municipalities and logistics companies
Each industry has specific requirements for its commercial vehicles. HEERO provides customized conversion solutions for a variety of use cases. For logistics companies operating in urban areas, the conversion ensures access to city centers and reduces operating costs. For municipalities and their building yards, converting special vehicles like flatbed trucks or sweepers is ideal. The process is clearly defined:
Free initial consultation and analysis of your fleet
Inspection of your existing vehicles' suitability
Planning the conversion in just 10 working days
Execution of the D2E conversion by our experts
Handover and instruction in the new technology
We understand the needs of fleets with special bodies and guarantee seamless integration. This way, you can future-proof your municipal fleet. The conversion is the pragmatic solution to become emission-free without long waiting times.
More useful links
The Federal Environment Agency provides information on environmental zones in Germany that have been established to reduce fine dust pollution.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) informs about the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in transport (KSNI).
An analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles, published by the Federal Environment Agency, offers detailed insights.
Wikipedia provides information on the regulation regarding the labeling of vehicles with a low contribution to pollutant emissions (fine dust badge).
The Federal Ministry of Transport provides information on commercial vehicles with alternative drives and their contribution to climate protection in transport.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on vehicles.
The German Energy Agency (dena) highlights electromobility as an opportunity for the power grids.
The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) provides comprehensive information on the topic of electromobility.
FAQ
How long does the conversion of my van take?
The actual conversion time at Heero is only about 10 working days. This ensures that your vehicle is quickly ready for use again and the downtime for your fleet remains minimal.
Does the payload of my van remain the same after conversion?
Yes, by using weight-optimized components and an intelligent design of the electric drive train, the payload of your van is largely retained after the conversion. So you don't have to make any compromises on load capacity.
What warranty is there on the conversion and the battery?
Heero offers a comprehensive warranty on all installed electric components, including the motor and battery. The batteries are designed for a long lifespan of over 3,000 charging cycles, ensuring the reliability of your investment.
Can any diesel van be converted?
Heero specializes in converting Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models, as they provide an excellent and reliable basis. We can convert various variants such as vans, flatbeds, and tourers. Contact us to check the suitability of your specific vehicles.
Does Heero also offer a charging infrastructure solution?
Yes, as your comprehensive solution partner, we not only advise you on vehicle conversion but also on the planning and implementation of the appropriate charging infrastructure for your depot. We help you find an efficient and scalable charging solution.
How can I test the Heero solution?
We are convinced of our technology and want you to be too. Therefore, we offer you the opportunity to experience a converted van yourself in a 'zero-cost everyday test'. Simply contact us to arrange a test drive.
