Convert diesel vans with box bodies to electric: Your solution for TCO and sustainability
Rising diesel prices and impending driving bans in city centers threaten the profitability of your furniture logistics. Purchasing new electric transporters is expensive and associated with long delivery times, especially for custom-built bodies. The solution lies in the continued use of your proven vehicles.
The topic briefly and concisely
Protect your investment: The retrofit preserves the value of your expensive suitcase structure, while a new purchase is associated with a high loss of value.
Reduce total operating costs (TCO): Benefit from up to 80% funding, lower energy and maintenance costs, as well as exemption from tolls.
Ensure future-proofing: With a retrofitted e-van, you have unrestricted access to all urban environmental and zero-emission zones.
For companies in furniture transport, the fleet represents one of the largest cost factors. Your diesel transporters, often fitted over years with special box bodies for six-figure amounts, are the backbone of the operation. But the pressure is growing: Operating costs are rising, and more and more German cities are restricting entry for diesel vehicles, which is already a reality in Stuttgart and Hamburg. HEERO offers you a pragmatic and economically superior alternative to a new purchase: Convert your proven diesel transporters with box bodies for furniture transport to electric. This way, you preserve the value of your special bodies, reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 28%, and guarantee unrestricted access to all environmental zones.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Why Retrofitting Surpasses Buying New
The decision between converting an existing diesel transporter and purchasing a new electric vehicle is primarily an economic one. A new electric transporter with a comparable box body represents an investment that often exceeds the cost of a conversion by 50%. Adding to this is the significant depreciation that can amount to up to 25% for new vehicles in the first year. The conversion, on the other hand, protects your original investment in the expensive special structure. A TCO analysis shows that the total operating costs for converted vehicles are significantly reduced through lower energy, maintenance, and tax burdens. Studies have shown that electric transporters are already cheaper over their lifetime than diesel models. Government funding programs that can cover up to 80% of conversion costs further improve the equation. The exemption from the truck toll for electric vehicles until the end of 2025 represents another direct cost advantage. These factors make the analysis of total operating costs a crucial planning tool. Thus, the conversion is not just an expense but an investment in the future profitability of your fleet.
Technological Sovereignty: The HEERO D2E conversion process
The patented HEERO D2E (Diesel-to-Electric) conversion transforms your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into a powerful electric vehicle. This process is based on the principle of circular economy, by preserving and upgrading high-quality vehicle components. Instead of scrapping a functioning vehicle, we significantly extend its lifecycle. Our conversion process is designed for maximum efficiency and minimal downtime for your fleet. Within just 10 working days, the diesel powertrain is replaced by our electric high-performance drive. The result is a van with a power of 245 HP and a combined WLTP range of up to 425 km, ideal for the demanding delivery traffic in furniture transport. The process in detail:
Vehicle analysis and planning of the conversion.
Removal of the combustion engine and all related components.
Installation of the HEERO electric powertrain and high-performance battery.
Integration of the control electronics and charging system.
Adjustment of the cockpit with new displays for electric operation.
Comprehensive quality control and safety tests to the highest standards.
TÜV approval and handover of the newly certified e-van.
Through this standardized process, you can bypass the long delivery times for new vehicles and quickly modernize your fleet. This ensures the continuity of your logistics processes without compromising performance.
Future security guaranteed: Unrestricted access to all city centers
The increasing number of environmental and zero-emission zones in German cities is becoming the greatest operational challenge for logistics companies. Cities like Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Darmstadt have already imposed driving bans on older diesel vehicles that directly affect delivery traffic. A violation can result in fines of over 100 euros. For a furniture transport company, whose success depends on reliable delivery in urban centers, access security is crucial. A converted electric van receives a green badge and is exempt from all existing and future driving bans. This gives you an unrestricted competitive advantage and absolute planning security for your routes. You no longer have to reroute or refuse orders because the destination is in an environmental zone. The conversion of your diesel transporters is the most direct way to meet strict legal requirements and prepare your fleet for the future of city logistics. This not only responds to current laws but also acts proactively for the demands of tomorrow.
Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage: More than Just CO2 Reduction
The decision to convert a diesel van with a box body to electric is a strong commitment to sustainability that goes far beyond mere emissions reduction. You act according to the principles of circular economy, a concept that is gaining increasing importance in the automotive industry. Instead of consuming resources for a completely new vehicle, you retain the value and the grey energy contained in your existing van and its specialized body. This significantly reduces waste and the demand for raw materials. Additionally, you benefit from further ecological advantages:
Noise reduction: E-vans are nearly silent. This allows for deliveries in residential areas during off-peak hours without disturbing residents, which is strictly regulated by law in cities like Berlin.
Improved air quality: You not only eliminate CO2 but also nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particles, which directly contributes to improving air quality in city centers.
Positive brand image: More and more customers, both in the B2B and B2C sectors, demonstrably prefer companies that act sustainably.
By actively implementing your sustainability goals in the fleet, you strengthen your brand and position yourself as a responsible partner for municipalities and environmentally conscious customers. This is a clear advantage in a competitive market.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO – economical, pragmatic, and future-proof
The conversion of your diesel vans with box bodies for furniture transport is the smartest decision for the future of your company. You protect your valuable investments in special structures, sustainably reduce your total cost of ownership (TCO), and secure unrestricted access to all city centers. With the patented D2E technology from Heero, you are opting for a proven, powerful, and sustainable solution based on the principle of circular economy. Forego expensive new purchases and long waiting times. Instead, you receive a modernized, fully electric transporter tailored perfectly to the requirements of furniture logistics in just 10 days. Heero is your innovative partner that combines economy and ecology. Take the decisive step and ensure the competitiveness of your fleet. Request your personal consultation now or book a trial run at no cost to experience the benefits yourself.
More useful links
Statista provides comprehensive statistics and data on electromobility.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure provides information on charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.
The Federal Ministry of Transport informs about commercial vehicles with alternative drives and climate protection in transport.
Logistra highlights the changes in the commercial vehicle market and the increase in electric trucks and buses.
Eurotransport reports on an ICCT study that demonstrates the cost neutrality of electric trucks.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) offers information on the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KSNI).
The Fraunhofer IML provides research results and information on electromobility.
The Federal Environment Agency publishes papers analyzing the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
FAQ
What are the advantages of conversion compared to buying a new e-transporter?
The conversion conserves your capital because it is cheaper than a new purchase. It preserves the value of your existing, expensive box body, avoids long delivery times, and is based on the sustainable principle of a circular economy by continuing to use a proven vehicle.
Are there government subsidies for converting diesel transporters?
Yes, the federal government and the states offer attractive funding programs such as the KsNI directive, which covers up to 80% of the additional costs for converting to an electric drive. Heero supports you in applying for these grants.
Is the range of a converted transporter sufficient for furniture logistics?
Absolutely. With a practical range of up to 425 km, the converted transporters easily cover the typical daily distances in furniture and delivery traffic, including a buffer for unforeseen trips.
Does the payload of my transporter remain after conversion?
The payload is affected by the conversion, but we design the conversion to be optimally configured for its intended use, such as furniture transport. In a personal consultation, we analyze your exact requirements for the payload and find the right solution.
What guarantees does Heero offer on the conversion?
Heero offers comprehensive guarantees on all newly installed electric components, including the drivetrain and the battery. You receive a technically flawless and reliable vehicle designed for the tough working day.
How can I test Heero technology?
We are convinced of our technology and want you to be too. That's why we offer you the opportunity to test one of our converted transporters in your daily operations – completely free of charge. Contact us to schedule a practical test.
