E-Bus Funding Application 2025: Your Checklist for Maximum Grants
The federal government has launched a new call for applications for e-buses, but time is of the essence. With a deadline set for August 31, 2025, applications must be accurate and complete in order to benefit from the substantial grants. Our practical checklist will guide you safely through the process and maximize your chances of success.
The topic briefly and concisely
Project outlines for e-bus funding must be submitted by August 31, 2025, in order to receive up to 80% of the additional costs for vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Funding is provided for the acquisition of battery and fuel cell buses, the retrofitting of diesel vehicles, as well as the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure.
Applications are evaluated in a competitive process, where CO₂ savings, cost-effectiveness, and the current level of electrification of the vehicle fleet are critical criteria.
Rising operating costs and strict emission requirements are forcing fleet operators to take action. The electrification of public and commercial passenger transport is no longer an option but a strategic necessity. The federal government has set the course and supports this transition with an attractive subsidy program that covers up to 80% of the additional investment costs for e-buses and charging infrastructure. This guide provides you with a detailed e-bus subsidy application checklist for 2025 to unlock the full potential of these subsidies for your company. HEERO is at your side as an experienced partner, from application submission to the commissioning of your new, highly efficient e-fleet.
Action window 2025: Why now is the right time for your funding application
The current funding round is a clear signal from the federal government to accelerate the transformation of transportation. With the "Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Public Transport" valid until the end of 2025, a tried and tested instrument is being continued. The deadline for submitting project outlines already ends on August 31, 2025, which requires fast and strategic action. Transport companies that take the initiative now position themselves optimally in the competitive award process. Especially companies with few or no electric buses in their fleet are preferred for the award. The funding of 80% of the additional costs compared to a diesel counterpart significantly lowers the investment barrier. This also enables smaller municipalities and private bus companies to enter electric mobility. The course for successful fleet electrification will be set in the coming weeks.
The ultimate E-bus funding application checklist for 2025
A successful application is based on completeness and precision. The Federal Ministry evaluates applications based on criteria such as CO₂ reduction and electrification rate. Use the following checklist to optimally prepare your project outline:
Project Description: Clearly define the goals, the scope of procurement (number and type of buses), and the planned operational context (e.g., city, regional, or plant traffic).
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Present the additional investment costs of an e-bus compared to a reference diesel vehicle. This forms the basis for calculating the funding rate of 80%.
CO₂ Savings Potential: Calculate the expected reduction of greenhouse gas emissions over the entire lifespan of the vehicles. Since 2021, 830,000 tons of CO2 have already been avoided.
Charging Infrastructure Concept: Plan the necessary charging, refueling, and maintenance infrastructure. The costs for this are also eligible for funding.
Schedule: Outline a realistic schedule from the tender (within 6 months after the notification) to the binding order (within 12 months).
Proof of Eligibility to Apply: Attach all necessary documents that identify you as an eligible transport company or user.
This careful preparation is crucial since the allocation of funds takes place in a competitive procedure.
More than just vehicles: promoting charging infrastructure as a success factor
A powerful fleet requires equally powerful infrastructure. The funding program explicitly considers this critical aspect. The subsidies cover not only the acquisition of battery or fuel cell buses but also the associated charging and refueling infrastructure. This includes depot charging solutions, fast charging stations at terminal stops, and the necessary grid connection. The integrated planning of vehicles and infrastructure is a key criterion for a positive funding decision. HEERO supports you in developing a comprehensive electrification concept that is precisely tailored to your operational processes. This ensures that your new e-bus fleet operates with maximum efficiency and reliability from day one. Proper infrastructure planning secures the long-term profitability of your investment.
From sketch to award: The path through the application process
The process from idea to funding notification is clearly structured. The first and most important step is the timely submission of your project outline by August 31, 2025. This is done exclusively through the online portal 'easy-Online'. After submission, the outlines undergo a competitive evaluation process. In this process, the projects are evaluated and prioritized based on their climate impact, degree of innovation, and economic viability. Applications that demonstrate a high CO₂ reduction with the least funding required per saved ton of CO₂ have the best chances. A positive notification is the starting signal for concrete implementation. Within six months, the procurement of the vehicles must take place, and the binding order must be submitted no later than twelve months. Therefore, a professional preparation and support of the process is essential to meet these tight deadlines.
HEERO as your partner: From application to practical test
The complexity of the funding application and the subsequent implementation can be a challenge for many companies. HEERO offers you more than just state-of-the-art electric vehicles based on the proven Sprinter. We see ourselves as your strategic partner for the electrification of your entire fleet. Our team of experts supports you every step of the way: from creating a meaningful project outline and conducting a detailed economic feasibility analysis to planning the optimal charging infrastructure. We help you meet the requirements of the BMDV guideline and position your application for maximum success. Our patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) is also a fundable option that preserves existing special structures and implements the principles of the circular economy. This way, you protect your investments and accelerate the path to zero emissions. Partnering with us significantly simplifies the process.
Conclusion: Economic viability and sustainability through targeted support
The E-bus subsidy 2025 offers a unique opportunity to set the course for future-proof, clean, and quiet passenger transport. With grants of up to 80% of the additional investment costs, the switch to electric drives becomes not only ecologically but also economically highly attractive. The structured preparation with the help of our E-bus funding application checklist for 2025 is the key to success. Heero accompanies you as an innovative and pragmatic solution partner through the entire process. We not only secure the funding but also deliver the suitable, tried-and-tested vehicle technology. Request your personal consultation now or book a daily test free of charge. Experience the performance and cost-effectiveness of our solutions for yourself.
More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides comprehensive information on the funding guidelines for alternative drives in passenger transport and the mobility transition in Germany.
The Project Management Jülich (PtJ) coordinates the implementation of funding programs on behalf of the BMDV and supports applicants in project execution.
NOW GmbH is the National Organization for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology and is also involved in coordinating funding programs for alternative drives.
The European Commission provides information on the EU facility NextGenerationEU, from which funds for the German Recovery and Resilience Plan (DARP) and the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF) are co-financed.
FAQ
What happens if my grant application is approved?
After a positive funding notification, you must start the bus tender process within 6 months and place the binding order within 12 months.
Can I also apply for funding to retrofit my existing diesel buses?
Yes, retrofitting conventional buses to battery or fuel cell drives is explicitly eligible for funding. This is a core competence of Heero and conserves valuable resources and investments.
How does Heero support me in the application process?
Heero offers comprehensive consulting that starts with the creation of the project outline and includes economic feasibility calculation as well as planning of charging infrastructure to maximize the chances of your application success.
What role does CO₂ savings play in the evaluation?
CO₂ avoidance is a central criterion in the competitive award procedure. Applications are assessed, among other things, on how efficiently the funds are used for CO₂ reduction.
Are companies that do not yet have e-buses preferred?
Yes, the funding directive stipulates that transport companies with no or only a few electric buses in their fleet will be preferred in the award process to support wide market uptake.
Where do I submit the grant application?
Project outlines must be submitted via the electronic application and proposal system 'easy-Online.'
