E-Bus Funding 2025: How to secure 80% funding for the electrification of your fleet
The federal government has launched a new funding round for e-buses and the conversion of utility vehicles. With up to 80% subsidy on the additional investment costs, now is the ideal time to make your fleet future-proof. We will show you how to successfully submit the e-bus funding application for 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
A new funding call for e-buses and vehicle conversions is active, applications can be submitted until August 31, 2025.
The subsidy covers up to 80% of the additional investment costs for new vehicles and explicitly also the costs for retrofitting diesel vehicles.
The conversion of existing special vehicles (e.g. Sprinter base) is a particularly economical alternative to new purchases due to the funding.
Rising operating costs and strict emission regulations pose enormous challenges for fleet operators. Electrification is the logical consequence, but the investment costs are high. The federal government has responded to this and launched a new funding call in July 2025 for the “Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Passenger Transport”. This program offers up to 80% subsidy for the purchase of e-buses and explicitly also for the conversion of existing diesel vehicles. For municipalities, logistics companies, and craft businesses, this is the opportunity to make the transition economically and sustainably. Heero is your partner to make the most of this opportunity.
New funding call 2025: The key data of the current e-bus funding
The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) has initiated a new, highly anticipated funding round for electric buses. Project outlines for planned new purchases or conversions can be submitted by transport companies and other bus users until August 31, 2025. The funding rate for new vehicles is up to 80 percent of the additional investment costs compared to a reference vehicle with a diesel drive. This significantly reduces the acquisition costs for a new electric transport vehicle. The allocation takes place in a competitive process, where criteria such as CO₂ avoidance and degree of electrification play a central role. Especially companies that currently have only a few electric vehicles in their fleet will be given preferential treatment. This realignment creates an excellent starting position for entering electromobility. The current funding guideline is the basis for your next step.
Eligible measures: More than just a new purchase
The current funding program goes far beyond mere subsidies for new vehicles. It follows a holistic approach that comprehensively supports the transformation of fleets. A central component is the explicit funding for the retrofitting of conventional buses to alternative drives. This is particularly relevant when no suitable new vehicle is available on the market or the retrofit represents a more economical alternative. For operators of special vehicles based on Sprinter, this is a crucial message. Their expensive setups can be preserved and sustainably reused. The following measures are eligible for funding:
Acquisition of new battery and fuel cell buses.
The D2E retrofit of existing diesel vehicles to a purely electric drive.
Establishment of the necessary charging and refueling infrastructure for operation.
Preparation of feasibility studies for planning fleet electrification.
This broad funding base allows you to develop a tailored strategy for your fleet.
The application process: 4 steps to funding
The path to funding is clearly structured and requires careful preparation. The process from the idea to the approved application for E-Bus funding 2025 can be divided into four phases. Early planning is crucial, as the deadline for submitting project outlines ends on August 31, 2025. A successful application begins long before filling out the form. Here is an overview of the process:
Concept development: Define your needs. Analyze whether a new purchase or an economic retrofit is the better solution for your specific requirements.
Submission of the project outline: Submit your detailed project outline in a timely manner by August 31, 2025, via the online portal easy-Online.
Evaluation and selection: The BMV evaluates the outlines in a competitive process based on criteria such as CO₂ efficiency and degree of innovation.
Award and implementation: After a positive notification, the tendering of the vehicles must occur within 6 months and the binding order within 12 months.
A detailed preparation is the key to meet the important deadlines.
Economic efficiency in focus: Why retrofitting is particularly worthwhile
The decision between purchasing new and retrofitting has significant impacts on your total cost of ownership (TCO). While subsidies make acquiring a new e-bus attractive, the D2E retrofit from Heero often provides a greater economic advantage. A typical Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a special configuration can have acquisition costs of over 150,000 euros. Our retrofit preserves this value and only transforms the drive system. This not only preserves capital but is also a prime example of the circular economy. The eligibility for funding of the retrofit further lowers the investment threshold. You save up to 40% of the costs compared to purchasing a completely new e-special vehicle. This makes the electrification of your fleet profitable more quickly. The combination of value preservation and government funding makes retrofitting the pragmatic and solution-oriented choice for forward-thinking fleet managers.
HEERO as a partner: From application to finished electric vehicle
A grant application can be complex. HEERO supports you not only with leading technology but also in overcoming administrative hurdles. We offer comprehensive advice to find the optimal strategy for your fleet and increase the chances of maximizing the subsidy rate of 80 percent. Our experts know the requirements of the funding guidelines and help you to create a convincing project sketch. We provide you with all the technical data for our D2E conversion or our new vehicles, including a range of up to 425 km. Our patented technology is based on the proven platform of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and guarantees reliability and performance. With over 10 years of experience in electrification, we are the ideal partner for municipalities and logistics companies. Use our expertise for a successful grant application.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO
The current 2025 funding round is a unique opportunity to set the course for an emissions-free and economically sustainable future for your fleet. With funding covering up to 80% of the additional costs and the explicit inclusion of retrofitting, the transition has never been more attractive. HEERO offers you an innovative solution with the D2E retrofitting that conserves capital and is based on the principle of circular economy. Alternatively, our new vehicles based on the Sprinter platform represent a powerful option. We combine ecological benefits with clear economic advantages and position ourselves as your pragmatic partner for demanding fleet electrification. Act now, the time is ripe. Request a personal consultation or book an everyday test at no cost to experience the HEERO performance yourself.
More useful links
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport provides comprehensive information on current funding programs in the area of electromobility and sustainable transport development, such as e-bus funding.
Through the portal easy-Online, project outlines and applications for various federal funding programs, including e-bus funding, can be submitted digitally and on time.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI researches innovative solutions for electromobility and sustainable transport concepts that are relevant for fleet electrification.
FAQ
What happens after submitting my project outline?
After timely submission by 31.08.2025, all project outlines will be evaluated by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) in a competitive process. Criteria include, among others, CO₂ reduction. If the decision is positive, you have 6 months for the tender and 12 months for the order.
Is the funding combinable with other programs like the GHG premium?
Yes, in principle, you can apply for the GHG premium for your purely electric vehicle. This is independent of the investment funding for acquisition or conversion. However, the exact rules for accumulation need to be checked.
Does Heero support the preparation of the application documents?
Absolutely. We offer comprehensive advice and provide you with all necessary technical specifications and profitability calculations for our vehicles and conversions to optimize your project outline for the E-Bus funding application 2025.
What advantages does the Heero D2E conversion offer in the context of funding?
Our D2E conversion is an eligible measure that allows you to retain expensive special conversions on your existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fleet. This significantly reduces the total investment compared to a new purchase and shortens the amortization period, which can be presented as particularly economical in the funding application.
Is the funding only for buses or also for transporters like the Sprinter?
The current directive aims at the "promotion of alternative drives for buses in passenger transport." Vehicles like the Sprinter, used for passenger transport (e.g., as a community bus or in shuttle services), clearly fall under this regulation. For pure freight transport, there are separate funding programs like the (currently paused) KsNI directive.
What charging infrastructure is funded?
The necessary charging, refueling, and maintenance infrastructure for the operation of the vehicles is funded. This includes both depot charging solutions at the company premises and fast-charging points required for vehicle use.
