Buy E-Bus with 80% funding: Your plan for timely fleet electrification 2025
Over 3,500 electric buses are securing an 80% subsidy – when will you electrify your fleet? Given the rising diesel prices and stricter climate regulations, the switch is no longer a question of "if", but "when". Act now before the critical funding deadline ends on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
Take advantage of the government funding of 80% for the purchase or conversion of an electric bus and 40% for charging infrastructure, with an application deadline of August 31, 2025.
Consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) rather than just the purchase price; e-buses save up to 60% on maintenance and energy.
The diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is a sustainable alternative to purchasing new vehicles, conserving resources and extending the lifecycle of your fleet.
The electrification of bus fleets is a central challenge for municipalities and transport companies. High investment costs, bureaucratic effort, and technological uncertainties hinder many decision-makers. At the same time, the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive and national climate goals increase the pressure to act. This article is your pragmatic guide: We show you how to buy an electric bus or retrofit your existing fleet with a clear 4-point checklist, significantly reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and secure the government funding of 80% for vehicles and retrofits on time. Discover an economically and environmentally sustainable way.
First August 31, 2025: Why now is the right time to act
The time to transition your fleet is now. The current funding guideline from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a one-time subsidy rate of 80% on the purchase or conversion of electric buses. However, applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. This deadline creates a clear urgency without leaving room for alarmism. It is a pragmatic call to make a strategic decision, supported by significant financial incentives.
At the same time, the European Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) increases pressure on public procurers. It has mandated minimum quotas for the procurement of zero-emission buses since August 2021, which will be further tightened starting in 2026. Those who do not act now risk not only higher operating costs but also non-compliance with legal requirements. The combination of expiring record funding and increasing regulatory requirements makes the first half of 2025 a critical time window for a future-proof investment in an electric bus. The next step is a structured plan to effectively take advantage of this opportunity.
Your 4-point plan for the subsidized e-bus
A successful transition requires a systematic approach. With the following checklist, you can navigate safely through the process of purchasing an e-bus and obtaining funding:
Conduct a needs analysis: Analyze your current route profiles with a mileage of up to 500 kilometers per day. Gather passenger volumes and specific requirements to identify the suitable vehicle model, from electric minibus to the 12-meter bus.
Choose the right solution: Decide between a new vehicle and a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE). A DTE conversion transforms your existing diesel vehicles into powerful e-buses while saving your budget and valuable resources – a clear commitment to the circular economy.
Submit the funding application on time: Gather all necessary documents for the application under the KsNI guidelines. The 80% funding for vehicles and DTE, as well as 40% for charging infrastructure, are crucial for feasibility.
Plan implementation and commissioning: Clarify the location issues for the charging infrastructure with charging power of up to 165 kW. Plan the integration of new vehicles into operational processes and training for at least 10% of your driving staff.
Choosing the right technological solution is key to long-term success.
Costs in Focus: Total Cost of Ownership instead of pure acquisition
The higher purchase price for an e-bus initially deters many fleet operators. However, a pure focus on the purchase price is too narrow. Crucial for an economic evaluation is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), that is, the total operating costs over the entire lifespan of the vehicle. The TCO analysis shows that e-buses often surpass their diesel counterparts after just a few years.
The key factors for the lower electric bus costs in operation are:
Energy costs: The electricity costs per 100 kilometers are significantly lower than expenses for diesel, often at only 50% of the costs.
Maintenance and repair: E-buses have fewer wear parts. The elimination of oil changes, exhaust systems, and complex engine components reduces maintenance costs by up to 60%.
Government subsidies: The grant of 80% on the purchase or DTE conversion lowers the initial investment to the level of a diesel bus and makes the TCO attractive from the start.
Tax benefits: E-vehicles often benefit from a ten-year exemption from vehicle tax.
Especially the diesel-to-electric conversion offers a leverage to further optimize the TCO, as the expensive body and superstructure are retained. But it's not just the costs; the technological performance is also convincing today.
Technology that convinces: Mastering range and charging infrastructure
The concern about insufficient range is a thing of the past. Modern e-buses offer practical ranges for almost every application purpose. Our Heero models cover distances of up to 400 kilometers with a single charge, such as the Heero Tourer for 9 people. Even our specialized low-floor buses reliably reach up to 300 kilometers. These values are based on real operational data and provide planning security for daily operations.
The battery and charging technology is at the core of this performance capability. Here are the facts:
Battery capacity: Our standard models, like the rear low-floor bus, use a battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net capacity. The medium low-floor bus is equipped with a larger battery with 137 kWh gross (115 kWh net).
DC fast charging: Our buses typically charge at up to 135 kW. The medium low-floor bus even achieves a charging power of up to 165 kW, reducing the charging time to around 45 minutes for an 80% charge.
Subsidized infrastructure: The necessary charging infrastructure for operation is also subsidized by 40%, significantly reducing implementation costs.
With the right combination of vehicle and charging concept, the electric bus range can be optimally managed. This leads to a sustainable solution that goes beyond mere usage.
Sustainability through circular economy: The lifespan of electric buses
An E-bus is more than just an emission-free vehicle; it is a building block of the circular economy. This is especially true for the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE). Instead of scrapping a fully functional bus, its lifecycle is extended by at least ten years. This not only saves around 80 tons of CO₂ that would be emitted during the production of a new bus, but also conserves valuable resources.
The battery itself is also designed for long and sustainable use. When a vehicle battery has reached about 80% of its original capacity after many years of intensive use, it is no longer optimal for demanding vehicle applications. However, it is far from being waste. These batteries begin a second life as stationary energy storage and help stabilize power grids or maximize self-consumption of solar energy in operating yards. Only after this second lifecycle are the batteries subjected to a specialized recycling process, during which over 90% of valuable raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel are recovered. Thus, the cycle closes, making the E-bus a thoroughly sustainable investment.
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More useful links
KfW provides information on four funding options for sustainable mobility for businesses.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides the funding guidelines for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
KfW Research publishes a publication on the topic of e-mobility as part of its focus on economics series.
MDPI offers a scientific article on the topic of electromobility.
Federal Network Agency informs about electromobility, especially regarding grid connection and regulation.
National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure provides information on electromobility for commercial vehicles.
Federal Environment Agency publishes an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) provides information on the drivetrain strategy for commercial vehicles.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of electric buses.
FAQ
What is the difference between a DTE conversion and a new purchase?
With a new purchase, you acquire a completely new vehicle. In the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE), your existing diesel bus is converted: The combustion engine and tank are replaced by an electric motor and a battery. This is faster, more cost-effective, and more sustainable since the vehicle body is reused.
How long does it take to charge an E-bus?
The charging duration depends on the battery size and charging power. At a DC fast charging station with 135 kW power, a HEERO E-Bus is charged to about 80% in approximately 60 minutes. Models like the low-floor bus with 165 kW charging power reach this value in about 45 minutes.
What is the lifespan of an E-bus battery?
An E-bus battery is designed for a long lifespan of many years in vehicle use. After that, it typically still has a residual capacity of about 80% and can be reused in a “second life” as a stationary energy storage before being recycled.
Who can apply for E-bus funding?
Eligible applicants for the KsNI funding include companies in the commercial economy, municipalities, public corporations and institutions, as well as registered associations. Leasing companies can also apply but must pass the funding on to the lessee.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) refers to the total operating costs of a vehicle over its entire useful life. This includes not only the purchase price but also all costs for energy, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and repairs. For E-buses, the TCO is often cheaper than for diesel buses.
Is the range of E-buses reduced in winter?
Yes, as with all electric vehicles, the range in winter can decrease by 15-25% due to the increased energy demand for heating and the lower battery efficiency in cold weather. This is taken into account in route and charging planning through a conservative range calculation.
