E-Bus Models 2025: Achieving the TCO turnaround with 80% funding and retrofitting.
Secure up to 425 km of range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade and receive 80% of the costs subsidized? The current funding round from the federal government makes this possible. Act now, as the application deadline is August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
The BMDV funding guideline subsidizes the acquisition or conversion of electric buses by 80% and charging infrastructure by 40% until August 31, 2025.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion is a sustainable and economical alternative to buying new, which preserves existing vehicle value and promotes the circular economy.
HEERO E-Bus models like the Tourer offer practical ranges of up to 400 km and can be quickly made ready for use again thanks to high DC charging capacity (up to 165 kW).
Rising diesel prices, strict climate regulations through the Clean Vehicles Directive, and high bureaucratic effort are putting pressure on fleet operators. Many are delaying electrification due to concerns about high investments and unclear profitability. However, now is the time to act: With the current funding guideline from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), you can receive up to 80% subsidy for the purchase of new e-bus models or the retrofitting of your existing fleet. This guide pragmatically shows you how to set the course for a future-proof fleet, reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and maintain valuable vehicle builds. The deadline for application submission is August 31, 2025.
Legal imperative: Why the time is ripe for e-buses now
The European Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), creates concrete pressure for action. For public procurers, a minimum quota of 45 percent for "clean" buses applies for new purchases until the reference period ends in 2025. Half of this, or 22.5 percent, must be fully emissions-free. As of 2026, these quotas will rise to 65 percent, half of which must be emissions-free. These requirements make the transition to e-bus models no longer an option, but a necessity. Failing to meet these quotas can have legal and financial consequences. Thus, the transition is a strategic decision to secure your future operational capabilities. The crucial question is no longer whether, but how the transition can be achieved economically and efficiently.
Your 4-point action plan for timely electrification
To avoid missing the funding deadline on August 31, 2025, a structured approach is crucial. With this practice-tested plan, you will safely navigate through the process:
Needs Analysis and TCO Forecast: Analyze your current routes, circulation plans, and operating costs. We support you in calculating the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) - the total operating costs over the entire lifespan - for various electric bus scenarios.
Funding Check and Application: The current BMDV guideline offers an 80 percent subsidy on the additional costs of an electric bus or a conversion. We will check your individual eligibility for funding and guide you through the application process to ensure the deadline is met.
Define Vehicle Solution: Decide between purchasing new Heero E-buses or a sustainable Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) of your reliable existing vehicles.
Plan Charging Infrastructure: Alongside vehicle selection, the appropriate charging infrastructure must be designed. For this, too, there is a subsidy of 40 percent, which we will include in the funding application for you.
The choice of the right vehicle solution is particularly crucial for long-term success.
Circular Economy in Practice: The Benefits of Diesel-to-Electric Conversions (DTE)
Why replace an entire vehicle when only the drivetrain is outdated? The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is the core of our philosophy and often the most economical solution. In this process, we replace the diesel engine and tank with a modern HEERO electric drive and battery systems. This reduces investment costs compared to a new purchase by up to 40 percent. This approach is a prime example of the circular economy as it extends the lifespan of an existing vehicle chassis and expensive specialized equipment. The benefits are clear:
Investment Protection: Your expensive and proven vehicle bodies remain fully intact and continue to be used.
Sustainability: A conversion results in around 40 percent fewer emissions over the lifetime compared to purchasing a new electric vehicle.
Speed: Converting a vehicle is completed in a few weeks, while the delivery times for new bus manufacturers are often many months.
Economics: You benefit from lower acquisition costs and the full 80 percent of BMDV funding.
For fleets planning an addition or a complete replacement, our new vehicles offer specialized performance profiles.
Specialized HEERO e-bus models for every purpose
Our e-bus models are based on proven technology and are optimized for specific requirements in passenger transport. Each model offers a well-tested combination of range, charging power, and capacity.
Low-floor buses for modern public transport
For city and community transit, we offer two specialized low-floor models. The HEERO medium low-floor bus features a battery capacity of 137 kWh gross (115 kWh net) and can be fast-charged with up to 165 kW DC, allowing for a range of up to 300 kilometers. Our rear low-floor bus, equipped with a 110 kWh battery (96 kWh net) and 135 kW charging power, also achieves a range of up to 300 kilometers and is perfect for flexible city routes. Discover the technical specifications of our Mercedes electric buses.
Flexible passenger transport with the HEERO E-Tourer
The HEERO Tourer is the ideal solution for shuttle service, demand-responsive transport, or as an electric minibus for up to nine people. With a 110 kWh battery (96 kWh net) and a DC charging power of up to 135 kW, it reaches an impressive range of up to 400 kilometers. This makes longer intercity trips or airport transfers possible without intermediate charging. This electric minibus sets new standards in its class. However, the pure vehicle performance is only one side of the coin; the total costs over the vehicle's lifetime determine the cost-effectiveness.
TCO Analysis: How E-buses Provenly Reduce Operating Costs
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the key figure for the economic efficiency of your fleet. It includes all costs from acquisition to operation to maintenance. While e-buses are more expensive to purchase, this disadvantage reverses over their lifetime. Studies show that maintenance costs for an e-bus are up to 40 percent lower than for a diesel counterpart, as oil changes and exhaust system maintenance are eliminated. Moreover, energy costs per kilometer are significantly lower and more stable than the fluctuating diesel prices. The current BMDV funding of 80 percent on the additional acquisition costs and 40 percent on charging infrastructure nearly eliminates the initial investment barrier. Start your individual TCO analysis now and see for yourself how quickly the switch pays off. To fully exploit the potential for reducing TCO, a well-thought-out charging infrastructure is essential.
Charging infrastructure: The strategic backbone of your e-fleet
An efficient charging infrastructure is the key to the successful operation of e-bus fleets. The planning must take into account operational processes, routes, and downtime. Our Heero e-bus models are designed for high charging capacities. The mid-low-floor bus charges with up to 165 kW, all other models with up to 135 kW. This means that in a short break of 30 minutes, the battery can be recharged to 80 percent. The BMDV guideline promotes the necessary charging infrastructure with 40 percent of the investment costs. This includes not only the charging stations themselves but also grid connections and necessary construction work. We analyze your needs and integrate the infrastructure costs directly into your e-bus purchase and funding planning. This way, you secure a future-proof and highly available charging solution.
More useful links
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy provides a final report on the accompanying study of electric buses in public local transport.
PwC provides information and analyses on the market for electric buses in the public sector.
Statista offers statistics on the number of electric buses in Germany, broken down by drive type.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport informs about the milestone of 1000 funded electric buses.
PwC provides a supporting study on the promotion of electric buses in public local transport.
DEKRA provides information on the conversion of vehicles to electric drive.
National Platform for the Future of Mobility (NPM) offers a report on electromobility.
Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) informs about its E-Bus project.
FAQ
What does Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion mean?
In the DTE conversion, the combustion engine of an existing diesel bus is replaced by a powerful electric drive and modern battery systems. This conserves resources, preserves the value of expensive special bodies, and is often cheaper and faster than a new purchase.
How long does it take to charge a HEERO E-Bus?
Thanks to high DC fast-charging capability of up to 165 kW, the battery can be charged to 80% of its capacity in about 30 minutes. This allows flexible integration into existing circulation schedules, for example, during the driver's break.
What is the lifespan of the batteries in the E-Bus models?
Our battery systems are designed for demanding daily use in public transport and are built for a long lifespan of many years and thousands of charge cycles. They are a central component of the long-term favorable Total Cost of Ownership.
Who can apply for the E-Bus subsidy?
Private and communal transport companies operating in public transport are eligible to apply. We support you in checking your eligibility and timely submission of all documents until August 31, 2025.
What is included in the 40% subsidy for charging infrastructure?
The subsidy covers 40% of the costs for the design and construction of the charging infrastructure. This includes the charging stations (hardware), the grid connection, any necessary transformer stations as well as the associated civil engineering and installation work.
What happens if I miss the deadline on August 31, 2025?
The current funding directive of the BMDV is valid until December 31, 2025, with the last known application deadline being August 31, 2025. Whether there will be a follow-up program with similarly high funding quotas thereafter is uncertain. At the same time, the legal requirements under the Clean Vehicles Directive continue to increase.
