E-Bus Conversion Funding 2025: How to Secure an 80% Grant for Your Fleet
Rising operating costs and stricter emissions regulations are putting pressure on your commercial vehicle fleet. The new federal funding for 2025 offers a unique opportunity to address these challenges. Learn how upgrading your tried-and-true vehicles can not only save you up to 80% of the additional costs but also sustainably reduce overall operating costs.
The topic briefly and concisely
The federal government is funding the conversion from diesel to electric buses in 2025 with up to 80% of the additional costs; the application deadline is August 31, 2025.
Retrofitting existing vehicles protects investments in special bodies and is more sustainable than purchasing a new one thanks to the circular economy.
Electric vans reduce total operating costs (TCO) by up to 25% per kilometer through lower energy and maintenance costs.
For fleet operators in municipalities and companies, the decarbonization of the fleet is one of the greatest challenges of the coming years. High investment costs for new electric vehicles and the depreciation of existing special constructions present significant hurdles. With the new funding call from the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) for "Promotion of alternative drives for buses," electrification is now within reach. Particularly the promotion of electric bus conversion for 2025 opens up a pragmatic and economically superior path. Heero positions itself here as your partner, offering a practical solution with the patented D2E conversion for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which protects investments and reduces operating costs by up to 25%.
Federal government reactivates funding for electric buses and retrofitting 2025
The Federal Ministry of Transport launched a new funding call in July 2025 to accelerate the transition to climate-friendly drives. Transport companies and other operators of bus fleets can submit project outlines for procurement or conversion until August 31, 2025. Up to 80% of the additional investment costs compared to a diesel vehicle are subsidized. The program includes battery buses, fuel cell buses, and explicitly the conversion of conventional vehicles to electric drive. Since 2021, around 3,500 buses have already been funded with a volume of 1.2 billion euros. This new call is your chance to set the course for an emission-free and economical future. The approval of the applications will take place after the passage of the federal budget in autumn 2025. This will make the new funding guidelines the central support for the transport transition.
Value retention: Why retrofitting surpasses new purchases
The decision to electrify doesn't have to mean the total loss of your previous investments. Many fleets, especially those of municipalities or craft businesses, use expensive special superstructures on proven base vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. A new purchase would make these valuable superstructures obsolete. The HEERO D2E conversion follows the principle of the circular economy by modernizing the heart of your vehicle — the drive train — and retaining the chassis and superstructure. This approach not only saves your budget by up to 40% compared to a new purchase but also significantly reduces resource consumption. Remanufacturing is a key component in reducing dependency on primary raw materials and strengthening resilience. The funding for e-bus conversion for 2025 makes this path even more attractive. This way, you secure the value of your fleet and prepare it for the next 10 years. Learn more about the benefits in our detailed solution comparison.
Reduce total operating costs through electrification
The higher initial costs for electric mobility are more than compensated by significantly lower operating costs. A study by Transport & Environment proves that electric vans are already 25% cheaper per kilometer than comparable diesel models. This advantage results from several factors:
Energy costs: The electricity costs per kilometer are up to 70% lower than those for diesel.
Maintenance: E-drives have fewer wear parts, which reduces maintenance costs by over 60%.
Taxes & tolls: E-vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax and benefit from toll discounts of up to 50%.
CO2 levy: The rising CO2 tax on fossil fuels is completely eliminated.
The government support for the E-bus conversion for 2025 massively reduces the initial investment hurdle. With the Heero conversion, you achieve the TCO advantage without having to bear the costs of a completely new vehicle. An overview of the funding rates can be found at Funding for E-buses.
Application for Funding 2025: 4 Steps to Funding
The application procedure for the funding is competitive and clearly structured. Submission is made via the federal government’s online portal “easy-Online”. To maximize your chances, you should carefully prepare the following steps:
Define project: Determine the number of vehicles to be retrofitted and the need for charging infrastructure.
Request an offer: Contact us for a detailed offer for the Heero D2E conversion of your Sprinter fleet.
Create project sketch: Describe your project and outline the expected CO₂ savings and the deployment concept. We will support you with this.
Submit application: Submit the complete project sketch online by the deadline of 31 August 2025.
Companies that have few or no electric vehicles in use to date will be given preference when awarding funding. Use our checklist for the funding application to be optimally prepared.
HEERO D2E Conversion: Performance for Practice
Our patented Diesel-to-Electric (D2E) conversion transforms your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into state-of-the-art e-transports. Unlike many standard solutions, our system is designed for maximum performance and durability. With a range of up to 425 km, we set the benchmark in the industry. The conversion only takes 10 working days and retains the full utility of your vehicle, including all special superstructures. Our solution is explicitly considered in the current funding call. This combines the proven quality of your fleet with pioneering drive technology. The necessary planning of the charging infrastructure is also part of our comprehensive consulting services. Thus, the e-bus conversion with the funding in 2025 becomes an immediately implementable and profitable measure.
Conclusion: Now set the course for an economical and sustainable fleet.
The current E-Bus conversion subsidy 2025 offers an extraordinary opportunity for logistics companies, municipalities, and craft businesses. It enables the transition to electromobility without having to write off valuable existing vehicles. The combination of an 80% grant, massively reduced operating costs, and the preservation of your fleet’s value makes the HEERO D2E conversion the most strategically smart decision. Not only do you meet future environmental requirements, but you also increase your competitiveness. As an innovative partner, we support you from analysis through funding advice to final implementation. Don’t wait until the cost pressure increases further. Use the time window until August 31, 2025, and actively shape the future of your fleet. Request your personal consultation now or book a daily test at no charge.
More useful links
The Federal Ministry of Transport provides funding guidelines for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) informs about funding programs for climate protection and mobility.
The KfW offers funding for charging infrastructure.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action provides comprehensive information on electromobility.
The Federal Funding Database lists funding programs for applications and infrastructures of electric commercial vehicles.
Statista provides statistics on the stock of trucks with alternative drives in Germany.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) publishes the annual balance of the vehicle stock in Germany.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on electric buses.
FAQ
What exactly is done during the HEERO D2E conversion?
During our D2E conversion, we replace the entire diesel powertrain (engine, transmission, tank) of your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with our powerful electric drive with battery. The chassis, body, and interior remain untouched, so you can continue to use your vehicle as usual.
How long does the conversion of my vehicle take?
The complete conversion of your vehicle in our workshop usually takes only 10 working days. This way, we minimize downtime and seamlessly integrate electrification into your operation.
What range does an E-transporter converted by Heero have?
Our converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter achieves a proven range of up to 425 kilometers. This easily meets the requirements of most daily operations in logistics, crafts, and municipal services.
Does Heero support applying for subsidies?
Yes, we provide comprehensive support. Our team assists you in preparing the necessary documents and project outline to maximize your chances in the competitive process for the E-Bus conversion subsidy 2025.
Is the charging infrastructure needed for conversion also eligible for funding?
Yes, the current funding call from the BMV explicitly includes the necessary charging, refueling, and maintenance infrastructure that is acquired during the transition to alternative drives.
Can I test a converted vehicle?
Absolutely. We are confident in our technology and offer you a 'free everyday test'. This way, you can see for yourself the performance and practicality of our E-transporters. Just contact us to schedule an appointment.
