EBIN 8 in Austria: What the funding for the HEERO eMinibus provided for from September 2025
The EBIN funding in Austria entered its 8th edition in 2025 and was aimed at transport companies and regions; the HEERO mid-low-floor eMinibus was eligible for funding. We clarify open programs on a case-by-case basis.
Topics on this page
The topic briefly and concisely
EBIN 8 subsidized up to 60% of the additional costs for emission-free buses in Austria.
The 7-week submission period is from 3rd September to 22nd October 2025
The HEERO low-floor eMinibus offers a 137 kWh gross battery, over 300 km range, and individual configuration for up to 22 passengers.
On September 3, 2025, Austria launched the eighth call for proposals for the funding program EBIN – Emissionsfreie Busse und Infrastruktur (Emission-Free Buses and Infrastructure). Submissions were open until October 22, and the deadline has now passed. For transport companies, municipalities, and associations, the call provided up to 60% funding for locally emission-free buses and 60% for charging and refueling infrastructure. We clarify on a case-by-case basis which programs currently apply. As the Bavarian bus manufacturer HEERO Motors, we offer the perfect product for Austrian EBIN projects with the HEERO Mittelniederflur eMinibus.
Why EBIN 8 is so important
The Austrian federal government has anchored in its National Energy and Climate Plan the goal of being climate-neutral by 2040. Since 2021, EBIN has been supporting the transition in public passenger transport to battery-electric, trolley, and fuel cell buses as well as the required infrastructure.
By mid-2026, at least 579 buses are to be converted to emission-free drives. The seventh call, with a budget of €13 million, was completely exhausted within a few weeks – a clear signal of high demand.
Key Points of the EBIN 8 Call (Autumn 2025)
Publication September 3, 2025, followed by a submission deadline of seven weeks; this deadline has expired
Mandatory consultation meeting with the FFG, at least three weeks before the submission deadline
Funding rate for vehicles in the 8th call: up to 60% of the recognized additional costs
Funding rate for infrastructure in the 8th call: up to 60% of the recognized net investment costs
Maximum project duration until May 2027, retention obligation five years
Reference price for midi/mini buses (up to 10 m length): €115,000 diesel comparison price
HEERO Motors - Bavarian quality for the Austrian market
HEERO Motors develops and produces electric minibuses from Munich. The proximity to Austria ensures short supply chains and fast response times. Spare parts supply is unproblematic thanks to the Mercedes Sprinter base. German-language training and support ensure smooth operation and score well in the EBIN evaluation criterion “quality of the project”.
Product focus: HEERO low-floor eMinibus
Technical Highlights
Class M3, medium low-floor with up to 22 seats
Gross battery capacity: 137 kWh (net at least 115 kWh)
Range under normal conditions: over 300 km (50% payload, moderate topography, 20 °C)
AC charging power: up to 22 kW, DC fast charging 165 kW (20 to 80% in approx. 30 min.)
Drive concept "HEERO Direct Drive": gearless direct drive without bevel gear
Engine output: 180 kW (245 hp), gross vehicle weight 5,900 kg
Range and Application
Under normal conditions (half payload, moderate topography), the HEERO eMinibus achieves a realistic range of 300 km - enough for long shifts in cities like Vienna or Graz without intermediate charging.
HEERO Direct Drive
The permanent synchronous motor drives the rear axle directly. By eliminating the bevel gear, all gear oil changes, overhauls and expensive repairs are avoided. In the typical 12-year depreciation cycle of a municipal bus, this saves an estimated €15,000 in maintenance costs and prevents downtime.
Profitability and Subsidy Advantages
Base price HEERO eMinibus: from around €170,000 (depending on equipment from approx. €180,000)
Reference diesel midibus up to 10 m: €115,000
Additional costs: approx. €65,000
EBIN grant of the 8th call, at that time 60%: approx. €39,000
Own share per vehicle: from approx. €141,000
A ten-bus project thus achieved a funding amount of 390,000 euros. It also saves up to 19,000 euros in energy costs per bus annually and avoids around 57 t of CO₂ per year.
Conclusion
Austria's eighth EBIN call was tailored to emission-free minibus projects. As a Bavarian local supplier, HEERO Motors delivers an almost unrivaled product with the medium low-floor eMinibus: 137kWh battery, over 300km range, HEERO Direct Drive without angular gear, eligible for funding in the edition at that time.
Anyone who concretizes project ideas, reserves consultation appointments, and prepares a submission is well-positioned for a future call – with minimal operating costs and a clear climate contribution for the Austrian public transport of the future.
Which programs are currently open is clarified on a case-by-case basis. Preparing for EBIN 8 is just one contact away.
More useful links
Discover the HEERO eMinibus directly - and request a test drive right away.
Directly to the 8th EBIN Call for Proposals - Emission-free buses
FFG eCall Portal (application system) - Platform for the actual submission of project documents for EBIN and other FFG programs
Click here for the online tutorial on how to describe the content of your project.
FFG EBIN program page (https://www.ffg.at/ebin) - Overview of funding rates, submission deadlines and contact information for the EBIN program
EBIN 7 Call Guidelines (Start PDF download directly) - Detailed regulations on funding objects, evaluation criteria, deadlines and funding processing
Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) - Official information on the funding policy of the Federal Ministry, guidelines and press releases
NextGenerationEU – Information on the RRF - Background on EU recovery funding, from which programs like EBIN are co-financed
