Holistic mobility solution: In 4 steps to an electric existing fleet – 80% funding until 2024
Holistic mobility solution: In 4 steps to an electric existing fleet – 80% funding until 2024
Up to 425 km range through an upgrade – entirely without the high costs of a new vehicle. Retrofitting your existing fleet to electric remains a question of economic efficiency; the decisive federal KsNI funding deadline ran until 2024, with no new funding calls planned.
The topic briefly and concisely
Until 2024, the state KsNI funding covered up to 80% of the additional costs of a conversion; since August 2024, no new funding calls are planned.
The conversion to electric (DTE) reduces the total operating costs (TCO) by up to 30% through lower energy and maintenance costs.
By continuing to use your existing vehicles, you act in accordance with the principles of the circular economy and conserve valuable resources.
Rising diesel prices, strict CO₂ regulations, and the European Clean Vehicles Directive are increasing the pressure on fleet operators. A holistic mobility solution by retrofitting the existing fleet to electric is the pragmatic and economical answer. It conserves valuable resources through a circular economy and reduces your operating costs by up to 30%. This article shows you how to make your fleet future-proof and how the state subsidy of up to 80% of the additional costs, which was valid until 2024, is to be classified today.
Mastering regulatory pressure through proactive electrification
The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) has been prescribing clear quotas for clean vehicles in public procurement since 2021.
In the first phase up to the end of 2025, emission limit values of just 50 g/km CO₂ already apply to light commercial vehicles.
From January 1, 2026, the rules will tighten further, meaning that only zero-emission vehicles will be permitted in tenders.
This creates enormous pressure to act for municipalities and their service providers, who make up over 70% of the bus market.
At the same time, high operating costs and CO₂ levies are putting a greater strain on the overall balance of diesel fleets every day.
The transition is therefore not a question of if, but of the right strategy and the right timing.
Achieving value and increasing sustainability through retrofitting
A diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is the foundation for a sustainable mobility strategy.
It completely preserves the value of your expensive and often customized special bodies.
Compared to buying new, you avoid a significant portion of the CO₂ emissions generated during vehicle manufacturing.
This principle of the circular economy conserves valuable resources and significantly reduces waste.
A converted HEERO DTE Sprinter achieves a practical range of up to 425 kilometers.
The conversion is therefore a strategic decision for an economically and emission-wise superior fleet.
Reduce total operating costs with electric drive by up to 30%
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), meaning the total operating costs, is the decisive factor for economic efficiency.
Although the conversion represents an initial investment, it often pays off after just four to six years.
The reasons are significantly lower expenses for energy, maintenance, insurance, and taxes compared to diesel.
A TCO analysis shows: The operating costs of an electric van can be up to 30% lower, depending on the application profile.
Your individual savings depend on the annual mileage and electricity costs. A detailed TCO analysis provides financial planning reliability.
80% funding in retrospect: The KsNI guideline ran until 2024
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) has supported fleet electrification with a billion-euro program.
Through the "Climate-friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) funding guideline, there was a grant of up to 80% on the additional investment expenses for the conversion.
The necessary charging infrastructure at the depot was also funded with up to 40% of the eligible costs.
Important: The KsNI ran until 2024 and has been discontinued since August 2024; no new calls for funding are planned.
Due to high demand, early planning was crucial to secure funds from the 1.3 billion euro pot.
We clarify which programs are currently open on a case-by-case basis.
Your 4-point plan for an electrified fleet
You can create a holistic mobility solution by converting your existing fleet to electric with these four steps:
Fleet and requirement analysis: Record the daily routes, mileages, and idle times of at least ten vehicles. This allows you to identify the ideal candidates for conversion.
Economic efficiency analysis (TCO): Compare the total cost of ownership of your diesel vehicles with the projected costs after conversion. Take into account all savings and the 80% subsidy available until 2024.
Check funding opportunities: Applications under the KsNI directive were possible until 2024; new funding calls are not planned. We will support you in compiling the necessary documentation.
Plan implementation: Clarify the requirements for the charging infrastructure at your depot and plan the step-by-step transition to minimize downtime.
Practical technology for the demanding everyday life
HEERO technology is based on automotive components that have proven themselves ten thousand times over and is designed for continuous use.
Our batteries, such as the 110 kWh unit in the Tourer, enable field-tested ranges of up to 400 kilometers.
With DC fast charging capacities of up to 165 kW, a HEERO mid-low floor bus is recharged to 80% in around 40 minutes.
Modern lithium-ion batteries now achieve a service life of over 300,000 kilometers with over 87% remaining capacity.
This ensures your long-term planning security for more than ten years and reliable operation.
More useful links
Bundesamt für Logistik und Mobilität (BALM) provides detailed information on the Climate Protection and Sustainability in Transport (KsNI) funding program.
Förderdatenbank des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWi) provides comprehensive details on the funding program for e-utility vehicle applications and infrastructures.
KfW provides an overview of various funding opportunities for sustainable mobility in companies.
Statista provides statistics on the stock of trucks with alternative drive systems in Germany.
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) publishes the annual balance of the vehicle stock in Germany.
Nationale Leitstelle Ladeinfrastruktur provides information on the subject of commercial vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr (BMDV) provides information in a press release about the decarbonization of truck transport.
Kreislaufwirtschaft Deutschland provides information on the circular economy strategy in the field of action vehicles, batteries and mobility.
Fraunhofer IWKS provides a flyer on cycles in electromobility.
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive article on the subject of electromobility.
