Holistic mobility solution: In 4 steps to an electric existing fleet with 80% funding
Secure up to 425 km of range with a diesel-to-electric upgrade – all without the high costs of a new vehicle. The time to convert your existing fleet to electric is now, as the crucial funding deadline ends on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
Take advantage of the government funding of 80% for retrofitting and 40% for charging infrastructure before the deadline of August 31, 2025.
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 pressure on fleet operators. A comprehensive mobility solution by converting the existing fleet to electric is the pragmatic and economic answer. It conserves valuable resources through circular economy and reduces your operating costs by up to 30%. This article shows you how to future-proof your fleet and benefit from 80% government funding before the deadline on August 31, 2025.
Mastering regulatory pressure through proactive electrification
The EU Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) has set clear quotas for clean vehicles in public contracts since 2021.
In the first phase until the end of 2025, emission limits of only 50 g/km CO₂ apply for light commercial vehicles.
From January 1, 2026, the rules will tighten further, allowing only zero-emission vehicles in tenders.
This creates enormous pressure for municipalities and their service providers, who make up over 70% of the bus market.
At the same time, high operating costs and CO₂ charges increasingly affect the overall balance of diesel fleets every day.
Thus, the transition is not a question of whether, but of the right strategy and the right timing.
Achieving value and increasing sustainability through retrofitting
A diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is the basis for a sustainable mobility strategy.
It fully preserves the value of your expensive and often highly customized special constructions.
Compared to a new purchase, you avoid up to 70% of the CO₂ emissions generated during vehicle manufacturing.
This principle of 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 thus a strategic decision for an economically and ecologically superior fleet.
Reduce total operating costs with electric drive by up to 30%
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), also known as the total operating costs, is the decisive factor for profitability.
Although the conversion represents an initial investment, it often pays off after 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 e-transporter can be up to 30% lower depending on the usage profile.
Your individual savings depend on the annual mileage and electricity costs. A detailed TCO analysis provides financial planning security.
Secure 80% funding: Time is running out until August 2025
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) supports fleet electrification with a multi-billion euro program.
Through the funding guideline "Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI), you will receive an 80% subsidy on the additional investment costs of the conversion.
The necessary charging infrastructure on your premises is also subsidized with up to 40% of the eligible costs.
Important: The deadline for submitting applications under the current funding framework is August 31, 2025.
Due to the high demand, early planning is crucial to secure funds from the 1.3 billion euro pot.
This way, the transition does not become a burden but rather a subsidized investment in the future.
Your 4-point plan for an electrified fleet
Create a holistic mobility solution by converting the existing fleet to electric with these four steps:
Fleet and demand analysis: Capture the daily routes, mileage, and idle times of at least ten vehicles. This will help you identify the ideal candidates for conversion.
Cost-effectiveness assessment (TCO): Compare the total operating costs of your diesel vehicles with the projected costs after conversion. Take all savings and the 80% funding into account.
Apply for funding: Submit your application under the KsNI guideline in good time before August 31, 2025. We will assist you in compiling the necessary documents.
Plan implementation: Clarify the requirements for the charging infrastructure at your operating site and plan the gradual transition in order to minimize downtime.
Practical technology for the demanding everyday life
The Heero technology is based on automotive components that have been proven ten thousand times over and is designed for continuous use.
Our batteries, such as the 110 kWh unit in the Tourer, enable practical ranges of up to 400 kilometers.
With DC fast charging capabilities of up to 165 kW, a Heero low-floor bus is recharged to 80% in about 40 minutes.
Modern lithium-ion batteries today achieve a lifespan of over 300,000 kilometers with more than 87% residual capacity.
This ensures you long-term planning reliability for more than ten years and a reliable operation.
More useful links
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in transportation (KsNI).
Funding database of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWi) presents comprehensive details on the funding program for electric commercial vehicle applications and infrastructures.
KfW gives an overview of various funding opportunities for sustainable mobility for businesses.
Statista provides a statistic on the truck fleet with alternative drives in Germany.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) publishes the annual balance of the vehicle fleet in Germany.
National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure offers information on commercial vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs in a press release about the decarbonization of truck transport.
Circular Economy Germany provides information on the circular economy strategy in the area of vehicles, batteries, and mobility.
Fraunhofer IWKS provides a flyer on cycles in electromobility.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on the topic of electromobility.
FAQ
For whom is the retrofitting of the existing fleet particularly worthwhile?
The retrofitting is ideal for companies and municipalities with commercial vehicles that have expensive or complex special structures (e.g., refrigerated trucks, workshop vehicles, garbage collection vehicles). They can continue to use the vehicle structure and only modernize the drive, which is significantly cheaper than a completely new E-special vehicle.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) or total operating costs include all expenses incurred during the entire lifespan of a vehicle. This includes not only the purchase price or retrofitting costs, but also energy, maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and the potential resale value.
What does the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) stipulate?
The Clean Vehicles Directive is an EU regulation that prescribes minimum quotas for the procurement of clean and emission-free vehicles in public contracts. It forces public contracting authorities and their service providers to gradually decarbonize their fleets, with a significant tightening of the rules from 2026 onwards.
How long does the battery last in a retrofitted vehicle?
Modern lithium-ion batteries, as used by Heero, are designed for a long service life. Current data show that even after more than 300,000 km of mileage, they often still have more than 87% of their original capacity. This ensures a service life of more than ten years in a typical usage profile.
How long does a fast charge take?
The charging time depends on the battery size and charging power. A Heero mid-low-floor bus with up to 165 kW charging power can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 40 minutes. A van with 135 kW charging power requires about 35 minutes for the same charge.
Can I apply for funding for the retrofitting and the charging infrastructure simultaneously?
Yes, the KsNI funding guideline of the BMDV is designed exactly for this. You can apply for funding for vehicle retrofitting (80%) and the associated non-public charging infrastructure (40%) in one application or in related applications.
