Full payload in E-conversion: This is how you secure 80% funding until 2025
Rising diesel prices, strict CO₂ regulations, and impending driving bans are putting pressure on your fleet. Learn how to find a future-proof retrofit solution that does not reduce the vehicle's original payload while simultaneously lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO).
The topic briefly and concisely
A diesel-to-electric conversion retains the full original payload and thus protects the investment in expensive special superstructures.
Until August 31, 2025, companies and municipalities can apply for funding of 80% for the conversion and 40% for the charging infrastructure.
Retrofitting in terms of circular economy is more sustainable than buying new, as it saves around 45 tons of CO₂ from production per vehicle.
For fleet managers in the public sector and in the private sector, the electrification of commercial vehicles is no longer an option, but a necessity. The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) mandates clear quotas for low-emission vehicles by 2025. However, many are deterred by the high costs and the concern of losing the proven functionality of their expensive special bodies. The solution lies not in new purchases, but in strategic retrofitting. A professional diesel-to-electric retrofit (DTE) not only preserves the value of your bodies but also ensures you maintain full payload and reduces operating costs. With the current BMDV funding of 80% and the deadline until August 31, 2025, now is the crucial time to act.
The double pressure: Regulatory deadlines and economic burdens
The countdown is on: The law on the procurement of clean road vehicles (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), the German implementation of the Clean Vehicles Directive, calls for action. By the end of 2025, 38.5% of light commercial vehicles and 45% of buses must be 'clean' in public tenders. At the same time, volatile diesel prices and high maintenance costs burden the total operating costs, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), of your fleet. Many municipalities and companies with expensive special builds, such as for workshop vehicles or refrigerated transport, face a dilemma: A new vehicle would mean losing an investment of up to 100,000 euros. This economic and regulatory dilemma requires a pragmatic solution that looks beyond the mere purchase of vehicles.
The solution: Find a retrofit solution that does not reduce the original payload of the vehicle.
The answer lies in the targeted electrification of your existing fleet. A professional Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is the only method to preserve the full functionality and, most importantly, the original payload of your valuable specialty vehicles. Unlike many new electric vehicles, whose heavy batteries limit the payload, a HEERO conversion compensates for the additional weight by removing the heavy diesel powertrain. The result is a vehicle with up to 425 km range that fulfills its original purpose without compromise. For example, you can continue to use your proven workshop van with shelving system. This strategy protects your investments and sets the course for an emission-free future.
Your 4-point action plan for timely fleet electrification
The time until the funding deadline on August 31, 2025, is tight, but with a clear plan, you can manage the conversion confidently. Here's how to proceed:
Vehicle and Requirement Analysis: Check which vehicles in your fleet are suitable for conversion. The daily driving profiles and the necessity to maintain full payload are crucial here.
Check Funding Eligibility: Have your entitlement to the 80% funding from the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) checked. This significantly reduces investment costs.
Conduct TCO Comparison: Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership. A DTE conversion reduces energy costs by up to 60% and maintenance costs by over 50% compared to diesel.
Plan Charging Infrastructure: Alongside the vehicle conversion, you should also address the setup of charging infrastructure. There are also grants of up to 40% for this.
This structured approach not only secures you the maximum funding but also enables a smooth transition.
Deep Dive: Funding, Costs, and Technology in Detail
Take full advantage of funding until August 2025
The BMDV subsidizes the purchase of electric commercial vehicles and DTE retrofits with 80% of the additional investment costs compared to a diesel vehicle. The associated charging infrastructure is subsidized by 40%. It is important to submit the application by August 31, 2025. Our funding analysis helps you prepare all necessary documents on time. A comparison between purchasing and retrofitting quickly highlights the financial advantages.
Cost Comparison: TCO as a Decisive Factor
The initial investment in a retrofit is quickly amortized by lower operating costs. Studies show that electric transporters achieve or even undercut diesel vehicles in terms of TCO parity. A HEERO DTE Sprinter with a 110 kWh battery (96 kWh net) consumes significantly less energy per kilometer. Additionally, costs for oil changes, exhaust systems, and AdBlue are eliminated, reducing maintenance costs by over 50%.
Charging Infrastructure and Lifespan
Our retrofitted vehicles, such as the HEERO Tourer with a range of up to 400 km, charge with up to 135 kW DC in around 40 minutes to 80%. The mid-floor bus with its 137 kWh battery (115 kWh net) can even achieve this in under 30 minutes thanks to a 165 kW charging capacity. The batteries are designed for at least 3,000 charging cycles, guaranteeing a long and reliable lifespan in fleet operations. You can view the exact technical specifications here.
Circular economy in practice: Why retrofitting is the smarter sustainability.
Each vehicle we retrofit is an active contribution to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a functioning vehicle with a valuable structure, we extend its lifecycle by many years. This approach reduces the need for primary raw materials such as steel and aluminum by over 70% compared to new production. The EU Commission emphasizes that the reuse of vehicle components is crucial for conserving resources and significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. A DTE retrofit saves around 45 tons of CO₂ per vehicle that would be emitted during the production of a new transporter. Thus, retrofitting is not only economically sound but also the superior ecological strategy.
Start your funding analysis: Secure your grant roadmap
Answer three questions, receive your individual grant roadmap, and utilize the 80% funding on time. Act now to future-proof your fleet and sustainably reduce your operating costs.
For a free analysis
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Note: The content presented here is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal or funding advice.
More useful links
The BALM (Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility) provides detailed information on the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KSNI).
The KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) informs about its funding programs for companies in the field of electric mobility.
The BMV (Federal Ministry of Transport) publishes the funding guidelines for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) offers press releases with current statistical data on electric mobility.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides press releases on new registrations of vehicles with alternative drives.
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) offers a comprehensive analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
The German Energy Agency (dena) informs about new registrations of passenger cars with electric drives in the current year.
DEKRA offers information on converting trucks to electric drive.
FAQ
Does converting to electric drive reduce the payload of my transporter?
No, a HEERO diesel-to-electric conversion is designed to fully retain the original payload of your vehicle. The weight of the new drivetrain is compensated by the removal of heavy diesel components.
Until when do I have to submit the funding application for the 80% subsidy?
The application deadline for the current funding round of the BMDV ends on August 31, 2025. It's crucial to start the process early to be able to submit all documents on time.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean for an electric vehicle?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), or overall operating costs, include all costs incurred over the lifetime of a vehicle. These include acquisition, energy (electricity instead of diesel), maintenance, insurance, taxes, and residual value. For electric vehicles, energy costs and maintenance costs are significantly lower, often reducing the TCO below that of a comparable diesel vehicle.
Can my special construction (e.g., refrigerated box, workshop equipment) remain intact during the conversion?
Yes, that is precisely the key advantage of conversion. Your entire setup remains untouched. We only replace the drivetrain under the vehicle, so you can continue to use your expensive and proven specialized solution 100%.
How long does it take to charge a converted transporter?
With a DC fast charging station (up to 135 kW), the battery (96 kWh net) can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes. This enables high operational flexibility even with intensive use.
Why is the conversion an example of circular economy?
The conversion extends the life of an existing vehicle and avoids the resource-intensive production of a new vehicle. This saves raw materials, energy, and a significant amount of CO₂ emissions, which is a central principle of the circular economy.
