Electric minibus: Reduce fleet costs with 80% funding until August 31, 2025.
Already over 3,500 e-buses secure an 80% subsidy – when will you electrify your fleet? Time is running out, as the current funding period for the switch to an electric minibus ends on August 31, 2025. Act now to leave bureaucracy, rising diesel prices, and strict climate regulations behind.
The topic briefly and concisely
The deadline for the 80% funding for electric minibuses and retrofitting by the BMDV ends on August 31, 2025.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of an electric minibus is significantly lower than that of a diesel vehicle due to lower energy and maintenance costs.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion saves resources, preserves expensive special structures, and is also funded by 80%.
For operators of minibus fleets in the public or commercial sector, the situation is clear: Rising operating costs, the requirements of the EU Clean Vehicles Directive, and the relentless pressure for decarbonization demand immediate action. Electrification is no longer an option but a business necessity. However, many shy away from the seemingly high initial investments and the effort involved. But now is precisely the moment to overcome these hurdles with maximum government support. With a funding rate of 80% for vehicles and retrofits, as well as a clear deadline of August 31, 2025, there is a unique opportunity to set the course for a future-proof and economical fleet. This article pragmatically outlines the necessary steps for you.
Strategic Imperative: Why the transition is now unavoidable
The pressure on fleet operators is increasing from three sides: economically, regulatory, and ecologically. Diesel prices remain volatile, while the EU mandates clear quotas for zero-emission vehicles in public procurement with the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD). By the end of 2025, 45% of newly procured buses must be "clean," with half of them being completely zero-emission. At the same time, the most attractive funding phase from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) will expire on August 31, 2025. Those who do not act now will not only fall behind but also miss out on a subsidy of 80% on the vehicle price or the costs of a conversion. This deadline turns the switch to an electric minibus from a long-term consideration into an immediate necessity. The combination of regulatory pressure and last high funding creates a unique window of opportunity that will close in a few months. The next section outlines your specific roadmap.
Your 4-point action plan for timely promotion
To ensure funding for your electric minibus in a timely manner, a pragmatic approach is crucial. With over 10 years of experience, we have divided the process into four clear steps for you:
Needs Analysis & TCO Forecast: Analyze your daily routes and mileage. Based on this, we create a precise forecast of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), i.e., the total costs over the entire lifespan. This analysis shows that savings on energy and maintenance often amortize the acquisition costs within 4 to 6 years.
Funding Check & Selection: We identify the appropriate funding sources for you. The central pillar is the BMDV Electromobility Funding Guideline, which covers up to 80% of the additional costs for an electric vehicle or a conversion.
Vehicle Configuration & Offer: Choose the appropriate vehicle, e.g., the Heero Tourer with up to 400 km of proven range. We provide you with a funding-eligible offer that meets all technical requirements for the funding application.
Application & Approval: We accompany you in submitting all documents before the crucial deadline on August 31, 2025. Our success rate of over 95% in funding applications gives you maximum security.
This structured approach eliminates uncertainties and maximizes your chances of success. But what exactly do the funding sources include?
Funding pots in detail: 80% for vehicles, 40% for charging infrastructure
The current funding landscape is specifically designed to eliminate the biggest hurdles of fleet electrification. The BMDV program is by far the most important instrument for any operator of an electric minibus. It relies on two main pillars that significantly reduce your investment burden.
80% grant for vehicles and upgrades: The state covers 80% of the additional investment costs of a new electric vehicle compared to a diesel. Alternatively, the conversion of an existing diesel to electric drive (Diesel-to-Electric, DTE) is subsidized at the same rate. This not only saves your budget but also promotes sustainable circular economy.
40% grant for charging infrastructure: The necessary non-public charging infrastructure on your premises is also subsidized at 40% of the costs. This includes the wall boxes, installation, and grid connection.
This funding is not a handout, but an industrial policy measure to meet climate goals and the Clean Vehicles Directive. It reduces acquisition costs so drastically that profitability can no longer be questioned. The direct comparison shows how this affects overall costs.
Cost comparison: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) instead of purchase price
A pure comparison of acquisition prices is insufficient. The total costs over the vehicle's lifetime, known as the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), are decisive. Here, the electric minibus outclasses its diesel competitor, especially with the current subsidy of 80%.
Acquisition: The higher initial costs of an e-bus are almost completely neutralized by the subsidy.
Energy Costs: The electricity costs per 100 km are 50-70% lower than diesel costs, depending on the electricity tariff.
Maintenance & Repair: An electric drive has up to 80% fewer wear parts (no exhaust, oil changes, clutch). This reduces maintenance costs by more than half.
Taxes & Toll: Electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years and pay no truck tolls.
The TCO analysis confirms: An electrified Sprinter is significantly cheaper to operate over a period of five years. Particularly the diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is economically attractive, as expensive special structures are retained and only the drive system is replaced, which accounts for about 60% of the costs of a new vehicle. These numbers demonstrate the economic viability, but what about practicality?
Technical Excellence: Range and Charging Performance for Everyday Use
The concern about insufficient range is unfounded. Modern electric minibuses are well prepared for the typical usage profiles in shuttle, school, or patient transport. The Heero Tourer based on a Sprinter for nine people provides the proof for this. With a battery capacity of 110 kWh gross (96 kWh net), it achieves a real range of up to 400 kilometers. This covers the daily requirements of over 90% of all minibus fleets without any issues. Thanks to a DC fast charging power of up to 135 kW, the battery is recharged to 80% in about 40 minutes. This charging capability allows significant range to be added even during the legally required driver breaks. The Heero Tourer as an electric minibus is not a compromise, but a technologically superior vehicle for demanding everyday use. The same applies to our specialized line buses such as the mid- or rear-low-floor bus with a range of up to 300 km. However, the best technology is the one that conserves resources.
Sustainability through circular economy: Retrofitting instead of buying new
Sustainability means more than just emission-free driving. It starts with production. A new vehicle causes about 15 tons of CO₂ during manufacturing. The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion, the core of our philosophy, avoids this ecological burden. We retain the chassis and the often expensive, custom superstructure of your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and only replace the drivetrain. This approach of circular economy protects your original investment and saves over 70% of emissions that would occur with a new purchase. A converted HEERO DTE-Sprinter even achieves ranges of up to 425 kilometers. So, you combine maximum economy with maximum sustainability. Take advantage of this opportunity and secure your free subsidy analysis.
More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a press release on the funding call for buses, which contains important information on supporting electromobility in public transport.
The NOW GmbH (National Organization for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology) provides detailed information on the funding program for the acquisition of electric buses in public local transport.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) publishes a final report of a companion study on the use of e-buses in public transport, which provides deep insights into practicability and challenges.
The Future Network Public Transport reports in a news article on the impact of funding electric buses on their market rollout and the development of public transport.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides information on the funding program KSNI (Climate Protection Projects in Local Transport), which offers important support for sustainable mobility projects.
The Federal Funding Database contains comprehensive information on the funding program for e-vehicle applications and infrastructures of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
e-mobil BW publishes reports on funding for e-trucks and charging infrastructure that are relevant to companies in Baden-Württemberg.
The National Control Centre for Charging Infrastructure provides specialized information on charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles, which is essential for the planning and implementation of fleet electrification.
FAQ
What happens if I miss the funding deadline on August 31, 2025?
After August 31, 2025, the current, very attractive funding guideline of the BMDV with 80% subsidy for vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure will presumably end. Future programs will likely have lower funding rates, which will make converting your fleet significantly more expensive.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean for an electric minibus?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) or overall operating costs include all costs incurred over the lifetime of a vehicle: acquisition (minus subsidy), energy (electricity instead of diesel), maintenance, insurance, taxes, and depreciation. For electric vehicles, the TCO are often significantly lower despite higher purchase prices.
How long does it take to convert a diesel Sprinter to an electric minibus?
The pure conversion process at our plant usually takes only about 10 to 15 working days. During this time, the complete diesel powertrain is replaced with our electric powertrain. Including planning and logistics, you should expect a total project duration of a few weeks.
Does the funding also apply to used vehicles?
The BMDV funding generally refers to the acquisition of new vehicles or the conversion of existing ones. Purchasing a used electric bus is typically not directly eligible for funding, but converting your already existing, used diesel bus is an excellent and eligible alternative.
What charging power do I need for an electric minibus?
For overnight charging at the depot, an AC wall box with 11 or 22 kW is sufficient. For fast recharging on the go or between tours, DC fast-charging capability is crucial. Our vehicles support DC charging with up to 135 kW, which allows charging to 80% in about 40 minutes.
Do I have to submit the funding application myself?
No, you do not have to do it alone. Heero offers comprehensive funding consultation as part of the service package. We analyze your situation, prepare the necessary documents, and guide you through the entire application process to maximize your chances of success.
