Purchase electric commercial vehicles: Achieve the TCO turnaround by 2025 with 80% funding.
Up to 425 kilometers of range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. Time is running out: Government incentives for electric commercial vehicles expire on August 31, 2025. Secure an 80 percent subsidy now.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80 percent funding for e-commercial vehicles and their conversion ends on August 31, 2025.
The diesel-to-electric (DTE) conversion protects the invested capital in specialized structures and is often more economical than buying a new one.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric commercial vehicles is often lower than that of diesel vehicles due to reduced operating and maintenance costs.
Rising diesel prices, stricter environmental regulations, and complex bureaucracy present enormous challenges for fleet managers. Many hesitate when they want to purchase electric commercial vehicles due to concerns about high investments and unclear profitability. However, the transition is inevitable and, thanks to targeted funding programs, more profitable than ever before. The German implementation of the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) increases the pressure on public and private fleets to meet emission targets. This article pragmatically shows you how to not only save costs through a strategic conversion but also secure the value of your existing fleet and meet the crucial deadline of August 31, 2025.
Your fast track to the E-utility vehicle: Facts and deadlines
The transition to electric mobility is a strategic business decision supported by significant financial incentives. However, the time to take advantage of these benefits is limited. Current programs offer a unique opportunity to reduce investment costs by up to 80 percent.
80% Grant: You will receive this funding rate for the purchase of a new electric commercial vehicle or a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE).
40% Grant: The necessary charging infrastructure for operation is subsidized by 40 percent of the investment costs.
August 31, 2025: This is the deadline for submitting applications in the current funding program.
CVD Requirement: The Clean Vehicles Directive requires a quota of 38.5 percent for clean light commercial vehicles with electric drive in public tenders by the end of 2025.
These clear framework conditions create a sense of urgency that compels fleet operators to take action, and also provides a clear basis for planning. The next step is a structured plan to make the most of this opportunity.
In 4 steps to promotion: Your pragmatic action plan
The bureaucracy surrounding funding applications can be daunting, but with a clear process, the path to electrification is straightforward. Our 4-point checklist will guide you safely to your goal.
Conduct needs analysis & funding check: Analyze your current routes, average daily mileage, and required payload. With this data, your funding potential can be accurately determined in a free analysis.
Define the right solution (conversion vs. new purchase): Check whether a new vehicle or a conversion is the better option. The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is a method where the combustion engine of an existing vehicle is removed and replaced with an electric powertrain. This protects your investments in expensive special configurations. Learn more about our custom conversion solutions.
Check economic efficiency (TCO analysis): Consider the total costs. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), i.e., the total operating costs, include acquisition, energy, maintenance, and funding. Studies show that the TCO tipping point, at which electric vehicles become cheaper than diesel, has already been reached.
Submit and implement the application on time: With the collected data and a clear solution strategy, the funding application can be submitted by August 31, 2025. Professional support ensures compliance with all requirements.
With this plan, funding becomes tangible. Now it’s about understanding the financial benefits in detail.
Use funding pots strategically: Save up to 80 percent of costs
The current funding landscape, supported by guidelines such as the KsNI of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), aims to significantly accelerate the market ramp-up of electric commercial vehicles. The grants of 80 percent on the investment surplus make the switch economically extremely attractive. This surplus consists of the difference between a new diesel vehicle and an electric vehicle or the costs of retrofitting. For many companies, this means almost complete compensation for the additional costs.
Additionally, 40 percent of the expenses for establishing the necessary charging infrastructure are covered, ensuring operational readiness from day one. These combined subsidies significantly lower the entry barrier and shorten the payback period. The purchase of electric commercial vehicles thus transforms from a purely compliance measure into a profitable investment. The deadline on August 31, 2025, is the crucial factor for your planning. The analysis of total costs shows why this investment pays off in the long term.
TCO Analysis: Why Electric Commercial Vehicles Are Overtaking Diesel
The higher purchase costs for electric commercial vehicles are often cited as a deterrent. However, a pure consideration of the purchase price is misleading. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) paints a different picture. International studies prove that battery-electric trucks are already undercutting their diesel counterparts in lifecycle costs or will do so shortly. The operating costs are up to 50 percent lower.
The main reasons for the better TCO of e-vehicles are:
Lower energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometer than diesel, even with fluctuating prices.
Reduced maintenance: An electric motor has far fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine, which makes oil changes and the replacement of wear parts unnecessary.
Fiscal advantages and toll exemption: E-vehicles benefit from perks such as exemption from vehicle tax and lower toll rates.
CO₂ savings: An electric truck can save up to 90 percent of greenhouse gases over its lifetime compared to a diesel, which also protects against future CO₂ charges.
A HEERO e-transporter to buy is thus not only an ecological but above all an economic decision. The technological performance of modern vehicles also eliminates the last doubts about practicality.
Range and charging power: The facts for your fleet
The concern about insufficient range is a thing of the past. Modern electric commercial vehicles are designed for demanding daily operations and often exceed the daily mileage in urban and regional distribution traffic. Our vehicles are based on the proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which guarantees reliability and quality.
Here are the exact performance data of our Heero models (as of 07/2025):
Heero eTransporter: up to 500 km range
Heero ePritschenwagen (EK & DoKa): up to 400 km range
Heero DTE-Sprinter (converted): up to 425 km range
Heero Tourer (minibus 9 Pax): up to 400 km range
All mentioned models use a battery with 110 kWh gross or 96 kWh net capacity and charge at up to 135 kW at a DC fast charging station. This means that about 80 percent of the range is available again in about 30 minutes. These performance figures prove that switching to a Sprinter with electric drive requires no compromises. Instead, it paves the way for a more sustainable way of doing business.
Circular economy in practice: Retrofitting instead of scrapping
Sustainability means more than just emissions-free driving. It starts with production. Converting an existing diesel vehicle to electric drive is the most consistent step towards a circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with an expensive special build, its life is extended by many years. This approach preserves valuable resources and avoids the CO₂ emissions associated with the production of a completely new vehicle.
Converting a Mercedes commercial vehicle to electric not only retains the value of your special builds but also sends a strong signal of lived corporate responsibility. You reduce waste, save gray energy, and position your company as a pioneer. The technology is mature, proven in practice, and receives government support. It is the smartest form of modernization. Start your personal analysis now to future-proof your fleet.
More useful links
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides information on the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in transport (KSNI).
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) provides a fact sheet on the total cost of ownership of battery-electric trucks in Europe, focusing on Germany.
Strategy& (PwC) publishes a press release about the electrification of freight transport and its impacts.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on new vehicle registrations.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs about climate protection in transport, particularly regarding commercial vehicles with alternative drives.
KfW Bankengruppe offers information on the promotion of electromobility for companies.
Federal Environment Agency provides an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) offers a statement on a relevant topic.
Fraunhofer ISI informs in a press release about decreasing costs for emission-free trucks.
FAQ
Who benefits from the purchase of an electric commercial vehicle?
The purchase or conversion is worthwhile for all companies, municipalities, and logistics operations that want to reduce their operating costs, comply with legal requirements (such as the Clean Vehicles Directive), and achieve their sustainability goals. Especially for vehicles with expensive special bodies, conversion is the most economical solution.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) or overall operating costs include all costs incurred over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. These include the purchase price, energy and maintenance costs, taxes, insurance, and any subsidies. For electric commercial vehicles, the TCO is often lower than for comparable diesel vehicles.
What is a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion?
During a DTE conversion, the combustion engine along with the transmission and exhaust system is removed from an existing diesel vehicle. In its place, a completely new electric drivetrain with an electric motor, battery, and control electronics is installed. This retains the proven vehicle chassis and body.
How long does it take to charge an electric transporter?
At a DC fast charging station with 135 kW charging power, the battery of a Heero electric transporter (96 kWh net) can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 to 40 minutes. This ensures high operational flexibility even on long working days.
What are the advantages of conversion compared to a new purchase?
Conversion conserves resources and avoids the CO₂ emissions of complete vehicle production (circular economy). It is often available faster than a new vehicle and above all protects the high investments in existing special bodies (e.g., refrigerated truck bodies, workshop equipment, tail lifts).
Do I have to apply for the grant myself?
No, you do not have to manage the process alone. We offer a free grant analysis and support you as a partner throughout the entire application process to ensure compliance with the deadline on August 31, 2025, and secure the maximum subsidy for you.
