80% funding for electric passenger transport: Now switch fleets and optimize TCO
Up to 3,500 companies have already secured an 80% funding for electric commercial vehicles – when will you electrify your fleet? Given rising diesel prices and stricter climate regulations, transitioning to an electric passenger transport vehicle is not only an ecological decision but primarily an economic one.
The topic briefly and concisely
Until August 31, 2025, companies and municipalities can apply for funding of 80% for the purchase or conversion of electric passenger transport vehicles.
The retrofitting of an existing diesel vehicle (DTE) conserves resources and reduces the total operating costs (TCO) compared to purchasing a new one.
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) already prescribes binding quotas for clean vehicles, which will continue to increase by 2026.
The electrification of your vehicle fleet is a strategic necessity, driven by rising operational costs, complex bureaucracy, and clear climate targets such as the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD). However, many companies and municipalities hesitate due to the seemingly high initial investment and bureaucratic effort. But now is the crucial time to act: with a government grant of 80% for the acquisition or conversion and a clear deadline of August 31, 2025, a unique opportunity presents itself. This article serves as a pragmatic guide to clearly understand the steps toward electrification, assess the economics using Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and timely apply for the available grants. We will show you how to successfully transition to an electric passenger transporter.
Your Instant Strategy: The Key Facts about Electrification
The switch to an electric passenger transporter is more economical than ever before, thanks to massive subsidies. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) supports the transformation with significant grants, but time is of the essence. The current funding period with the highest rates is coming to an end; applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. Your opportunity lies in setting the course now and benefiting from the best possible conditions.
Here are the key points for your planning:
80% grant: You will receive a grant of 80% on the additional costs when purchasing a new electric vehicle or for a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE).
40% for charging infrastructure: The necessary charging infrastructure is also subsidized with up to 40% of the investment costs.
Deadline August 31, 2025: This is the deadline for submitting applications under the current funding guidelines.
Up to 400 km range: Modern vehicles like the Heero Tourer for nine people offer a practical range of up to 400 kilometers with a 110 kWh battery.
These conditions create a solid basis for the switch, which is not only ecologically but especially economically sensible.
From cost pressure to solution: A 4-point plan for your fleet
High diesel prices, looming access restrictions, and the bureaucratic effort involved in implementing climate guidelines are putting a strain on your operational business. Switching to electric passenger transporters often appears as another complex hurdle. However, with a structured approach, you can turn this challenge into a strategic advantage. A clear plan reduces complexity and ensures the economic success of the transition.
Follow this four-point checklist for a pragmatic implementation:
Precisely analyze demand: Capture the daily driving profiles and mileage of your fleet. This determines the required range and battery capacity, as provided by the minibus for passenger transport.
Secure funding in a timely manner: Check the conditions of the BMDV funding guidelines and submit your application before August 31, 2025. Professional consultancy can be crucial here.
Calculate profitability transparently: Conduct a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis. Consider not only the purchase price but also savings on energy, maintenance, taxes, and tolls.
Plan implementation strategically: Decide between a new vehicle and a DTE retrofit. Additionally, plan the installation of the charging infrastructure, which is funded at 40%.
With this approach, you create a solid basis for decision-making and set the course for a future-proof fleet.
Target funding pots effectively: This is how you secure 80% funding.
The current funding landscape in Germany offers an exceptional opportunity to drastically reduce the investment costs for electrification. According to the BMDV funding guidelines, 80% of the additional investment costs for electric vehicles compared to a diesel model are covered. This applies both to the purchase of a new vehicle and to the sustainable retrofitting of a diesel minibus. The funding rate of 80% is a clear incentive not to wait any longer.
The funding is not limited to the vehicle. The necessary non-public charging infrastructure for operation is also subsidized with 40% of the costs. This includes the wallbox for your new electric minibus as well as fast charging stations for a larger fleet. The timing of the application is crucial: The deadline for submission is August 31, 2025. A late submission results in the loss of entitlement to these attractive conditions. The funds partly come from the German Reconstruction and Resilience Plan (DARP), highlighting the strategic importance of this measure. Proper preparation and a complete application submission are the keys to success.
TCO Analysis: Why Retrofitting Often Outperforms Buying New
The pure acquisition costs are only part of the truth. A well-founded decision is based on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the total operating costs over the entire life cycle of a vehicle. This analysis takes into account not only the purchase price but also ongoing costs such as energy, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and the potential resale value. Electric motors have up to 90% fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, which significantly reduces maintenance costs.
This is where Diesel-to-Electric Conversion (DTE) comes into play. Instead of replacing a proven vehicle with an expensive special body, only the drivetrain is exchanged. This circular economy approach not only conserves resources but also significantly reduces the TCO. When converting a used car to an electric vehicle, more than 75% of the production energy can be saved compared to a new car. A converted HEERO DTE Sprinter, for example, achieves a range of up to 425 kilometers and is thus an economically and ecologically superior alternative. Find the right conversion solutions for you now and reduce your operating costs.
Meet legal requirements: The Clean Vehicles Directive as an opportunity
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented in Germany through the Saubere-Fahrzeuge-Beschaffungs-Gesetz (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), obligates public contracting authorities to adhere to minimum quotas for low-emission vehicles. By the end of 2025, for instance, 45% of newly procured buses must be classified as "clean", with half of them being completely emission-free. From 2026 onwards, these quotas will further increase to 65%.
These legal requirements create a clear pressure to act, but also planning security for fleet operators. Instead of viewing these regulations as a burden, you can see them as an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage by early conversion of your fleet to electric commercial vehicles. Investing in a HEERO E-Bus or a flexible HEERO E-Tourer not only ensures compliance with the CVD but also positions your company or municipality as a pioneer in sustainability. Compliance with the quotas is not a distant obligation, but already a relevant requirement for procurement today.
Practicality in focus: range and charging capacity for every application
The concern about insufficient range is a thing of the past. Modern electric personal transporters are designed for demanding daily operations and offer reliable performance. The Heero vehicle range covers different needs with precise and field-proven metrics. All models are equipped with a DC fast charging function, minimizing downtime and maximizing readiness.
Here's an overview of the performance classes:
Heero Tourer (Minibus 9 passengers): With a 110 kWh battery (96 kWh net), it achieves up to 400 km range and charges at up to 135 kW.
Heero Low-floor Rear Bus: It uses the same 110 kWh battery for up to 300 km range and also charges at up to 135 kW.
Heero Medium-floor Bus: For particularly demanding routes, this model features a 137 kWh battery (115 kWh net), reaches up to 300 km and charges at up to 165 kW.
These performance data, combined with the ability to fully charge overnight, ensure that your electric Sprinter or bus is fully operational every morning. The technology is mature and ready for your daily work routine.
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in transportation (KSNI).
The German Bundestag provides a short report on current funding opportunities in the field of electromobility.
e-mobil BW informs about specific funding for electric trucks and the associated charging infrastructure in Baden-Württemberg.
The Funding Database of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) offers detailed insights into the funding program "E-Vehicle Applications and Infrastructures".
Bavaria Innovative explains funding programs for the establishment of company-owned charging infrastructures for electric trucks, specifically for the Bavarian region.
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) provides comprehensive information on the subject of electromobility.
FAQ
What is the range of HEERO's electric passenger transporters?
The ranges are tested in practice and vary depending on the model. The HEERO Tourer (9-seater) can reach up to 400 km. The medium-low-floor and rear-low-floor buses can achieve up to 300 km on a single charge.
How long does it take to charge an electric transporter?
With DC fast charging, most HEERO models can charge at up to 135 kW (the medium-low-floor bus at up to 165 kW). This allows a charge to 80% in about 30-45 minutes, minimizing downtime.
What is a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion?
In a DTE conversion, the combustion engine and associated drivetrain are removed from an existing vehicle and replaced with a modern electric drive with a battery. This is a sustainable and often more economical alternative to purchasing new, especially for specialized vehicles.
Who can apply for funding for electric commercial vehicles?
Eligible applicants for the BMDV funding programs are typically companies, municipalities, municipal enterprises, and other legal entities looking to switch their vehicle fleet to emission-free drives.
Is funding available for used electric transporters?
The funding primarily focuses on the acquisition of new vehicles and the conversion of existing ones. The purchase of used electric vehicles is generally not directly subsidized, but the conversion of one's own used vehicle is 80% eligible for funding.
What happens if I miss the deadline on August 31, 2025?
After August 31, 2025, the application deadline for the current funding directive with high subsidies ends. It is unclear if and in what form new programs will be introduced. It is therefore advisable to take advantage of the current conditions.
