Electric Flatbed: What 80% subsidy achieved until 2024 and how fleet costs decrease
Did you know that over 3,500 companies have used subsidies for electric commercial vehicles? In view of rising diesel prices, stricter climate requirements, and an expired funding deadline, it is worth conducting an objective review of electrifying your flatbed fleet.
The topic briefly and concisely
The 80% subsidy for an electric flatbed (new or conversion) ran until 2024; since August 2024, no new funding calls are planned.
A conversion reduces total operating costs (TCO) by up to 50% through savings in energy, maintenance, and taxes.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion conserves resources and secures the value of existing vehicles with expensive specialized builds.
The electrification of commercial vehicles is no longer a thing of the future, but a business necessity. For companies and municipalities that rely on flatbed trucks, volatile fuel costs and CO₂ pricing represent a calculable risk. At the same time, the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) is tightening the requirements for public fleets. The transition to an electric flatbed truck offers a direct solution to master these challenges. The KsNI funding directive of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) reduced the additional investment costs by up to 80% until 2024; the total cost of ownership (TCO) decreases sustainably regardless of this. This article shows you in four clear steps how to clearly classify the funding situation and set up your fleet to be future-proof.
Your 4-point checklist for cost-effective electrification
Switching to an electric flatbed is a strategic process that, with the right planning, brings significant benefits. The KsNI funding framework with up to 80% subsidy on the additional costs of acquisition or conversion ran until 2024 and has expired. This makes careful planning all the more important to make your fleet future-proof. With this checklist, you can navigate safely through the process.
Conduct a needs analysis: Record the daily mileage and the requirements profile of your current flatbed vehicles. Our HEERO e-flatbed trucks (single & double cab) offer a field-tested solution for most purposes with a range of up to 400 km.
Compare total cost of ownership (TCO): Do not just look at the purchase price. An analysis of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) shows that an electric flatbed reduces operating costs by up to 50% through lower energy, maintenance, and tax burdens.
Classify funding: Applications under the KsNI directive were possible until 2024; up to 80% of the additional costs for the vehicle and 40% for the charging infrastructure were funded. Since August 2024, no new funding calls are planned.
Plan charging infrastructure: A HEERO flatbed truck charges with up to 135 kW direct current (DC) to 80% in around 45 minutes. We analyze your location and plan the exact matching charging infrastructure for your depot.
This structured approach not only cleanly classifies the subsidies, but also lays the foundation for an economically and ecologically sustainable vehicle fleet.
Understanding funding pots: What the subsidies covered until 2024
The funding landscape for e-commercial vehicles was a clear political signal towards the transport transition. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provided targeted support to companies and municipalities via the "Climate-friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) directive. The core of the funding was a subsidy of up to 80% on the additional investment costs compared to a diesel counterpart. This applied to both the purchase of a new HEERO platform truck and a conversion. The conversion solution is particularly attractive for businesses with expensive special bodies, as the proven vehicle is preserved. In addition, the setting up of the necessary charging infrastructure was part of this funding directive. The most important point today is the status of the program. The KsNI directive ran until 2024; according to the Federal Government, no new funding calls are planned; already approved projects will be fully funded. We clarify which programs are currently open on a case-by-case basis. In this way, the transition turns from a pure question of cost into a strategic investment in the future of your company.
TCO analysis: Why the electric platform is cheaper in the long run
The higher acquisition costs of an electric vehicle are often perceived as a hurdle. However, a close examination of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over a holding period of five years clearly refutes this prejudice. The TCO analysis takes all incurred costs into account and makes the economic advantage of the electric flatbed transparent.
Energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometer than diesel. With an annual mileage of 30,000 km, this often results in savings of over 2,000 euros per vehicle.
Maintenance and repair: An electric motor has up to 90% fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine. This drastically reduces maintenance effort and the costs for wear parts such as exhaust, clutch, or oil filters.
Taxes and duties: Electric commercial vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax for ten years. In addition, the rising CO₂ tax, which continuously makes diesel fuel more expensive, is eliminated.
Residual value: Due to the longevity of the components and the increasing demand, a more stable residual value is predicted for electric commercial vehicles.
In particular, the DTE conversion of existing vehicles protects the budget, as no completely new vehicle needs to be purchased. The TCO analysis proves that the decision to opt for an electric flatbed is not only ecologically but, above all, economically smart.
Technology and Sustainability: More than just a change of drive
Modern electric flatbed vehicles are technologically mature and designed for tough daily work. The HEERO electric flatbed vehicle is based on the proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and combines its robustness with a powerful electric drive. With a battery capacity of 110 kWh gross (96 kWh net), a practical range of up to 400 kilometers is achieved. The DC fast charging capacity of up to 135 kW ensures minimal downtime. The battery is recharged to 80% in just 45 minutes. However, the real progress lies in the circular economy concept that we pursue with our conversion. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with a special body, we only replace the drivetrain. This approach conserves valuable resources, avoids the CO₂ emissions of new production, and extends the lifespan of your investment by many years. This combination of state-of-the-art technology and active sustainability makes the switch to a HEERO electric flatbed a holistic solution.
Act in compliance with the law: The Clean Vehicles Directive as a driver
Since August 2021, the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) has set clear guidelines for public procurement. This directive, implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), obliges municipalities and public contracting authorities to comply with fixed quotas for low-emission and zero-emission vehicles. For light commercial vehicles such as flatbed trucks, a quota of 38.5% for "clean" vehicles applied until the end of 2025. Since 2026, this requirement has been tightened, demanding a share of 38.5% completely zero-emission vehicles. This regulation creates a pressure to act that goes far beyond ecological goals. Anyone who does not switch to an electric municipal flatbed now risks no longer being considered in future tenders or failing to meet legal requirements. The retrofitting or new acquisition of an electric flatbed is therefore also a measure to secure competitiveness and to fulfill legal obligations. The federal government's KsNI funding ran until 2024; we clarify on a case-by-case basis which programs are currently open.
Start your funding analysis: In 3 steps to classifying your funding
Answer three short questions about your fleet and application profile. You will immediately receive your personal subsidy roadmap and all necessary information on the funding situation for your electric flatbed. The KsNI funding with up to 80% of the additional costs ran until 2024; which programs are currently open we clarify on a case-by-case basis.
Button: "To the free analysis"
free · non-binding · objective
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides information on the Climate Protection and Sustainability in Transport (KSNI) funding program.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides the annual balance of the vehicle stock in Germany.
The Fraunhofer ISI publishes a press release on falling costs for locally emission-free trucks.
The Federal Environment Agency offers an analysis of the environmental footprint of motor vehicles.
The KfW Group provides information on the promotion of electromobility for companies.
The German Energy Agency (dena) provides information on the expansion of charging infrastructure for e-trucks, challenges and solutions.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) presents a thematic page on electromobility.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) provides a dossier on the subject of electromobility.
The BMWK provides information on the funding program for e-commercial vehicle applications and infrastructures.
