Electric flat-bed trucks: Achieve the TCO turnaround with 80% funding until August 31, 2025.
Ensure a range of up to 425 km after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – all without the costs of a new vehicle. In light of rising diesel prices and the final funding deadline on August 31, 2025, fleet managers are under pressure. This article provides you with a clear, actionable plan for electrifying your fleet.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% funding for electric flatbed trucks and their conversion ends on August 31, 2025.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion conserves investments in expensive specialized setups and significantly reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Modern electric pickup trucks like those from HEERO offer full practicality for commercial use with a range of up to 400 km and 135 kW fast charging.
The electrification of commercial vehicles is no longer a distant prospect, but a business necessity. High operating costs, stringent climate regulations like the Clean Vehicles Directive, and impending diesel driving bans in city centers now require strategic action. Especially the electric flatbed truck is coming into focus for municipalities, craftsmen, and logistics. The crucial question is no longer whether, but how the transition can succeed. With a final funding rate of 80% for vehicles and conversions from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) until August 31, 2025, and the possibility to convert existing vehicles (Diesel-to-Electric, DTE), there is a unique opportunity. This guide shows you how to set the course for a future-proof and economical fleet.
The countdown is on: Why now is the right time for your electric flatbed truck
Did you know that over 3,500 e-buses have already been subsidized with an 80 percent funding rate? This attractive funding landscape also applies to your electric flatbed truck, but time is running out. The application deadline for the KsNI funding program of the BMDV is irrevocably set for August 31, 2025. At the same time, the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), the German implementation of the Clean Vehicles Directive, tightens the requirements for public fleets. This directive already specifies fixed quotas for low-emission vehicles for new acquisitions. Thus, the pressure to act is increasing due to a combination of expiring subsidies and rising regulatory hurdles. A clear plan will help you confidently tackle this challenge and make your fleet economically fit for zero-emission operation. The following steps show how to set the course correctly.
Your 4-point action plan for electrification
A structured approach is the key to success. With this checklist, you can safely navigate the transition process:
Conduct needs analysis: Analyze the daily driving distances and the average payload of your pickup trucks. Heero ePickups with up to 400 km range cover most usage profiles in crafts, municipalities, and logistics.
Check and secure funding: The current KsNI program offers an 80% subsidy on the purchase of a new vehicle or a DTE conversion, and 40% on the charging infrastructure. The application deadline ends on August 31, 2025.
Calculate profitability: Conduct a TCO analysis. The Total Cost of Ownership encompasses all costs over the lifetime—from acquisition to energy and maintenance to residual value.
Plan charging infrastructure: Assess the possibilities for depot charging at your premises. A DC fast charge with up to 135 kW ensures that your electric pickup is ready for use again in a short time.
The financial evaluation is often the decisive point where the advantages of e-mobility become clear.
Funding pots in detail: How to secure an 80% subsidy
The current funding framework is a crucial driver for fleet electrification. The "Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) program of the BMDV is the central instrument here. It subsidizes the additional costs incurred when purchasing an e-commercial vehicle compared to a diesel vehicle, with a rate of 80%. This high grant explicitly also applies to the diesel-to-electric conversion, which protects your existing investments. Additionally, the establishment of non-public charging infrastructure is supported with 40% of the costs. These subsidies drastically lower the initial investment hurdle and accelerate amortization. Given the deadline of August 31, 2025, quick but thoughtful action is required to not miss this unique opportunity. However, the funding is only part of the equation; the long-term operating costs are the other lever for your profitability.
TCO comparison: When an electric flatbed truck is worth it
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the key metric for the economic efficiency of a commercial vehicle. While the acquisition costs for an electric flatbed truck are higher, these are offset by subsidies of 80%. The true advantages of retrofitting or purchasing new become apparent in ongoing operations. Studies show that the TCO tipping point, at which electric vehicles become cheaper than diesel, has already been reached in many segments.
Energy costs: Electricity prices are more stable compared to volatile diesel prices and significantly lower per kilometer.
Maintenance costs: An electric motor has significantly fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, reducing maintenance costs by up to 50%.
Taxes & fees: Electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax for ten years and are not subject to CO₂ pricing.
CO₂ savings: The transition leads to a direct reduction in CO₂ emissions during operation by 100%, which benefits not only the environment but also your sustainability report.
The transition becomes particularly sustainable when you do not replace a proven vehicle but give it a second life.
Renovation instead of new purchase: The path of the circular economy
Your existing flatbed trucks, often with expensive and proven special bodies, are a valuable asset. A diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is the epitome of the circular economy and conserves valuable resources. Instead of scrapping an entire vehicle, only the powertrain is replaced. Your chassis, the cabin and especially the body remain intact. This approach not only saves up to 75% of the CO₂ emissions that would occur in the production of a new vehicle but is also highly economically attractive. A HEERO DTE Sprinter reaches a practical range of up to 425 km after conversion. The 80% KsNI funding also applies to this DTE measure, making it a pragmatic and cost-efficient solution for many companies. Such a technological change naturally requires a robust and field-tested technical basis.
Technology in focus: range, battery, and charging performance
The practical usability of an electric flatbed truck depends on three core components. Heero relies on a no-compromise design for commercial use here. The Heero eFlatbed truck, available as single or double cabin, offers a range of up to 400 km. This distance is made possible by a battery with a gross capacity of 110 kWh and net capacity of 96 kWh. This easily covers the typical daily workload of municipal operations, landscaping companies, or logistics providers. The DC fast charging capability of up to 135 kW ensures minimal downtime. At a suitable charging station, the battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 45 minutes. These performance metrics provide the necessary operational safety for a smooth working day. This paves the way for concretely addressing the electrification of your fleet now.
More useful links
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in transport (KsNI).
The ICCT (International Council on Clean Transportation) 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 on the breakthrough of electric trucks.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure offers information on commercial vehicles and charging infrastructure.
The Federal Environment Agency has published an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
On the topic page of the Federal Environment Agency, you will find comprehensive information on electric mobility.
FAQ
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD)?
The Clean Vehicles Directive is an EU directive that has been implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG). It requires public contracting authorities to adhere to mandatory minimum quotas for clean and emission-free models when procuring vehicles, in order to reduce CO₂ and pollutant emissions.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
The Total Cost of Ownership (overall operating costs) is a calculation method that considers all costs incurred throughout the entire lifespan of a vehicle. This includes the purchase price, energy or fuel costs, maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and depreciation. Electric vehicles often have a lower TCO than diesel vehicles.
How long does it take to charge an electric flatbed truck?
The charging time depends on the battery size and the charging power. Flatbed trucks from Heero support DC fast charging up to 135 kW. Under optimal conditions, this allows the battery to be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 45 minutes, minimizing downtime in everyday work.
Does the 80% subsidy also apply to the conversion of my old diesel?
Yes, the BMDV subsidy according to the KsNI directive explicitly applies both to the purchase of a new electric flatbed truck and to the professional Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion of an existing vehicle. The subsidy rate of 80% refers to the respective additional investment costs compared to a conventional diesel vehicle.
What is the range of a converted Sprinter?
A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter converted to electric drive by Heero (DTE conversion) can achieve a practical range of up to 425 km. This enables deployment even on longer or more challenging routes without intermediate charging.
What is the advantage of a conversion over a new purchase?
The main advantage of conversion lies in retaining your existing vehicle, especially if it has an expensive or custom-made special body (e.g., tipper, crane, workshop equipment). You save the costs of a completely new structure, conserve resources, and still benefit from all the advantages of an electric drive and full subsidy.
