Electric Transporter Grant 2025: Secure an 80% subsidy before the deadline on August 31
Secure up to 425 km range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade and save 80% of costs? The current funding round from the federal government makes this possible, but the application deadline ends on August 31, 2025. Act now to stay ahead of rising diesel prices and stricter EU regulations.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% funding for electric vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure ends on August 31, 2025.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion protects investments in expensive special constructions and is a sustainable alternative to buying new.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric transports is often lower than that of diesel vehicles due to lower energy and maintenance costs.
Rising operating costs, looming access restrictions, and the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) are putting pressure on your commercial vehicle fleet. Transitioning to electric vans is no longer an option but a strategic necessity. This article shows you how to pragmatically implement electrification, reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and benefit from the current funding policy with grants of up to 80% for vehicles and conversions before the critical deadline of August 31, 2025 passes. We guide you through the four crucial steps to modernizing your fleet.
Urgency and Opportunity: Why the Time Until August 2025 is Crucial
The clock is ticking for fleet operators. Applications for the current funding round for e-vehicles must be submitted by August 31, 2025. This deadline is crucial, as it offers the opportunity to receive 80% of the investment costs for vehicle electrification and 40% for charging infrastructure as a grant. At the same time, the EU is increasing pressure with the Clean Vehicles Directive: By the end of 2025, 45% of newly procured buses and a significant share of vans must be low-emission. This double dynamic of funding and regulation creates a unique window of opportunity for a financially sensible conversion. Those who do not act now risk not only losing substantial grants but also facing future competitive disadvantages due to outdated, expensive diesel fleets. Transitioning to an efficient electric transporter is thus a direct response to these challenges.
Your 4-point action plan for successful fleet electrification
A structured approach is the key to success. With this checklist, you can navigate the process safely and secure all the advantages for your fleet. Each step is designed to reduce complexity and set the course for a sustainable and cost-efficient future.
Here are the four central steps to modernize your fleet:
Needs analysis and TCO assessment: Analyze your current routes and vehicle utilizations. Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by comparing your current diesel vehicles with a new Sprinter Electric. Consider acquisition, maintenance, energy prices, and incentives.
Choose the right solution – retrofit or new purchase: Check if a Diesel-to-Electric retrofit (DTE) is the better option for your existing vehicles. Especially for expensive special builds, the DTE retrofit protects your investment and is often the more sustainable choice in terms of the circular economy.
Apply for funding in a timely manner: Gather all necessary documents for the funding application. Note the deadline of August 31, 2025, and use specialized consulting to maximize the funding rate of 80% for vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure.
Plan and implement charging infrastructure: Determine the energy requirements of your new electric fleet. Plan the installation of DC fast chargers (up to 165 kW) at your operating yard to minimize downtime and maximize the readiness of your versatile electric commercial vehicles.
The careful consideration between new purchase and retrofit forms the financial basis of your strategy.
Cost comparison: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) as a basis for decision-making
The higher acquisition costs of an electric transporter are often perceived as a hurdle. However, looking only at the purchase price is too narrow. The decisive factor is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which encompasses all costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. Studies show that battery electric trucks will already be the most cost-effective option before 2030. Their lower operating costs offset the higher purchase price. The energy costs for electricity are more stable and lower than volatile diesel prices, which increases predictability. Furthermore, cost factors such as AdBlue refills and vehicle tax are eliminated for ten years. Maintenance efforts are significantly reduced due to the elimination of oil changes, exhaust systems, and clutches. A detailed cost comparison shows that TCO parity with a diesel is often achieved after just three to five years, especially when utilizing current subsidy programs.
Technology in focus: range, battery, and charging performance
The practicality of modern electric transporters far exceeds the concerns still present in many places. The Heero vehicle range provides concrete evidence for this. For example, the Heero eTransporter achieves a range of up to 500 kilometers with a single charge. Even specialized vehicles like the Heero DTE-Sprinter manage up to 425 kilometers. These values ensure that most daily operational profiles can be covered without recharging.
The technological basis for this is a powerful battery and charging infrastructure:
Battery capacity: All models, except for the mid-low-floor bus, use a battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net capacity. This ensures reliable and high range.
DC fast charging: A standard charging power of up to 135 kW allows the battery to be charged to 80% in about 30 minutes. The mid-low-floor bus even charges at up to 165 kW.
Durability: Modern batteries are designed for a long lifespan of eight to ten years, often with warranties of up to eight years or 160,000 kilometers.
Sustainability: After their first life in the vehicle, batteries can continue to be used as stationary energy storage (Second Life), which strengthens the principles of the circular economy.
This technological maturity makes the transition not only ecologically but also operationally sensible.
Renovation instead of new purchase: The advantages of the Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion
For many companies, especially in crafts and logistics, vehicles are more than just means of transportation. They are mobile workshops with expensive, custom-built structures. A new purchase would mean the loss of these investments. Here, the Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion offers an economically and ecologically superior alternative. In this process, the diesel powertrain of an existing vehicle is replaced with a modern electric drive. The biggest advantage lies in preserving the vehicle structure and the associated investment security. A converted HEERO DTE-Sprinter offers a practical range of up to 425 kilometers. The conversion is also an active contribution to the circular economy, as it extends the lifespan of a proven vehicle and saves the resources needed for a new build. This can reduce CO₂ emissions by over 40 tons per vehicle compared to new production. This way, long delivery times for new vehicles can be avoided and the fleet quickly modernized.
Regulatory Framework: The Clean Vehicles Directive as a Driver of Change
The electrification of your fleet is not only an economic decision but increasingly also a regulatory necessity. Directive (EU) 2019/1161, known as the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), has been implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG). This law requires public purchasers and their service providers to comply with binding minimum quotas for clean and zero-emission vehicles in procurement. For the period until the end of 2025, for example, 45% of newly procured buses and 10% of trucks must be low-emission. From 2026, these quotas will increase to 65% for buses and 15% for trucks. These requirements affect municipalities, municipal companies, and private firms that carry out public contracts. A violation of these quotas may lead to exclusion from future tenders. The proactive transition to a subsidized electric transporter thus not only secures cost advantages for you but also the future viability of your business model in the public sector.
More useful links
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility provides information on the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in transport (KSNI).
KfW presents funding programs in the area of electromobility for companies.
Federal Ministry of Transport informs about commercial vehicles with alternative drives and climate protection in transport.
Funding Database of the Federal Ministry for Economics and Climate Protection provides details on the funding program "E-Vehicle Applications and Infrastructures".
Statista offers a statistic on the truck fleet with alternative drives in Germany.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on vehicles.
Association of the Automobile Industry (VDA) informs about the drive strategy for commercial vehicles.
ADAC provides information on the promotion of electric cars.
German Energy Agency (dena) offers a background paper on the topic of tank and charging infrastructure for heavy goods traffic.
FAQ
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean for an electric transporter?
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) or total operating costs include all costs incurred during the entire useful life of a vehicle. These include the purchase price, energy costs (electricity vs. diesel), maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and residual value. For e-transporters, the TCO are often lower because electricity is cheaper and less maintenance is required.
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD)?
The Clean Vehicles Directive is an EU directive implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG). It requires public contracting authorities to set minimum quotas for the procurement of low-emission and emission-free vehicles to improve air quality and reduce CO₂ emissions.
How long does it take to charge an electric transporter?
At a DC fast charging station with 135 kW power, the battery of a Heero eTransporter can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 30 to 40 minutes. This allows high deployment flexibility and minimizes downtime during the workday.
What warranty is provided on the batteries of electric transporters?
Manufacturers typically provide a warranty of up to 8 years or a mileage of 160,000 kilometers on the high-voltage battery. A remaining minimum capacity of 70% is usually guaranteed.
What is a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion?
In a DTE conversion, the combustion engine along with the gearbox and exhaust system is removed from an existing diesel vehicle and replaced with a complete electric drive system including an e-motor, battery, and power electronics. The vehicle retains its chassis and body.
Can I also receive funding for a DTE conversion?
Yes, the conversion of existing vehicles to electric drive is generally eligible for funding, just like the purchase of a new vehicle. The funding rate for the conversion costs in the current program is also up to 80%.
