Electrical renovation: Secure 80% funding before the deadline on August 31, 2025.
Up to 425 km range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. Given rising diesel prices and the approaching subsidy deadline on August 31, 2025, now is the critical time to future-proof your fleet.
The topic briefly and concisely
The deadline for applying for the 80% funding for the electric conversion of commercial vehicles ends on August 31, 2025.
An electric conversion (DTE) is often more economical than a new purchase (lower TCO) due to the preservation of the value of specialized installations and lower operating costs.
Modern retrofitted e-transports can achieve ranges of up to 500 km and can be charged to 80% in about 30 minutes thanks to 135 kW DC charging.
The pressure on fleet operators is increasing: Strict EU regulations such as the Clean Vehicles Directive, rising operating costs, and the inevitable shift towards sustainability demand strategic decisions. A complete purchase of the fleet is often economically unfeasible, especially when expensive special installations are in use. The professional electric conversion, also known as Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE), offers a pragmatic and economically superior solution. It not only secures the value of your existing vehicles but also allows access to a government grant of 80% – but only for applications submitted by August 31, 2025. This article shows you how to strategically plan the conversion and take full advantage of the subsidies.
Your strategic advantage: The key facts about the electric conversion
An electric conversion is more than a technical upgrade; it is a strategic investment in the future viability of your fleet. Switching from diesel to electric not only saves your budget but also secures the value of your existing vehicles. By doing so, you meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations and position your company as a pioneer.
Utilize 80% subsidy rate: The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) subsidizes vehicle conversion with 80% of the costs, but applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025.
Performance without compromise: A converted HEERO DTE-Sprinter achieves a practical range of up to 425 kilometers with just one battery charge.
Sustainability through circular economy: Instead of a resource-intensive new purchase, the Electro Car Conversion extends the lifespan of your vehicles and saves tons of CO₂.
Act in compliance with the law: The conversion helps meet the procurement quotas of the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG) and the Clean Vehicles Directive.
These facts show that the right time for electrification is now, before important funding windows close.
From cost pressure to action plan: Your 4-point checklist for the conversion
The hurdles of electrification – bureaucracy, high diesel prices, and complex climate regulations – are a challenge for many companies. A structured plan turns these hurdles into clear next steps. With this checklist, you will navigate the process safely.
Conduct funding analysis: Check your eligibility for the 80% funding by the BMDV for diesel-to-electric conversion and 40% for the charging infrastructure. The deadline for applications ends on August 31, 2025.
Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Analyze the total costs. The electric conversion often beats new purchases due to lower operating costs and the preservation of your special structures. Compare your options with a detailed TCO analysis.
Define suitable vehicle profile: Choose the right combination of battery and range for your specific deployment scenarios, from the Heero eTransporter with up to 500 km to the strongest e-transporter for heavy loads.
Plan the charging infrastructure intelligently: Determine the required charging capacity (e.g., up to 165 kW DC fast charging) and plan the installation at your operating site to benefit from the 40% funding.
With this pragmatic approach, the transition becomes plannable and economically successful.
Make optimal use of funding pots: How to secure 80% grant for the electrical conversion
The current funding landscape offers a unique opportunity to drastically reduce the costs of electric conversions. According to the funding guidelines of the BMDV, 80% of the additional investment costs for a conversion or the purchase of an electric commercial vehicle are covered. In parallel, the necessary charging infrastructure is subsidized by 40%. This funding is a crucial lever to significantly shorten the payback period. However, time is pressing: Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025, to benefit from these conditions. These programs are not handouts but a political instrument to achieve the ambitious goals of the EU Clean Vehicles Directive. They help companies meet the legally required quotas for clean vehicles without jeopardizing their own competitiveness. A professional conversion process ensures that all technical requirements for eligibility for funding are met. But funding alone is not everything; the long-term profitability must also be convincing.
TCO comparison: Why the electric conversion surpasses the purchase of a new vehicle
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), also known as the total operating costs, is the key figure for fleet managers. It includes not only the purchase price but also energy, maintenance, taxes, and depreciation. An electric conversion is often the more economically wise choice compared to buying a new e-transporter. The greatest advantage lies in preserving the value of your existing vehicles, particularly for expensive and laboriously procured special builds. Instead of disposing of a proven vehicle with a refrigerated box or workshop installation, its lifecycle is extended. The investment focuses solely on the powertrain. Studies show that electric vehicles are cheaper to operate in the long term due to lower energy and maintenance costs compared to diesel. The combination of reduced operating costs and maintaining vehicle value makes the electric conversion the most profitable option. A solid cost basis is important, but technical performance in everyday use is equally crucial.
Performance without compromise: Range and charging performance in detail
The practicality of an electric commercial vehicle depends on range and charging time. Modern diesel-to-electric conversions offer impressive values here that are more than sufficient for most deployment profiles. HEERO relies on powerful and durable components to ensure the maximum productivity of your fleet.
HEERO eTransporter: Up to 500 km range for distribution traffic.
HEERO DTE-Sprinter: Up to 425 km range, ideal for craftsmen and service.
HEERO Bus Solutions: Up to 300 km range for urban and regional transport.
Standard Battery: 110 kWh gross capacity (96 kWh net) for most models.
Bus Battery (medium-low-floor): 137 kWh gross capacity (115 kWh net) for maximum passenger capacity.
DC Fast Charging: Standard up to 135 kW, even up to 165 kW for medium-low-floor bus. This charges the battery to 80% in about 30 minutes.
These technological metrics demonstrate that a conversion of your existing fleet does not mean compromising on performance. Rather, it is a clear commitment to the circular economy and the sustainable extension of the service life of your valuable vehicles.
Your next step: Secure your free funding analysis
The transition to electric mobility is a clear business necessity, driven by legal requirements and economic sense. The electric conversion offers the most pragmatic and profitable way to future-proof your fleet, reduce TCO, and optimally utilize the funding period until August 31, 2025. You not only meet the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive but also make a measurable contribution to climate protection through CO₂ savings. Don’t wait until funding programs expire and the pressure to act increases.
Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
Button: “For the free analysis”
free · non-binding · timely
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in transport (KSNI).
The German Bundestag informs in a short message about relevant developments in the field of electromobility.
e-mobil BW provides current information on funding for e-trucks and the associated charging infrastructure.
The Federal Funding Database (BMWi) offers comprehensive details about the funding program "E-Vehicle Applications and Infrastructures".
KfW gives an overview of various funding options for companies in the field of sustainable mobility.
The National Control Centre for Charging Infrastructure provides important information on the subject of commercial vehicles and their charging infrastructure.
The Stuttgart Chamber of Crafts informs craft businesses about the most important funding programs in the area of electromobility.
The Federal Environment Agency publishes a detailed analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
FAQ
How long does an electric conversion take at Heero?
The pure conversion process of a van from diesel to electric drive at Heero usually only takes a few weeks. We recommend starting the entire process, including consultation, funding application, and planning, early to meet the deadline on August 31, 2025.
What legal regulations do I fulfill with an electric conversion?
With an electric conversion, you meet the requirements of the German Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG) and the European Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD). This is particularly relevant for public procurers and their service providers.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean in the context of electric conversion?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) refers to the total operating costs of a vehicle over its entire lifespan. With electric conversion, acquisition costs are often lower due to funding compared to a new purchase, while operating costs are significantly reduced due to cheaper energy and less maintenance compared to diesel.
What warranties does Heero offer on the conversion and the battery?
Heero offers comprehensive warranties on all conversion components, including the electric drivetrain and high-voltage battery. The exact warranty conditions are model-specific and detailed in an individual offer.
Can I also have my charging infrastructure subsidized?
Yes, in addition to vehicle conversion, the establishment of the associated charging infrastructure (e.g., DC fast charging stations at the site) is funded with 40% of the costs by the BMDV. The application deadline is also August 31, 2025.
What happens to the old diesel engine after the conversion?
In the spirit of the circular economy, the removed diesel engines and components are professionally processed and recycled. This reduces waste and conserves valuable resources, which is a core principle of Heero's sustainable approach.
