List of electric car brands for fleets: How to secure 80% funding before August 31, 2025
Over 3,500 e-buses are already benefiting from an 80% grant – when will you electrify your fleet? Given the rising diesel prices, strict climate regulations, and a crucial funding deadline on August 31, 2025, pragmatic action is required now.
The topic briefly and concisely
The crucial funding deadline for an 80% subsidy on electric commercial vehicles and DTE retrofits ends on August 31, 2025.
The diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is a sustainable alternative to buying new, protecting investments in specialized structures and is also fully eligible for funding.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric commercial vehicles is often lower than that of comparable diesel vehicles due to lower operating and maintenance costs.
Anyone looking for an electric car brand list for commercial use quickly realizes: standard passenger car solutions often fall short. For fleet operators, it's not primarily brand names that count, but hard facts like the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), specialized designs, and maximum availability. The switch to e-mobility is no longer an option due to the Clean Vehicles Directive and high operating costs for diesel, but a strategic necessity. With the last chance for 80% funding for vehicle procurement or conversion available until August 31, 2025, there is a unique economic opportunity. Heero is your partner to take advantage of this opportunity on time and efficiently—through intelligent diesel-to-electric conversions of existing vehicles or powerful new e-vehicles.
The countdown is on: Why the electric commercial vehicle funding is crucial until August 31, 2025
The time for the electrification of your commercial vehicle fleet is running out, as the current funding period ends on August 31, 2025. By this deadline, companies and municipalities can receive up to 80% of the additional investment costs for the acquisition or conversion of an electric commercial vehicle as a grant. This funding from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is a critical lever to secure the economic feasibility of the transition. In parallel, the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive is increasing the pressure: public procurers must already meet fixed quotas for clean vehicles. By the end of 2025, 10% of new heavy commercial vehicles must be low-emission, and from 2026, the pressure will increase further. This combination of expiring record funding and increasing regulatory pressure creates a narrow time window for strategic decisions. Those who do not take action now risk incurring double costs in the future – through missed grants and the obligation to retrofit under worse conditions. The right strategy and the suitable provider for electric cars are therefore critical to success.
Your 4-step checklist for fleet electrification
A structured process is the key to utilizing subsidies on time and avoiding misinvestments. With this checklist, you can navigate the conversion process safely:
Conduct a needs analysis: Analyze the actual requirements of your fleet. Collect daily driving performance, typical payload, and downtime for at least 90% of your vehicles.
Create a TCO comparison: Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership. Consider not only the purchase price but also energy, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and subsidies over a period of five years.
Prepare the funding application: Gather all necessary documents for the funding application according to the BMDV guidelines. Pay attention to the exact deadlines and formal requirements to avoid rejection.
Select a technology partner: Choose a partner who not only provides vehicles but also supports you in the analysis, the funding process, and planning the charging infrastructure (with 40% funding).
This pragmatic approach ensures that you not only receive funding but also implement a long-term economical and operationally safe solution.
Renovation instead of new purchase: The potential of Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE)
Many companies hesitate to purchase new e-transporters as they have already invested large sums in expensive specialized modifications. This is where the principle of circular economy through diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) comes into play. Instead of completely replacing a proven vehicle, only the drivetrain is swapped out. A HEERO DTE-Sprinter achieves a range of up to 425 kilometers after the conversion. This approach not only conserves capital but also reduces the CO₂ footprint by up to 70% compared to new production. The DTE conversion is also eligible for 80% funding and represents the most economical solution for many municipalities and craft businesses. You receive a technologically modern e-vehicle on the proven basis of your existing Mercedes commercial vehicle with electric drive. This way, sustainability becomes a direct cost saving.
The HEERO fleet in detail: Performance and range for practical use
The choice of the right vehicle depends on the specific requirements. Heero offers a specialized selection of electric commercial vehicles based on real-world use scenarios:
Heero eTransporter: Ideal for distribution traffic and long distances with up to 500 km range.
Heero ePritschenwagen (EK & DoKa): Offers up to 400 km range and is perfect for crafts and municipal services.
Heero Tourer (Minibus 9 Pax): Transports up to nine people over 400 km, with a 110/96 kWh battery and 135 kW DC charging power.
Heero Mid-Low-Floor Bus: Specialized for public transport with up to 300 km range and a charging power of up to 165 kW DC for short downtimes.
Heero Rear-Low-Floor Bus: Another public transport solution with 300 km range and a 110/96 kWh battery.
These field-tested ranges and charging capabilities ensure that transitioning to a sprinter with electric drive succeeds without compromises in productivity.
More than just the vehicle: mastering charging infrastructure and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The transition to e-mobility does not end with the purchase of a vehicle. A well-thought-out charging infrastructure is crucial for success. The good news: The installation of DC fast charging stations is subsidized with up to 40% of the costs. The analysis of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) also shows that the higher acquisition costs of electric vehicles are often offset after just a few years by lower operating and maintenance costs. Savings on energy, taxes, and maintenance can reduce the TCO by 15-25% compared to a comparable diesel model. A HEERO eTransporter can reduce operating costs per kilometer by over 50%. A holistic partner like HEERO therefore always considers the entire ecosystem of vehicle, charging solution, and funding advice to ensure maximum cost-effectiveness for your fleet.
Start your funding analysis: 3 steps to 80% funding
The path to funding does not have to be complicated. With our structured process, you can secure your grants on time. Just answer three central questions about your fleet and your needs. Based on this, we will create your personal grant roadmap. We will accompany you from the application to the commissioning of your new electric utility vehicles. Take the opportunity for 80% funding before the deadline on August 31, 2025, passes.
Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
For the free analysis
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More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy offers an evaluation of the regulation to promote the sale of electrically powered vehicles.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information about the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in the domestic market (KSNI).
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a comprehensive overview of funding programs in the field of freight transport and logistics.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides further information on commercial vehicles with alternative drives and their contribution to climate protection in transport.
Wikipedia provides a general and comprehensive overview of the topic of electric cars.
The Öko-Institut has published a detailed report on the economic viability of electromobility.
FAQ
What is a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion?
In a DTE conversion, the internal combustion engine and the associated drivetrain of an existing diesel vehicle is replaced with a modern electric drive with battery. This makes it possible to retain expensive and proven vehicle bodies while simultaneously switching to an emission-free drive. Heero offers this specifically for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
What range do the electric commercial vehicles from Heero have?
The ranges are optimized for practical use: The Heero eTransporter achieves up to 500 km, the eFlatbed vehicle and the tourer minibus up to 400 km. The eBuses are designed for urban areas with up to 300 km range.
How fast do the vehicles from Heero charge?
Most Heero models standardly charge with up to 135 kW direct current (DC). The medium-floor bus even supports a charging power of up to 165 kW DC, enabling a charge up to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Who can apply for the 80% funding?
Eligible for funding under the KsNI guidelines of the BMDV are companies from the private sector as well as public and municipal enterprises that use light and heavy commercial vehicles in road freight transport.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
Total Cost of Ownership (total operating costs) is a calculation method that considers all costs over the entire lifetime of a vehicle. These include acquisition, financing, energy (electricity/diesel), maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and residual value. It provides a more realistic picture of the true costs than the pure purchase price.
Does Heero also offer assistance with the charging infrastructure?
Yes, Heero sees itself as a holistic solution partner. We not only advise you on vehicle selection and funding but also on the planning and construction of the appropriate charging infrastructure, for which there is a separate 40% funding.
