Electric vehicle brand list for fleets: What to know about the 80% subsidy until 2024
Over 3,500 electric buses benefited from government subsidies – when will you electrify your fleet? In view of rising diesel prices and strict climate regulations, pragmatic action is required; the 80% subsidy for commercial vehicles ran until 2024.
The topic briefly and concisely
The funding deadline for an 80% subsidy on electric commercial vehicles and DTE conversions expired in 2024; new funding calls are not planned.
The conversion to electric is a sustainable alternative to buying new, protecting investments in special bodies, and was also fully eligible for funding until 2024.
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 that standard passenger car solutions often fall short. For fleet operators, it is not primarily brand names that count, but hard key figures such as the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), specialized bodies, and maximum availability. The transition to e-mobility is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity due to the Clean Vehicles Directive and high operating costs for diesel. The federal KsNI funding covered up to 80% of the additional costs for vehicle acquisition or conversion until 2024; new funding calls are not planned. HEERO is your partner to economically evaluate the remaining options – through intelligent conversion of existing vehicles or high-performance new electric vehicles.
A look back: Why the e-commercial vehicle funding was crucial until the end of the KsNI 2024
The electrification of your commercial vehicle fleet remains on the agenda, even though the KsNI funding period ran until 2024. Until then, companies and municipalities could receive a subsidy of up to 80% of the additional investment costs for purchasing or converting an electric commercial vehicle. This funding from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) was a decisive lever to secure the economic viability of the transition. In parallel, the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive is increasing the pressure: public contracting authorities must already meet fixed quotas for clean vehicles. Until the end of 2025, 10% of new heavy-duty commercial vehicles had to be low-emission; since 2026, the pressure continues to rise. This combination of expired federal funding and increasing regulatory pressure demands clear strategic decisions. Those who postpone the transition risk double costs in the future – due to the necessity of retrofitting under less favorable conditions. The right strategy and the appropriate Anbieter für Elektroautos are therefore critical to success.
Your 4-step checklist for fleet electrification
A structured process is the key to correctly categorizing subsidies and avoiding misinvestments. With this checklist, you can safely navigate the transition process:
Conduct a needs analysis: Analyze the real requirements of your fleet. Record daily mileage, typical payload, and idle times 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 for a five-year period.
Prepare the subsidy application: Gather all necessary documents for a subsidy application in accordance with the respective BMDV directive. Pay close attention to the exact deadlines and formal requirements to avoid rejection.
Select a technology partner: Choose a partner who not only supplies vehicles, but also supports you with the analysis, the subsidy process, and the planning of the charging infrastructure (recently with 40% funding).
This pragmatic approach ensures that you are familiar with the subsidy situation and implement a solution that is economically viable and reliable in the long term.
Renovation instead of new purchase: The potential of Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE)
Many companies hesitate before purchasing new electric vans because they have already invested large sums in expensive special bodies. This is where the principle of the circular economy through conversion comes in. Instead of completely replacing a proven vehicle, only the drivetrain is replaced. A HEERO Sprinter achieves a range of up to 425 kilometers after conversion. This approach not only preserves capital but also significantly reduces the CO₂ footprint compared to new production. The conversion was also eligible for funding of up to 80% of the additional costs via the KsNI directive until 2024 and represents the most economical solution for many municipalities and craft businesses. You receive a technologically modern electric vehicle on the proven basis of your previous Mercedes commercial vehicle with electric drive. In this way, sustainability becomes a direct cost saving.
The HEERO fleet in detail: Performance and range for practical use
Choosing the right vehicle depends on specific requirements. HEERO offers a specialized selection of electric utility vehicles based on real-world application scenarios:
HEERO eTransporter: With a range of up to 500 km, ideal for distribution transport and long distances.
HEERO ePritschenwagen (EK & DoKa): Offers a range of up to 400 km 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 Mittelniederflur-Bus: Specialized for public transport with a range of up to 300 km and a charging power of up to 165 kW DC for short downtimes.
HEERO Heckniederflur-Bus: Another public transport solution with a 300 km range and a 110/96 kWh battery.
These field-tested ranges and charging capacities ensure that the transition to a Sprinter with electric drive succeeds without compromising 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 the vehicle. A well-thought-out charging infrastructure is crucial for success. For context: The installation of DC fast-charging stations was eligible for funding under federal programs; the KsNI ran until 2024. The analysis of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) also shows that the higher acquisition costs of electric vehicles are often compensated for after just a few years by lower operating and maintenance costs. Savings in 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 determine your funding eligibility
The path through the funding landscape does not have to be complicated. With our structured process, we classify your funding opportunities objectively. Simply answer three central questions about your fleet and your requirements. On this basis, we will create your personal subsidy roadmap. We accompany you from the funding assessment to the commissioning of your new utility vehicles with electric drive. The KsNI funding with up to 80% of the additional costs ran until 2024; which programs are currently open will be clarified on a case-by-case basis.
Funding analysis: Answer three questions and receive your subsidy roadmap with the current status of the funding programs.
To the free analysis
free of charge · non-binding · objective
More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action offers an evaluation of the directive to promote the sales of electrically powered vehicles.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the Climate Protection and Sustainability in Transport (KSNI) funding program.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides a comprehensive overview of funding programs in the field of freight transport and logistics.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers further information on commercial vehicles with alternative drivetrains 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 efficiency of electromobility.
