Electric bus funding program 2025: Now secure up to 80% subsidies before federal funding runs out.

09.02.2025

Minutes

Federico De Ponte

Experte für Beratung bei Auctoa

03.06.2025

9

Minutes

Michael Holzwig

Use Case Expert

The federal government will not extend the current electric bus funding program Germany 2025. For fleet operators in municipalities and companies, this means that there is only a short time left to receive up to 80% reimbursement for additional investment costs for new e-buses and conversions. Find out how to set the course for an emission-free and economical fleet now.

The topic briefly and concisely

The central federal funding program for electric buses will end on December 31, 2025, and will not be extended, which requires quick action.

Companies and municipalities can still receive up to 80% of the additional investment costs for e-buses and 40% for charging infrastructure as a grant.

Regional funding programs emerge in response to the phasing out of federal funds, making the funding landscape more complex but still full of opportunities.

The electrification of bus fleets is no longer a future issue for municipalities and transport operators, but an economic and ecological necessity. Given rising operating costs and stricter emission regulations, the switch to electric drives is the logical step. The current Electric Bus Funding Program Germany 2025 from the federal government offers a unique financial opportunity with grants of up to 80%. However, this opportunity is time-limited: the underlying directive expires on December 31, 2025, and will not be extended. For fleet managers and decision-makers, this means the countdown to securing these substantial funds is on. Heero is your partner to pragmatically master this process and set the course for a sustainable, cost-efficient future.

The current funding landscape: A window of opportunity is closing in 2025

The federal government has set crucial impulses for the market ramp-up with the "Guideline to Promote Alternative Drives of Buses in Public Transport." Between 2021 and 2024, approximately 3,500 electric buses were subsidized, which will save an impressive 2.85 million tons of CO2 over their lifespan. This measure has increased the number of e-buses in Germany from around 200 in 2018 to over 2,600 in 2023. However, the crucial information for you is that this extremely advantageous subsidy guideline will expire on December 31, 2025. Since the federal government does not plan a direct extension, a financing gap arises that poses significant challenges for transport companies. Therefore, the remaining time must be used efficiently to submit applications and realize the transformation of your fleet with maximum state support. The switch to electric drives is not only a question of sustainability but also a clear economic decision, as the high subsidy rate of 80 percent proves.

This urgency underscores the need to strategically address the remaining funding pots now.

What exactly is being funded? Details of the expiring guideline

To fully take advantage of the opportunity, fleet operators must know the details of the program. Eligible applicants are legal entities of public and private law as well as economically active natural persons in Germany. The funding aims to offset the higher acquisition costs compared to a conventional diesel bus, which often exceed double the amount. The core of the funding is an 80% grant on the additional investment costs for battery or fuel cell buses.

The funding program covers several areas to enable a comprehensive transition:

  • Vehicle acquisition and conversion: Up to 80% of the additional costs for the acquisition of battery buses or the conversion of existing vehicles will be covered.

  • Associated infrastructure: The necessary non-public charging infrastructure will be subsidized with up to 40% of the expenses.

  • Feasibility studies: Analyses on the use of e-buses in your fleet will be funded with up to 50%.

  • Prerequisite for operation: A central condition is the exclusive use of electricity from renewable sources for the subsidized vehicles.

The two-stage application process through the easy-Online system requires careful preparation. A complete checklist for the funding application is crucial to avoid missing deadlines. Given the complexity, professional support is the key to success before the funding deadline 2025 expires.

Regional programs as an alternative: The funding landscape in change

The discontinuation of federal funding does not mean the complete end of government support. Forward-thinking state and municipal associations are already beginning to develop their own programs to fill the emerging gap. An example is the Westphalia-Lippe Local Transport (NWL), which has approved its own funding program for 2025 with a volume of 10 million euros. This program is intended to subsidize the additional costs for about 75 new emission-free buses by up to 60 percent, thereby ensuring the modernization of fleets in the region. These regional initiatives show that funding opportunities will still exist after 2025; however, they will be more fragmented and specific. For fleet operators, it will become even more important to keep track of the differences between federal and state funding. Navigating through this patchwork of regulations requires specialized knowledge to identify and combine the appropriate funds. HEERO supports you in recognizing these new opportunities and making them usable for your fleet. The right strategy also ensures you the necessary support for your battery bus projects in the future.

These new, decentralized funding opportunities require an even more targeted approach in planning.

Cost-effectiveness in Focus: Why Retrofitting Reduces TCO

The investment in electromobility is more than a contribution to climate protection; it is a strategic decision to reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Today's battery buses already cause 54% less CO₂ emissions over their lifecycle than diesel buses. More crucial for economical operation, however, is the fact that the operating costs, particularly for energy, are only about half as high as for diesel vehicles. The biggest hurdle remains the high acquisition costs, which are significantly reduced by the current subsidies. This is where the innovative approach of Heero comes in: the D2E conversion. Instead of purchasing an expensive new vehicle, we electrify your proven existing vehicles based on the Sprinter. This not only conserves valuable resources in terms of circular economy but also drastically reduces the initial investment. This makes the switch economically feasible even for fleets with expensive special modifications, such as in handicrafts or logistics. The combination of a subsidy for E-bus conversion and the lower investment costs of the D2E solution sustainably optimizes your TCO balance.

With the right strategy, electrification becomes a direct profit for your balance sheet.

Your advantage with HEERO: Pragmatic solutions for a secure future

In a changing funding landscape, you need a partner who is not only technologically leading but also pragmatic and solution-oriented. HEERO guides you through the entire process – from analyzing your fleet, navigating through the funding jungle, to implementing the appropriate charging solutions. We help you make optimal use of the deadlines for the expiring Electric Bus Funding Program Germany 2025. Whether by procuring a highly efficient new electric vehicle or through our patented D2E conversion based on the proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – we secure your investments and make your fleet future-proof. Our solutions are tailored to the needs of municipalities, logistics companies, and craft businesses, ensuring maximum economic efficiency and performance. Rely on an innovative partner who paves the way to electrification for you.

The next step is simple and non-binding. Request your personal consultation now or experience the HEERO technology live. Book a free everyday test and see for yourself the performance of our solutions.

FAQ

By when do I need to submit the funding application for my electric bus at the latest?

The underlying funding directive expires on December 31, 2025. Since the application process is two-stage and takes time, you should submit your project outline as early as possible to meet all deadlines safely. Contact us for an exact timeline.



Does the program also support the conversion of my existing diesel transporter?

Yes, the directive explicitly includes the conversion of buses and supports them with up to 80% of the additional investment costs. Our HEERO D2E conversion is an ideal, eligible solution to economically electrify your existing fleet.



What role does the charging infrastructure play in the funding?

The necessary, non-public charging infrastructure is a central component of the funding and is subsidized with up to 40% of the eligible expenses. We provide comprehensive advice to develop and have funded a holistic solution from vehicle to charging concept.



What happens if I miss the federal funding deadline?

Even after 2025, there will be funding opportunities, but probably through decentralized programs from states or associations with potentially different conditions. We continuously monitor developments and help you find the best possible funding for your project.



How can HEERO assist me with the funding application?

Our expert team guides you through the entire process. We help with the creation of the necessary documents, ensure that all criteria are met, and support you with submission via the easy-Online-Portal to maximize your chances of success.



Is the HEERO D2E conversion suitable for my company?

Our D2E conversion is ideal for fleet operators who operate on the proven basis of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, especially those with expensive or complex special constructions. It protects your previous investments and allows for a particularly economical transition. Book a free everyday test to experience the solution live.