Electric buses range: How to maximize your fleet performance and secure 80% funding until 2025
Up to 400 km range after an upgrade and 80% state grant? Electrifying your bus fleet is now more economical than ever – but the crucial funding deadline ends on August 31, 2025. Act now to leave rising diesel prices and strict EU regulations behind.
The topic briefly and concisely
The critical funding deadline for an 80% subsidy on electric buses and DTE conversions ends on August 31, 2025.
Modern electric buses achieve practical ranges of up to 400 km, which is sufficient for most urban and regional deployments.
The conversion from diesel to electric (DTE) is a sustainable and economical alternative to buying new, which preserves existing vehicle values.
The transition to electromobility is no longer an option for fleet operators but a strategic necessity. Given the rising operating costs, the EU-wide Clean Vehicles Directive, and the impending end of funding from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), the pressure is increasing. However, many decision-makers shy away from the effort and the seemingly high costs. This article shows you how to assess the real electric bus range for your requirements, optimize the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and set the course for a successful, timely electrification with a clear 4-point checklist. Learn how to continue using existing vehicles through a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) and receive funding for up to 80% of the costs.
Your advantages at a glance: reach, subsidies, and deadlines
The time to electrify your bus fleet is now. The combination of technological maturity and attractive grants creates an optimal window for transition that will soon close. The BMDV funding guideline offers a unique opportunity for cost reduction.
Here are the key facts for your decision:
Range for every use: HEERO electric buses offer proven ranges of up to 300 km for low-floor models and up to 400 km for the tourer minibus.
80% subsidy: The current funding guideline subsidizes the purchase of new vehicles and the DTE conversion with 80% of the additional investment costs.
40% for charging infrastructure: The construction of the necessary charging infrastructure is also subsidized by up to 40%, which further reduces total costs.
Important deadline: The latest possible date for submitting funding applications under this program is August 31, 2025.
These conditions enable an economically sensible transition that meets the strict requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive.
Between bureaucracy and operating costs: The hurdles of fleet electrification
Municipalities and transportation companies face a double challenge: they must comply with legal requirements while also operating economically. The EU Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) mandates binding minimum quotas for the procurement of zero-emission buses. By the end of 2025, 45% of newly procured buses must be "clean," with half of them being completely emission-free.
At the same time, high diesel prices and maintenance costs strain budgets. The transition to electric drives often seems like a complex project with high initial investments and unclear profitability. Many operators fear that the range of electric buses will not be sufficient in winter. However, modern thermal management systems and intelligent charging planning reliably solve this problem, as experiences from Scandinavia show. The actual challenge lies in the planning certainty that is ensured by an experienced partner.
Your 4-point plan for on-time electrification
A structured approach is the key to success. With this checklist, you can navigate through the process securely and ensure a timely submission of your funding application by August 31, 2025.
Conduct a needs analysis: Analyze your current routes, daily mileage, and downtime. This will determine the exact energy demand and the necessary electric bus range for each route.
Define the appropriate vehicle solution: Choose between a new vehicle and a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE). A DTE solution not only saves budget but also preserves expensive special builds and promotes the circular economy.
Apply for funding: Work with a specialized partner to compile all documents for the funding application. The BMDV guideline covers 80% of the additional costs for the vehicle and 40% for the charging infrastructure.
Develop a charging concept: Plan the charging infrastructure based on your operational concept. Depot charging overnight is often the most cost-effective solution, while fast charging systems at terminals increase flexibility.
This plan provides the foundation for an informed decision and smooth implementation.
Technology in focus: Modern electric buses can achieve a range of up to 400 km.
The concern about insufficient range is a thing of the past. Modern electric buses are designed for demanding daily performances. The basis for this is a combination of high battery capacity and efficient rapid charging technology. The Heero low-floor bus, for example, uses a 137 kWh gross battery (115 kWh net) and thus achieves up to 300 km.
Thanks to a DC charging power of up to 165 kW, the bus can be charged to 80% of its capacity in about 30 minutes. For longer distances or use in shuttle service, the Heero Tourer (minibus for 9 people) even offers a range of up to 400 km with its 110-kWh battery. These values are based not on theoretical cycles, but on real operational data. The lifespan of modern traction batteries is eight to ten years, ensuring the long-term usability of the vehicles. This means the vehicles clearly exceed the requirements of most urban and regional lines.
Cost comparison: Why the switch makes sense (TCO analysis)
The higher purchase costs of an electric bus are more than compensated by significantly lower operating costs. An analysis of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), or total operating costs, reveals the true savings potential. The TCO considers all expenses over the entire lifecycle of a vehicle.
Here are the key factors in favor of the e-bus:
Energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometer than diesel.
Maintenance and wear: An electric motor has far fewer moving parts than a diesel engine, reducing maintenance costs by up to 50%.
Taxes and tolls: Electric commercial vehicles benefit from tax exemptions and reduced tolls.
Subsidies: The 80% grant lowers the purchase costs to a level comparable to that of a diesel vehicle.
Retrofitting existing vehicles is often the most economical solution. With a TCO calculator, the break-even point for your fleet can be determined exactly.
Sustainability as a strategy: CO₂ reduction through DTE retrofitting
Sustainability is more than just reducing emissions. It also includes the responsible management of resources. The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is a prime example of a functioning circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully operational vehicle, its lifecycle is extended by many years.
This approach not only conserves valuable resources but also preserves the investments made in the vehicle structures. The energy savings from a conversion compared to the production of a new vehicle can be as much as 75%. For municipalities and companies with expensive specialty vehicles, such as those in the areas of waste disposal or crafts, the DTE conversion is by far the most intelligent and sustainable form of modernization. This way, ecological responsibility is combined with economic sense.
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KsNI).
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides the official guidelines for the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in infrastructure (KsNI).
The KfW Bank Group informs about various funding opportunities for companies in the field of sustainable mobility.
PwC offers analyses and insights into electric mobility in public transport (ÖPNV) with the E-Bus Radar, specifically for electric buses.
Statista presents statistics on German cities with the highest number of fully electric buses.
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) provides information on its E-Bus project and relevant developments in the field of electric mobility in public transport.
The Fraunhofer ISI publishes a press release on the deployment planning of electric trucks, their potentials, and costs.
The Fraunhofer ISI offers comprehensive information and research results on electric mobility on its topic page.
Agora Verkehrswende provides a publication on the topic of electric mobility and its significance for the transformation of transport.
FAQ
How long does the battery of an electric bus last?
Modern lithium-ion traction batteries in commercial vehicles are designed for a long lifespan. We expect a service life of eight to ten years in demanding daily use before the battery capacity reaches a point that makes replacement or use in a second life (e.g., as stationary storage) sensible.
How much does the range of electric buses decrease in winter?
At low temperatures, the range can decrease by 20-30% as energy is required for heating the interior. However, modern electric buses from Heero use efficient heat pumps and thermal management systems to minimize this effect. A proactive route and charging planning ensures year-round operation.
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD)?
The Clean Vehicles Directive is an EU directive that requires public contracting authorities such as municipalities and transport companies to adhere to fixed quotas for low-emission and emission-free models when procuring new vehicles. The goal is to improve air quality in cities and strengthen the market for clean vehicles.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) or overall operating costs encompass all costs incurred during the entire lifespan of a vehicle. These include acquisition, energy (electricity/diesel), maintenance, insurance, taxes, subsidies, and residual value. A TCO analysis shows that E-buses are often more economical in the long term despite higher acquisition costs.
How long does it take to charge an electric bus?
The charging time depends on the battery size and charging power. With a DC fast charging station (up to 165 kW), a Heero low-floor bus can be charged from 20% to 80% in about 30-40 minutes. Slower depot charging overnight (AC charging) takes several hours for a full charge, which is ideal for most depots.
What is a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion?
In a DTE conversion, the diesel engine along with the exhaust system and tank is removed from an existing commercial vehicle and replaced with a modern electric drive train with battery and control electronics. This enables the continued use of the vehicle chassis and body, which is particularly cost-effective and resource-saving for specialized vehicles.
