Electromobility in the fleet: Utilize the 2025 deadline with 80% funding
Already 3,500 electric buses are securing an 80% subsidy – when will you electrify your fleet? Time is pressing, as the current funding period ends on August 31, 2025. Act now to get ahead of rising diesel prices and stricter CO₂ regulations.
The topic briefly and concisely
The BMDV funding guideline offers an 80% grant for electric vehicles and retrofitting, but the application deadline ends on August 31, 2025.
The conversion of existing diesel vehicles (DTE) conserves capital, preserves expensive specialized equipment, and makes an active contribution to the circular economy.
The total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric vehicles is significantly lower in the long term due to reduced maintenance and energy costs compared to combustion engines.
The transition to electromobility is no longer an option for companies and municipalities, but a strategic necessity. In light of rising operating costs, the EU-wide Clean Vehicles Directive, and ambitious climate goals, fleet managers are under pressure to act. At the same time, bureaucracy poses a hurdle. This guide shows you pragmatically how to successfully master the transition to a zero-emission fleet. We explain the four essential steps to benefit from the current BMDV funding guidelines with up to 80% grants for vehicles and conversions before the deadline on August 31, 2025. This not only secures you an economic advantage but also positions your company for the future.
Your starting point: Legal pressure and economic opportunities
The transition to electric mobility is driven by two factors: rising costs and clear legal requirements. The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) already mandates binding minimum quotas for the procurement of clean vehicles. By the end of 2025, for example, 45% of newly procured buses must be 'clean', and from 2026 this quota will rise to 65%. At the same time, high diesel prices and CO₂ charges burden the total operating costs (Total Cost of Ownership, TCO), which include all costs over the lifespan of a vehicle. Switching to electric drive can reduce operating costs by over 30%. This situation creates a clear framework for action, making the transition to emission-free vehicles not only ecologically but also economically sensible. The current funding landscape offers ideal financial support for this.
Your 4-point action plan for fleet electrification
A structured process is the key to success when introducing electromobility. With this checklist, you ensure maximum efficiency and funding.
Conduct needs analysis: Analyze your current driving profiles and vehicle types. Our Heero DTE conversion of a Sprinter offers, for example, up to 425 km range and is ideal for existing special superstructures.
Check funding opportunities: The BMDV funding guideline offers an 80% subsidy on retrofitting or purchasing new vehicles, as well as 40% on the charging infrastructure. The application deadline ends on August 31, 2025.
Calculate profitability (TCO): Compare the total cost of ownership. An electric vehicle has higher initial costs but saves up to 10,000 euros in operating and maintenance costs over 5 years. A comparison of buying vs. conversion is crucial.
Plan implementation: Plan the gradual transition of your fleet and the development of charging infrastructure. The National Charging Infrastructure Coordination Center supports planning and implementation.
This plan helps you reduce complexity and set the course for a successful transformation.
Funding pots and deadlines: How to maximize your grants
The current funding landscape for electromobility in Germany is extremely attractive but time-limited. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides up to 80% of the additional costs for the purchase of an electric vehicle or a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) through the funding guideline for electromobility. Important is the application deadline: All applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025.
Subsidies for Vehicles and Infrastructure
The funding is broadly structured and supports fleet operators comprehensively. Here are the key funding rates:
80% subsidy for the purchase of electric commercial vehicles and buses.
80% subsidy for converting existing diesel vehicles to electric drive, which represents the core of our sustainable conversion solutions.
40% subsidy for the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure on your premises.
These subsidies significantly reduce the investment barrier and accelerate amortization. The combination of vehicle and infrastructure funding from a single source simplifies the process for municipalities and companies. The time until the deadline should be used to make an informed decision.
Cost comparison: Why retrofitting often beats buying new
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the key figure for the profitability of your fleet. It includes not just the purchase price, but all costs over the entire operational life. Electric vehicles score here with up to 40% lower maintenance costs and significantly lower energy costs compared to diesel. A Heero eTransporter with a range of 500 km offers enormous savings potential here.
TCO advantages through Diesel-to-Electric (DTE)
Especially the conversion of a car to electric, the so-called DTE conversion, is economically attractive. You retain your expensive and proven special modifications and only invest in a new drive. This not only conserves your capital but also avoids up to 11 tons of CO₂ emissions that occur during the production of a new vehicle. The circular economy, which means the continued use of existing resources, is the key to greater sustainability and efficiency here. A converted Sprinter is thus an investment not only in electromobility but also in the longevity of your fleet.
Charging infrastructure: The backbone of your e-fleet
An efficient charging infrastructure is the prerequisite for the smooth operation of your electric vehicles. With the current subsidy of 40% of the costs, the setup is made significantly easier. Our bus systems, such as the low-floor bus, are designed for high charging capacities of up to 165 kW DC to achieve 80% range in just 30 minutes. The Heero Tourer for 9 people charges with up to 135 kW and achieves a range of 400 km. The planning of the charging infrastructure should always be tailored to the specific requirements of your fleet. The National Charging Infrastructure Control Center offers valuable planning tools and data for this. A well-thought-out charging infrastructure ensures maximum availability of your electric commercial vehicles and optimizes operational processes.
Sustainability through circular economy: renovation instead of new purchase
The decision to retrofit to a DTE is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with a specialized build, its lifecycle is extended by many years. This approach significantly reduces resource consumption, as around 70 tons of material are required to produce a new transporter. By continuing to use the chassis and body, you are making a measurable contribution to CO₂ reduction and resource conservation. Our patented DTE technology is an example of innovative Circular Mobility. It demonstrates that ecology and economy can go hand in hand by preserving existing values and making them future-proof. This is the core of sustainable fleet management.
More useful links
The KfW provides detailed information on funding programs for electric mobility in the corporate sector.
Comprehensive information on funding for charging infrastructure for companies can also be found at the KfW.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport provides information on commercial vehicles with alternative drives.
An article on the topic of electric mobility can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
The Federal Environment Agency offers a publication on fleet target values and their significance.
FAQ
By when must the application for the 80% grant be submitted?
All applications under the current Electromobility Funding Guidelines of the BMDV must be submitted by August 31, 2025, to be considered.
What ranges do the converted Heero vehicles have?
Our vehicles are optimized for practical use. The Heero DTE-Sprinter reaches up to 425 km, the eTransporter up to 500 km, and our bus solutions up to 300 km range.
What is the advantage of a DTE conversion compared to a new electric vehicle?
The main advantage is the retention of your existing, often expensive and specialized vehicle bodies. This reduces investment costs, shortens delivery time, and is significantly more sustainable due to the continued use of resources in the spirit of the circular economy.
Is the necessary charging infrastructure also funded?
Yes, the construction of non-public charging infrastructure on your business premises is subsidized with 40% of the investment costs under the funding program.
What does "Diesel-to-Electric" (DTE) mean?
DTE stands for the conversion of an existing diesel vehicle to a fully electric drive. The internal combustion engine and the tank are replaced by an electric motor and a battery, while the chassis and body remain intact.
Is this article legally binding advice?
No, the content of this article serves general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or funding advice. For a binding statement, we recommend our free and individual funding analysis.
