Electromobility in the Fleet: What 80% Funding Achieved Until 2024
Over 3,500 electric buses benefited from government subsidies – when will you electrify your fleet? The KsNI funding period for commercial vehicles ran until 2024; new funding calls are not planned. Rising diesel prices and stricter CO₂ targets remain unaffected by this.
The topic briefly and concisely
The KsNI funding guideline offered up to 80% subsidy for e-vehicles and conversions; it ran until 2024, and no new calls for applications are planned.
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 targets, fleet managers are under pressure to act. At the same time, bureaucracy represents a hurdle. This guide shows you pragmatically how to successfully master the transition to a locally emission-free fleet. We explain the four decisive steps and classify what remains of the BMDV funding guideline: The KsNI funding with up to 80% subsidy for vehicles and conversions ran until 2024, new funding calls are not planned. In this way, you not only gain an economic overview, but also position your company to be future-proof.
Your starting point: Legal pressure and economic opportunities
The transition to electromobility 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 today. By the end of 2025, for example, 45% of newly procured buses had to be "clean"; since 2026, this quota has been at 65%. At the same time, high diesel prices and CO₂ levies weigh heavily on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which encompasses all costs over a vehicle's lifespan. Conversion to electric drive can reduce operating costs by more than 30%. This situation creates a clear framework for action, making the transition to locally emission-free vehicles logical not only in terms of emissions, but also economically. For years, the funding landscape has provided the financial foundation 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 can keep an eye on efficiency and the funding situation.
Conduct a needs analysis: Analyze your current driving profiles and vehicle types. Our HEERO DTE conversion of a Sprinter, for example, offers up to 425 km of range and is ideal for existing special bodies.
Check funding opportunities: The BMDV funding guideline KsNI offered up to 80% subsidy for the conversion or purchase of new vehicles until 2024 and included the charging infrastructure. New calls for funding are not planned; we will clarify which programs are currently open on a case-by-case basis.
Calculate cost-effectiveness (TCO): Compare the total cost of ownership. Although an electric vehicle has higher acquisition costs, it saves up to 10,000 euros in operating and maintenance costs over 5 years. A comparison of purchasing vs. conversion is crucial.
Plan implementation: Plan the gradual transition of your fleet and the setup of the charging infrastructure. The National Centre for Charging Infrastructure supports planning and implementation.
This plan helps you reduce complexity and set the course for a successful transformation.
Funding pots and deadlines: Which subsidies recently applied
The funding landscape for electromobility in Germany was generous for years, but limited in time. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provided up to 80% of the additional costs for purchasing an electric commercial vehicle or a conversion (DTE) via the KsNI directive until 2024. Important is today's status: New funding calls are not planned, already approved projects will be fully financed.
Grants for Vehicles and Infrastructure
The funding was broadly positioned and supported fleet operators comprehensively. These were the central funding rates:
80% grant for the acquisition of electric commercial vehicles via the KsNI directive until 2024.
80% grant for converting existing diesel commercial vehicles to electric drive until 2024, which represents the core of our sustainable conversion solutions.
40% grant for the installation of the necessary charging infrastructure on the company premises in the federal bus program, the call for which ended on July 21, 2026.
These grants significantly reduced the investment barrier and accelerated amortization. The combination of vehicle and infrastructure funding from a single source simplifies the process for municipalities and companies. Which programs are currently open is clarified on a case-by-case basis, so that you can make an informed decision.
Cost comparison: Why retrofitting often beats buying new
The total cost of ownership (TCO) is the decisive key figure for the profitability of your fleet. It includes not only the purchase price, but all costs over the entire useful life. Electric vehicles score points here with up to 40% lower maintenance costs and significantly lower energy costs compared to diesel. A HEERO eTransporter with a 500 km range offers enormous savings potential here.
TCO advantages through conversion
Particularly the conversion of a car to electric is economically attractive. You retain your expensive and proven special bodies and only invest in a new drive system. This not only protects your capital, but also avoids up to 11 tons of CO₂ emissions that would be generated during the production of a new vehicle. The circular economy, i.e. the continued use of existing resources, is the key here to greater sustainability and efficiency. A converted Sprinter is therefore not only an investment in electromobility, but also in the longevity of your fleet.
Charging infrastructure: The backbone of your e-fleet
A powerful charging infrastructure is the prerequisite for the smooth operation of your electric vehicles. Public funding programs have made the setup significantly easier in the past; in the federal bus program, the rate for charging and workshop infrastructure was 40%. Our bus systems, such as the mid-low floor bus, are designed for high charging capacities of up to 165 kW DC in order to achieve 80% range again in just 30 minutes. The HEERO Tourer for 9 people charges with up to 135 kW and reaches a range of 400 km. The planning of the charging infrastructure should always be tailored to the specific requirements of your fleet. The National Centre for Charging Infrastructure (Nationale Leitstelle Ladeinfrastruktur) provides valuable planning tools and data for this purpose. A well-thought-out charging infrastructure ensures the maximum availability of your electric commercial vehicles and optimizes operational processes.
Sustainability through circular economy: renovation instead of new purchase
The decision in favor of a DTE conversion is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with a specialized body, its life cycle is extended by many years. This approach significantly reduces resource consumption, as the production of a new van requires around 70 tons of material. By continuing to use the chassis and body, you make a measurable contribution to CO₂ reduction and resource conservation. Our patented DTE technology is an example of innovative Circular Mobility. It proves that carbon footprint and economics can go hand in hand by preserving existing assets and making them future-proof. This is the core of sustainable fleet management.
More useful links
KfW provides detailed information on funding programs for electromobility in the corporate sector.
Comprehensive information on funding for charging infrastructure for companies can also be found at KfW.
The Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr provides information on commercial vehicles with alternative drivetrains.
An article on the subject of electromobility can be found on the website of the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz.
The Umweltbundesamt offers a publication on fleet target values and their significance.
