Lowering TCO: Why upgrading your existing diesel commercial vehicle fleet is the most economical decision.
Rising diesel prices, CO2 taxes, and impending driving bans are putting pressure on the balance sheets of fleet operators. Converting your proven diesel commercial vehicles to a powerful electric drive offers a direct solution. Discover how you can significantly reduce total operating costs (TCO) while preserving your valuable specialist superstructures.
The topic briefly and concisely
The conversion of an existing diesel fleet reduces total operating costs (TCO) through savings on energy, maintenance, taxes, and tolls.
Government subsidies of up to 80% of the conversion costs make electrification highly attractive economically and shorten the payback period to 4-6 years.
Retrofitting protects valuable investments in special vehicles and avoids the loss of value that occurs when purchasing new electric vehicles.
For operators of commercial vehicle fleets in Germany, the profitability of diesel vehicles is increasingly becoming a challenge. Exploding operating costs and strict EU regulations, such as the CO2 fleet limits coming into effect in 2025, require a reassessment. A strategic response lies not in expensive new purchases but in the targeted electrification of your existing fleet. The D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) is the pragmatic way to sustainably reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This approach not only protects your previous investments in expensive specialized superstructures but also positions your company – whether municipal or logistics – as a pioneer of the circular economy.
Cost trap diesel: The true total cost of ownership (TCO) in focus
The total cost of a commercial vehicle fleet goes far beyond the purchase price. Variable expenses for fuel, maintenance, and the CO2 tax that has been in effect since 2021 are driving the TCO for diesel vehicles higher each year. A CO2 charge of 8 to 16 cents per kilometer is already being discussed as an effective measure to reflect true costs. Many fleet managers underestimate that the maintenance costs for an electric transporter are up to 40% lower than those of a comparable diesel. This development, combined with declining residual values for diesel vehicles, makes holding onto the old technology a calculable risk for logistics companies and tradespeople. The analysis of total operating costs shows the clear financial advantage of electrification. The transition is therefore not just an ecological one, but a well-founded commercial decision.
Protecting assets: Utilizing the potential of the existing fleet
Your fleet consists of more than just basic vehicles; it is a collection of valuable, specialized work equipment. Whether refrigerated vans, workshop vehicles, or municipal vehicles with expensive special bodies — these investments account for a large portion of the vehicle's value. Purchasing a new e-transporter means the total loss of these customized bodies. Converting the existing diesel commercial vehicle fleet to reduce total operating costs is the superior strategy here. You retain your proven and optimized vehicles for your processes completely. This is precisely where the Heero D2E conversion comes into play, by replacing the diesel powertrain with a modern e-drive, while the chassis and body remain untouched. This way, you can electrify your existing fleet and secure millions in investments.
Government funding as a TCO booster: Save up to 80% of costs
The federal government is accelerating the shift in transport with attractive funding programs that make retrofitting particularly cost-effective. Under the guideline "Environmental Protection and Safety," the conversion of a diesel vehicle to an electric drive is explicitly listed as an eligible measure for funding. Companies can receive a grant of up to 80% of eligible expenses for retrofitting their commercial vehicles. These grants drastically reduce initial investment costs and significantly shorten the payback period. A study shows that electric trucks often pay for themselves within 4 to 6 years due to lower operating costs. Additionally, retrofitted vehicles benefit from further advantages:
Toll exemption: Full exemption from the truck toll in Germany until at least the end of 2025.
GHG premium: Annual income from the sale of CO2 certificates, which retrofitted N2 vehicles are also eligible for.
Vehicle tax: Complete exemption from vehicle tax for 10 years after retrofitting.
Special depreciation: Entrepreneurs can benefit from attractive special depreciation for electric vehicles.
These combined incentives make the decision to electrify your van fleet a secure investment in the future.
Practicality and Performance: More than just Cost Savings
Converting your fleet to electric drive not only improves the TCO but also increases daily performance and operational capability. Modern electric drives, such as the one installed by Heero, offer high torque right from the start and enable a swift and quiet drive – a decisive advantage in urban stop-and-go traffic. With a range of up to 425 km, our converted sprinters effortlessly cover the typical daily distances for municipalities, logistics, and craft businesses. The reduced noise pollution is appreciated by drivers and residents alike and enables deliveries in noise-sensitive zones or during off-peak hours. Additionally, long waits for new vehicles are eliminated, as converting an existing vehicle usually takes only 10 days. This allows you to avoid delivery bottlenecks with e-transporters and quickly future-proof your fleet.
Meet legal requirements and achieve sustainability goals
The EU is continuously tightening climate targets for the transport sector. From 2025, CO2 emissions from new truck fleets must be reduced by 15% compared to 2019, and by 30% by 2030. These regulations increase the pressure on fleet operators to switch to emission-free drives as quickly as possible. Retrofitting the existing diesel commercial vehicle fleet is the fastest way to overcome these regulatory hurdles and avoid potential fines or driving bans. By continuing to use the vehicle chassis in the sense of the circular economy, you achieve a significantly better ecological balance than when purchasing a new vehicle. You position your company as a responsible actor and demonstrably fulfill your sustainability goals in fleet management, which is increasingly becoming a key criterion for awarding public and private contracts.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO
Electrifying your existing fleet is the most strategically wise decision to reduce overall operating costs and secure your competitiveness. You protect millions in specialized structures, lower your ongoing costs by over a quarter, and effortlessly meet upcoming CO2 requirements. Heero is your innovative partner, leveraging patented technology and a clear process to make the transformation of your fleet planned, quick, and maximally economical. Experience the advantages yourself. Request your personal consultation now or book a free everyday test.
More useful links
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) offers a factsheet on the total cost of ownership (TCO) of battery electric trucks in Europe, focusing on Germany.
Statista provides a statistic on the truck fleet with alternative drives in Germany.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) offers information on the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KSNI).
Wikipedia provides an article on the topic of diesel driving bans.
The Federal Environment Agency provides information on environmental zones in Germany.
The EU Commission informs in a press release about the proposed regulation for the recycling of vehicles.
Wikipedia provides an article on the topic of electric mobility.
FAQ
What's Included in the HEERO D2E Conversion?
Our package includes the complete removal of the diesel drive train, installation of our patented electric drive, including batteries and power electronics, as well as all necessary adjustments and TÜV approval. Your vehicle remains familiar to operate but runs purely electrically.
What Range Does a Transporter Converted by HEERO Have?
Our converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter achieves a practical range of up to 425 kilometers, depending on configuration and usage profile. This is more than sufficient for most daily routes in logistics, crafts, and municipal services.
Does the Payload of My Vehicle Remain After the Conversion?
We place the highest importance on maintaining the practicality of your vehicle. The weight of the electric drive and batteries is optimized to keep the payload as close as possible to the original value of the diesel vehicle. Exact values depend on the specific model.
How Does the Application for Funding Work?
HEERO actively supports you throughout the entire funding process. We advise you on suitable programs, help you compile the documents, and assist you with the application to secure the maximum grant for your project.
What Warranty Does HEERO Offer on the Conversion?
We are confident in our technology. You receive a comprehensive warranty on all components of the electric drive train installed by us. For details on the warranty conditions, please speak directly with our consultants.
Can I Test the Converted Vehicles in Advance?
Yes, we offer potential customers the opportunity to test our converted electric transporters in their own day-to-day operations. Simply book a "Daily Test at No Cost" and see for yourself the performance and reliability.
