Electrifying fleets: Retrofitting service vans for technicians with long-range batteries and lowering TCO
Rising diesel prices and strict CO2 regulations strain the budgets of fleets with service vans for technicians. An electric retrofit with long-range batteries offers an economically and ecologically superior alternative to costly new purchases. Discover how to future-proof your existing fleet while significantly reducing operating costs.
The topic briefly and concisely
Converting a fleet of service vans for technicians to electric drive with long-range batteries reduces the TCO by up to 25% through savings in energy, maintenance, and taxes.
HEEROs D2E technology enables a practical range of up to 425 km, ensuring mission planning beyond just city traffic.
The retrofitting protects your investments, as expensive special setups and shelving systems remain in the vehicle and do not have to be purchased anew.
For fleet managers of service and craft businesses, the air is getting thin: The EU's CO2 emission standards will be noticeably tightened from 2025, making the operation of diesel fleets increasingly uneconomical. At the same time, impending inner-city driving bans threaten the operational capability of your technicians. Buying new e-transporters is often associated with long delivery times and the loss of expensive, custom-made installations. Heero offers a pragmatic solution with the patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric): We convert your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into high-performance electric vehicles with a range of over 400 km in just 10 days. This way, you protect your investments, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), and secure your competitiveness for the next 10 years.
Key Takeaways
The conversion of a fleet of service vans for technicians to electric drive with long-range batteries reduces the TCO by up to 25% through savings on energy, maintenance, and taxes.
Heero's D2E technology enables a practical range of up to 425 km, ensuring deployment planning beyond mere urban traffic.
The conversion protects your investments, as expensive special builds and shelving systems in the vehicle are retained and do not need to be re-purchased.
By continuing to use existing vehicles in line with the circular economy, valuable resources are conserved and the CO2 balance is significantly improved compared to a new purchase.
Government funding programs like the KsNI directive subsidize the conversion and further improve the profitability of the fleet transformation.
Operating costs and CO2 regulations challenge fleet operators
The pressure on fleet operators is continuously increasing. The EU Regulation 2019/631 mandates a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions for light commercial vehicles starting in 2025, with the pressure further increasing by 2030. This inevitably leads to higher operating costs for diesel fleets. An analysis of the total cost of ownership (TCO) shows that expenses for fuel and maintenance constitute a significant portion. For service companies whose technicians travel hundreds of kilometers daily, this becomes a financial burden. Many fleet managers underestimate the financial impact of the upcoming CO2 regulations. Switching to emission-free drives is no longer an option but a necessity to ensure readiness and economic efficiency. A detailed analysis of your fleet's TCO is the first step towards future-proof planning. These challenges require a solution that is not only ecologically but, above all, economically sensible.
Investments in specialized structures through retrofitting protect
Service vans for technicians are often mobile workshops with expensive, customized shelving systems and special fittings, which can reach a value of over 20,000 euros per vehicle. Purchasing a new e-transport usually means the total loss of this investment. The Heero D2E conversion offers a decisive advantage here: We retain the complete structure of your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This circular economy approach not only conserves valuable resources but also your capital. Instead of scrapping a functional vehicle, we extend its lifespan by at least 10 years. Retaining the structures saves up to 40% of the costs compared to a newly equipped electric vehicle. The conversion is therefore the pragmatic solution for all companies wanting to electrify their workshop vehicles without loss of value. But can a converted vehicle offer the same performance as a new e-model?
Practical range of over 400 km for maximum operational safety
The greatest concern in the electrification of commercial vehicle fleets is range. Many standard e-vans reach their limits at 250-300 km, which is often not enough for the demanding daily routine of technicians. HEERO has solved this problem: Our retrofitted Sprinters achieve a certified range of up to 425 km with just one battery charge. This allows your technicians to easily cover longer distances to customers or between different sites on the highway. This enormous range is made possible by our specially developed battery systems and intelligent energy management. It provides you with the planning reliability you are used to from your diesel vehicles. Learn more about how you can convert your service vehicles for long-distance travel. This superior performance is complemented by a highly efficient and fast conversion process.
Efficient fleet transformation in just 10 days per vehicle
While delivery times for new e-vans often take 12 months or longer, we transform your existing vehicles in record time. The entire D2E retrofitting process for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter takes only 10 working days at our plant in Germany. This quick turnaround minimizes your fleet's downtime and ensures a fast reintegration of the vehicles into operations. Our standardized process includes the following steps:
Delivery and inspection of your diesel vehicle.
Professional dismantling of the engine, transmission, and exhaust system.
Integration of the electric drive train and the high-performance battery.
Installation of the charging electronics and the new cockpit display.
Comprehensive quality control and TÜV approval.
The rapid availability enables flexible and planned electrification of your entire fleet. With this method, you can bypass the often long delivery times for new vehicles and immediately benefit from the advantages of e-mobility. In addition to the rapid implementation, the retrofitting impresses especially with its outstanding cost-effectiveness.
Optimize total cost of ownership (TCO) with government funding
The conversion to an electric drive from Heero reduces your total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 25%. The savings result from significantly lower expenses for energy compared to diesel and up to 75% reduced maintenance effort. Additionally, you benefit from being exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years. To further ease the investment, the federal government supports the electrification of commercial vehicle fleets. The funding program "Climate-friendly commercial and special vehicles" (KsNI) subsidizes the additional investment costs for purchase or conversion by up to 80%. By combining TCO savings and funding, the conversion often pays off after just 3 to 4 years. A precise ROI calculation for your fleet shows the actual savings potential. However, the benefits go beyond mere cost savings and also include tangible improvements for the everyday work of your technicians.
Mobile workshop with autonomous power supply for more flexibility
A HEERO E-Sprinter is more than just a means of transport; it is a mobile energy source. The powerful vehicle battery can be used as a power source for tools, laptops, and other devices directly at the site. This makes your technicians independent from external power supply and increases on-site efficiency by up to 15%. Your employees also benefit from a quiet and vibration-free driving experience and maintain the familiar operation of their Sprinter. The conversion transforms your Sprinter into a mobile workshop that is perfectly equipped for the demands of modern service assignments. The ability to operate tools directly reduces setup time and increases daily productivity. This pragmatic approach combines technological advancement with a deep understanding of sustainable economy.
More useful links
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides official statistics on vehicle inventory and environmental data in Germany.
Federal Environment Agency provides comprehensive information and publications on the topic of electromobility.
National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure offers specialized information and resources on charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs about political measures and funding programs for commercial vehicles with alternative drives.
German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) provides insights into the positions and activities of the German automotive industry regarding electromobility.
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) presents research findings and analyses on electromobility and its impacts.
Transport & Environment offers a detailed report (in English) on the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric commercial vehicles.
DEKRA offers technical information and services for converting trucks to electric drive.
FAQ
Which vehicles can be converted?
Heero specializes in the D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. This includes vans, platform vehicles, and tourers, where the existing structures are completely retained.
What are the savings on operating costs?
By converting to electric drive, you can reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 25%. The biggest savings come from lower energy costs compared to diesel, a maintenance effort reduced by up to 75%, and the 10-year exemption from vehicle tax.
Are there subsidies for the conversion?
Yes, the federal government supports the electrification of commercial vehicles under the KsNI directive. Companies can receive subsidies of up to 80% of the additional investment costs for conversion, greatly increasing the economic efficiency of the measure.
Can I operate tools with the converted vehicle?
Yes, the high-performance battery of the converted Sprinter can be used as a mobile power source. Your technicians can connect their electrical tools and devices directly to the vehicle and be completely autonomous on site.
What does circular economy mean in vehicle conversion?
Instead of scrapping a functional vehicle, we extend its life by at least a decade through conversion. We continue to use the existing chassis and structure. This saves tons of steel, CO2, and other resources compared to a new vehicle.
How can I test the Heero solution?
We offer you the opportunity to experience our technology up close. Contact us to arrange a personal and free consultation or to book a daily test at no charge and test a converted Heero E-Sprinter in your own fleet.
