Incentives for Electric Transporters 2025: Secure an 80% subsidy for your fleet
Up to 500 km range in the eTransporter while saving 80% of the costs? The current federal funding guideline makes it possible. Find out how you can future-proof your fleet now and benefit from massive subsidies before the deadline on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% funding for e-transporters and conversions ends on August 31, 2025.
The subsidy covers 80% of the vehicle costs (new or conversion) and 40% of the charging infrastructure costs.
The conversion of a diesel transporter (D2E) is a fundable and sustainable alternative to a new purchase, safeguarding investments in specialized equipment.
Rising diesel prices, impending city driving bans, and the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive are putting fleet operators under pressure. Electrification is no longer an option but an economic necessity. With the current funding round from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), the transition is more attractive than ever before. The funding for electric transporters in 2025 offers up to 80% subsidy for the conversion of existing diesel vehicles or the purchase of new vehicles. This guide shows you how to apply for the funds in time and set the course for an economical and sustainable future.
The Facts: Subsidy Rates and Deadlines at a Glance
The time for electrifying your commercial vehicle fleet is now. The current funding round offers unique conditions that require strategic action. The deadline for application submission is 31 August 2025.
Here are the key points of the funding:
80% Grant: Applies to the purchase of new electric commercial vehicles and the conversion of an existing diesel transporter to an electric drive (Diesel-to-Electric).
40% Grant: Covers the costs for the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure on your company premises.
31 August 2025: This is the deadline for submitting funding applications under the “Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure” (KsNI) programme.
Clean Vehicles Directive: The EU directive obliges public contracting authorities to procure a quota of 38.5% “clean” light commercial vehicles by the end of 2025.
This combination of high grants and regulatory pressure creates a narrow window for an economically sensible decision. The next section shows you the necessary steps for a successful application.
Your 4-point action plan for timely promotion
Bureaucracy and complex application procedures often present a hurdle. However, with a structured approach, you can secure funding for your electric transporter in 2025 without any problems. We have divided the process into four manageable steps for you.
This is how you proceed strategically:
Conduct a needs analysis: Determine the precise requirements of your fleet. How many vehicles need to be converted or replaced? What charging capacity is required? A detailed checklist of eligibility for funding helps you collect all relevant data.
Obtain offers: Request binding offers for the vehicles—whether new purchase or D2E conversion—and the charging infrastructure. For a Heero D2E-Sprinter with a range of up to 425 km, we will provide you with all necessary documents.
Submit funding application: Submit all documents to the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) by the deadline of 31 August 2025. Ensure the completeness of the documents to avoid queries.
Implementation after approval: After receiving the positive funding notice, you can initiate the order for the vehicles and the charging infrastructure. It is important that the commissioning takes place only after the approval.
With this plan, you navigate the process confidently and can examine the financial details of the available funding pots.
The funding sources: Where the 80% subsidy comes from
The financial support for fleet electrification comes from the established funding programme “Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure” (KsNI) of the BMDV. This programme has been specifically designed to offset the additional costs of e-commercial vehicles compared to diesel models in order to expedite market penetration. It covers light commercial vehicles of the EC vehicle class N1, which includes typical vans up to 3.5 tons.
Particularly noteworthy is the explicit support for Diesel-to-Electric conversion. Instead of scrapping an expensive specialised build, your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is converted by us into a powerful electric vehicle within 10 days. This emphasis on circular economy is a key concern of the funding guidelines. The funding significantly reduces the investment barrier and makes the switch immediately profitable for medium-sized companies and crafts businesses. The analysis of total costs shows how sustainable this decision truly is.
Cost Comparison: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in Focus
The purchase costs are only part of the equation. Crucial for an economical fleet are the total operating costs, also known as Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The TCO includes all costs over the lifespan of a vehicle - from acquisition to energy and maintenance to residual value. An electric transporter offers decisive advantages here. The energy costs per 100 km are often over 50% lower with electricity than with diesel.
A direct comparison makes it clear:
Lower maintenance costs: An eDrive has significantly fewer wear parts than a combustion engine. Oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and clutch repairs are completely unnecessary.
Tax benefits: E-vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years.
GHG quota: Each e-vehicle annually generates income through the sale of CO₂ certificates.
Value stability: By converting an existing vehicle, you protect the investment in expensive special bodies and ensure a high residual value.
These factors mean that the higher purchase costs are quickly amortised through subsidies and lower operating costs. The right vehicle technology is the key to success.
The Technology: Range and Performance for the Workday
Practicality is crucial to the success of electrification. Modern e-vans fully meet the demands of discerning fleets. Heero relies on a standardised high-performance battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net capacity for all van models. This enables impressive ranges and charging performance.
Our solutions at a glance:
Heero eTransporter: With a range of up to 500 km, it is ideal for distribution traffic and regional deployments.
Heero DTE-Sprinter: After conversion, your trusty Sprinter achieves up to 425 km and is thus ready for almost any assignment.
Heero eFlatbed: Whether as a single or double cab, it offers up to 400 km range for craftspeople and municipalities.
Fast charging capability: All models charge as standard with up to 135 kW direct current (DC). In just 30 minutes, the battery is recharged to 80%.
These performance figures prove that a modern electric van requires no compromises. To fully unlock their potential, a well-thought-out charging infrastructure is essential.
The Charging Infrastructure: The Foundation of Your E-Fleet
A reliable charging infrastructure is the backbone of every e-fleet. The KsNI funding guideline also supports you here with a grant of 40% on acquisition and installation costs. This applies to non-public charging infrastructure, which is exclusively used for the funded vehicles. Investing in the right charging infrastructure ensures maximum availability of your vehicles and optimises operating costs.
An intelligent charging strategy, often overnight at the depot, significantly reduces energy costs compared to public ad-hoc charging processes. Planning should take into account factors such as the number of vehicles, downtime and the available network capacity. With funding, the establishment of a professional charging infrastructure becomes a manageable investment. Thus, all paths are set for a successful transformation.
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information about the “Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure” (KsNI) funding programme.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action informs about the funding of commercial and special-purpose vehicles with climate-friendly drives.
The KfW presents funding programmes for companies in the field of electromobility.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) offers statistical data and press releases on electromobility.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on new vehicle registrations, including electric vehicles.
The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) informs about commercial vehicles with alternative drives and climate protection in transport.
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) offers data and information on transport infrastructure and vehicle stock, including electric vehicles.
FAQ
What does Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion mean?
DTE is the process of removing the combustion engine and the entire drivetrain from an existing diesel vehicle and replacing it with a powerful electric drive including a battery. This conserves resources and protects your investment in the vehicle body.
How long does the conversion of a Sprinter at Heero take?
The conversion of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to our electric drive usually takes only 10 working days. Afterwards, you will receive your vehicle back as a fully-fledged eTransporter.
What is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
The TCO refers to the total operating costs of a vehicle over its entire useful life. It includes not only the purchase price but also costs for energy, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and depreciation. For e-vehicles, the TCO is often significantly lower than for comparable diesel models.
What range do the Heero eTransporters have?
Our vehicles are designed for demanding work environments. The Heero eTransporter offers a range of up to 500 km, the converted DTE Sprinter up to 425 km, and the eFlatBed up to 400 km.
Do I need to submit the funding application myself?
Yes, you, as the vehicle owner or company, must submit the application. Heero, however, supports you in the process by providing all the necessary technical data sheets and certified documents for our vehicles and conversions.
Is the charging infrastructure included in the funding scope?
Yes, the acquisition and installation of essential, non-public charging infrastructure is subsidised up to 40% of the costs, provided it is applied for together with at least one funded vehicle.
