Funding for Electric Transporters: Secure an 80% grant before 31 August 2025
Secure up to 425 km range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade and save 80% of costs? The current funding round from the federal government makes this possible, but the application deadline ends on August 31, 2025. Act now to stay ahead of rising diesel prices and stricter EU regulations.
The topic briefly and concisely
The critical deadline for applying for the 80% funding for E-Transporters and conversions ends on 31 August 2025.
The funding from the BMDV (KsNI guideline) covers 80% of the additional costs for e-vehicles and 40% of the costs for charging infrastructure.
The conversion from Diesel to Electric (DTE) is also funded at 80% and provides a sustainable alternative to purchasing new vehicles, preserving existing specialised constructions.
Rising diesel prices, impending city driving bans, and the pressure from the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive present fleet operators with enormous challenges. Electrifying your fleet is no longer an option, but rather an economic necessity. The current funding round for the promotion of electric transporters by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a unique opportunity: With an 80% subsidy on the conversion or purchase of e-commercial vehicles and 40% on the charging infrastructure, the switch is more economical than ever before. This guide pragmatically shows you how to secure these funds for your company before the critical deadline on 31 August 2025.
The Funding Deadline: 31 August 2025 - Why Taking Action Now is Crucial
The time for electrifying your commercial vehicle fleet is right now. The current funding round with an impressive quota of 80% for vehicles and conversions is only open until 31 August 2025. This date is not a recommendation but a firm deadline for submitting applications. At the same time, the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) intensifies the legal requirements for public and many private fleet operators. Those who do not act now risk not only losing substantial grants but also future competitive disadvantages. The transition to an efficient electric transporter is therefore a direct response to these challenges. This dual dynamic of funding and regulation creates a unique window of opportunity for an economically viable transition.
Your 4-point plan for 80% funding
The path to funding for your electric transporter is straightforward with the right strategy. Follow these four steps to make the process efficient and secure your grants by the deadline of 31st August:
Precisely analyse requirements: Determine the exact needs of your fleet. How many kilometres do your vehicles travel daily? What payload is required? A Heero eTransporter offers, for example, up to 500 km range.
Evaluate economic efficiency (TCO): Consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which includes not only acquisition but also maintenance, insurance, taxes, and energy costs. Our TCO analysis often shows savings compared to a diesel vehicle after just three years.
Make the right technology choice: Decide between a new vehicle and a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE). A DTE conversion conserves resources and is ideal for expensive specialised bodies you wish to retain. Find out more under Convert or Buy New.
Submit the application on time: Gather all necessary documents and submit the application through the official portals. We support you in meeting all formal requirements of the BMDV funding directive.
This structured approach minimises bureaucratic effort and maximises your chances of success.
Understanding Funding Opportunities: What Is Subsidised?
The current funding guideline of the BMDV, known under the acronym KsNI (Climate-friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure), is broadly established. It aims to significantly accelerate the market ramp-up of electric commercial vehicles. Two core areas are subsidised:
Vehicles and Conversions (80% grant): This includes both the purchase of new electric commercial vehicles and the conversion of existing diesel vehicles. The support of Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) with 80% particularly supports the principle of circular economy. A Heero DTE-Sprinter achieves up to 425 km range.
Charging Infrastructure (40% grant): The necessary, non-public charging infrastructure on your commercial premises is supported. This includes wall boxes and fast charging stations (DC) with charging power of up to 165 kW for our electric minibuses.
This combination ensures that not only the vehicles, but the entire ecosystem for a successful transition is promoted. We have prepared an overview of the 80-percent funding for you.
Cost Comparison: TCO of an E-Transporter vs. Diesel
The acquisition costs of an Electric Transporter are higher, but the Total Cost of Ownership tells a different story. Thanks to the promotion for Electric Transporters until 31 August 2025, the calculation shifts significantly. Here's an example: A Heero eTransporter with a 110 kWh battery (96 kWh net) has significantly lower 'refueling' and maintenance costs. The vehicle tax is entirely waived for ten years. With an annual mileage of 40,000 km, the savings on operating costs can be up to 5,000 Euros per year. Considering the 80% subsidy on the additional acquisition costs, the electric transporter is often the more economical option from the very first day. Get detailed information on the BMDV subsidy and its impact.
Technology in Focus: Range and Charging Performance in Practice
Modern e-transporters are built for the tough working day. Our vehicles are based on the proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and are uncompromisingly designed for performance. The Heero eTransporter achieves up to 500 kilometres of range with its 110-kWh battery. Even the Heero rear low-floor bus reaches up to 300 kilometres. At a DC fast-charging station, most of our models charge with up to 135 kW. This means that in just about 30 minutes of charging time, 80% of the range is available again. These figures demonstrate that e-commercial vehicles are more than capable of meeting the demands of logistics, trades, and municipalities. Our e-commercial vehicles are ready for use.
Sustainability through circular economy: renovation instead of new purchase
The promotion of a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with expensive special structures, its lifespan is extended by many years. This approach not only saves up to 70% of the CO₂ emissions that would occur during the production of a new vehicle, but also conserves your capital. An existing Sprinter is converted into a powerful electric vehicle with a range of up to 425 km within approximately ten days. You retain your proven vehicle and expensive structures while simultaneously reducing operating costs and achieving sustainability goals. Learn more about our promotion checklist.
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the Climate Protection and Mobility (KsNI) funding programme.
The German Bundestag reports in a brief about current developments in the field of e-mobility.
The ADAC provides comprehensive information on the promotion of electric vehicles.
Enercity offers insights into the various funding options for e-mobility.
The Federal Environment Agency provides detailed information on the topic of e-mobility in the transport sector.
FAQ
What happens if I miss the deadline on 31 August 2025?
If you miss the application deadline on 31 August 2025, you will no longer be able to apply for grants in the current funding round. Whether and to what extent future funding programmes will be launched is uncertain, which is why quick action is recommended.
How long does a Diesel-to-Electric conversion take?
A DTE conversion of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in our workshop usually takes about ten working days. After that, you will receive your vehicle back as a powerful, quiet, and emission-free Electric Transporter.
What range can I expect from a converted Electric Transporter?
Our converted Heero DTE Sprinters achieve a practical range of up to 425 kilometres. The exact range depends on factors such as driving style, load, and outside temperature.
Does Heero assist with the funding application?
Yes, we offer a free funding analysis and support our customers as partners throughout the entire application process to ensure compliance with all deadlines and formal requirements.
Is the funding only available for new vehicles?
No, the funding explicitly also applies to the conversion of existing vehicles from diesel to electric drive. This measure is also subsidised with 80% of the costs.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) refers to the total operating costs of a vehicle over its entire lifetime. This includes not just acquisition, but also energy, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and depreciation. Electric vehicles often have significant advantages here.
