Subsidy for electric vans at 80 percent: What the grant covered until 2024 and what applies today
Subsidy for electric vans at 80 percent: What the grant covered until 2024 and what applies today
Up to 425 km range after an upgrade – without the costs of a new vehicle. The federal funding round made this economically viable: The KsNI guideline subsidized the conversion of your vans by up to 80 percent of the additional costs until 2024; no new funding calls are planned.
The topic briefly and concisely
Until 2024, companies could apply for funding of up to 80% of the additional costs of electric vans; the KsNI guideline has been discontinued since August 2024.
The conversion was fully eligible for subsidies and protects investments in existing special bodies.
Thanks to the subsidies available until 2024 and lower operating costs, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for electric vans is often lower than for diesel vehicles.
Rising diesel prices, impending city driving bans, and the requirements of the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive are putting pressure on your commercial vehicle fleet. A transition to e-mobility is inevitable, but investment costs present a hurdle. This is precisely where the funding directive "Climate-friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) stepped in. It covered up to 80 percent of the additional costs of an electric drive and ran until 2024; according to the Federal Government, no new funding calls are planned. This guide shows you how to proceed pragmatically and realistically assess the funding situation for your company.
For context: 80% subsidy and the deadline until 2024
The BMDV's KsNI funding program offered a funding rate of up to 80 percent of the additional investment costs for the purchase or conversion of electric commercial vehicles. This rate applied to vehicles in classes N1, N2, and N3, thus covering the most common van models. In addition, the development of the necessary charging infrastructure was part of the funding guideline. The crucial information for your planning: The guideline ran until 2024, and according to the Federal Government, no new funding calls are planned. Pressure to act continues to arise from regulatory requirements such as the Clean Vehicles Directive, which already obligates public procurement bodies to meet fixed quotas when purchasing low-emission vehicles. A strategic decision must therefore be viable even without an active funding window.
4-point plan: Funding application in retrospect
With over 1,600 applications already approved in earlier rounds, the path to funding is an established process. To maximize your chances, we recommend a structured 4-point plan:
Conduct a needs analysis: Determine the exact needs of your fleet. Analyze driving profiles, daily mileage, and charging options at your locations. The requirements for a HEERO eTransporter with a range of up to 500 km differ from those for a DTE Sprinter with 425 km.
Evaluate the right solution: Decide between a new vehicle and a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE). A DTE conversion not only conserves resources but also preserves the value of your expensive special bodies.
Obtain a binding offer: Request a detailed quote that clearly shows the additional investment costs compared to a reference diesel model. This document is the basis for your funding application.
Submit the complete application: Applications were processed via the eService portal of the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM). The KsNI guideline ran until 2024; new funding calls are not planned.
This systematic preparation is key to reliably meeting the complex requirements.
TCO analysis: How the subsidy reduced the total cost of ownership
The acquisition costs are only part of the equation. Crucial for an economical fleet are the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), meaning the total operating costs over the entire service life of a vehicle. In addition to the acquisition, the TCO also include energy, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and the resale value. Due to the 80 percent subsidy, the acquisition costs of an e-transporter fell to the level of a diesel or even below by 2024. Lower energy costs of about 50 percent per kilometer and up to 60 percent reduced maintenance efforts lead to a significant reduction in running costs. A detailed TCO calculation shows that the electrification of your fleet is not only an emission-related, but above all an economic necessity. The subsidy acted here as a decisive catalyst for your profitability.
Circular economy in practice: Conversion as a sustainable alternative
Why scrap a proven vehicle when only the drive system is outdated? The diesel-to-electric conversion is a prime example of a functioning circular economy. Instead of producing a completely new van, your existing vehicle – for example, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with an expensive special body – is converted to a modern electric drive within just 10 days. This approach saves up to 80 percent of the CO₂ emissions that would be generated during the manufacture of a new vehicle. You keep your familiar vehicle and protect your investment in the body, while up to 2024, the full funding for electric vans of up to 80 percent was additionally available. With a range of up to 425 km for a converted HEERO Sprinter, this solution is also absolutely suitable for daily use. Conversion is therefore the smartest form of modernization.
Performance without Compromise: Technical Specifications of the Heero Fleet
The practical suitability of modern electric vans is often underestimated. The HEERO vehicle fleet, whether as a new vehicle or a DTE conversion, is based on over 10 years of experience and delivers impressive performance data. Here is an overview of the key figures (as of 07/2025):
HEERO eTransporter: Up to 500 km range for maximum operational flexibility.
HEERO DTE-Sprinter: Up to 425 km range after conversion.
Battery capacity: 110 kWh gross / 96 kWh net for most van models.
DC fast charging: Standard with up to 135 kW, which enables charging to 80 percent in under 40 minutes.
HEERO Tourer (9-seater): Up to 400 km range, ideal for passenger transport.
These values prove that range anxiety is a thing of the past for modern electric commercial vehicles.
Your next step: a free analysis of your funding opportunities
The KsNI funding rate of up to 80% was valid until 2024; no new funding calls are planned. Nevertheless, you set the course for a clean and economical future for your fleet today. The first step is a non-binding analysis of your funding potential. Just answer three questions and receive your personal subsidy roadmap with the current status of the funding programs. Our experts will guide you through the entire process, from vehicle configuration to successful application. All content mentioned here represents general information and does not constitute legal or funding advice.
To the free analysis
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More useful links
The Bundesamt für Logistik und Mobilität (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding program Climate Protection and Innovations in the Field of Commercial Vehicle Mobility (KSNI).
The Bundesanzeiger publishes the official announcement regarding the funding guidelines Climate Protection and Innovation in the Field of Commercial Vehicle Mobility (KSNI).
The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) provides monthly statistics on new vehicle registrations.
The Umweltbundesamt provides comprehensive information on climate protection in transport.
The KfW offers funding programs for electromobility for companies.
The Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz presents a dossier on the topic of electromobility.
The Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) provides information on the drive strategy for commercial vehicles.
The Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammertag (DIHK) provides a guide on e-mobility.
