80 percent grant for electric commercial vehicles: How to secure your subsidy by 31 August 2025
Up to 425 km range after a Diesel-to-Electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. The current federal funding round makes it possible: Secure a subsidy of 80 percent for the conversion of your transporters and 40 percent for the charging infrastructure.
The topic briefly and concisely
Businesses can apply for a subsidy of 80% on the additional costs of eTransporters and 40% on charging infrastructure until 31st August 2025.
The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is fully eligible for funding and safeguards investments in existing specialised structures.
Thanks to incentives and lower operating costs, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for eDrive commercial vehicles 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 switch to e-mobility is inevitable, but the investment costs are a hurdle. This is precisely where the current funding guideline 'Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure' (KsNI) of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) comes into play. With a unique subsidy rate of 80 percent on the additional costs of an eDrive and a clear deadline of 31 August 2025, you now have an economically unique opportunity. This guide shows you how to proceed pragmatically and secure the maximum funding for your company.
Your opportunity: 80% subsidy and the urgent deadline until August 2025
The current funding programme of the BMDV offers an exceptional funding rate of 80 percent on the additional investment costs for the acquisition or conversion of electric commercial vehicles. This rate applies to vehicles in classes N1, N2 and N3, thus covering the most common transporter models. Additionally, up to 40 percent of the costs for the development of the necessary charging infrastructure are subsidised. The crucial information for your planning is the application deadline: All applications must be submitted by 31 August 2025. This urgency also arises from regulatory requirements such as the Clean Vehicles Directive, which already obliges public contractors to fixed quotas in the procurement of low-emission vehicles. The time for a strategic decision is, therefore, now.
Your 4-point plan for successful grant application submission
The path to funding is an established process with over 1,600 applications already approved in previous rounds. To maximise your chances, we recommend a structured 4-point plan:
Conduct needs analysis: Determine the exact requirements of your fleet. Analyse driving profiles, daily mileage, and charging options at your locations. The needs for a Heero eTransporter with up to 500 km range differ from those for a DTE-Sprinter with 425 km.
Evaluate suitable solution: Decide between a new vehicle and a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE). A DTE conversion not only conserves resources but also safeguards the value of your expensive special build-outs.
Obtain binding offer: Request a detailed offer that clearly shows the additional investment costs compared to a diesel reference model. This document forms the basis of your funding application.
Submit application in a timely manner: Submit the application via the eService portal of the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM). Ensure all documents are submitted in full by the deadline of 31 August 2025.
This systematic preparation is the key to meeting the complex requirements successfully.
TCO Analysis: How Incentives Reduce Your Total Cost of Ownership
The acquisition costs are only part of the equation. Decisive for an economical fleet are the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), i.e., the total operating costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. The TCO includes not only the purchase but also energy, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and resale value. Thanks to the 80 percent subsidy, the acquisition costs of an E-Transporter drop to the level of a diesel or even below. Lower energy costs of about 50 percent per kilometre and maintenance reduced by up to 60 percent lead to a significant reduction in running costs. A detailed TCO calculation shows that the electrification of your fleet is not only an ecological but, above all, an economic necessity. The subsidy acts here as a crucial catalyst for your profitability.
Circular economy in practice: Conversion as a sustainable alternative
Why scrap a proven vehicle when only the drive is outdated? The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is a prime example of a living circular economy. Instead of producing a completely new van, your existing vehicle – for example, a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with an expensive special build – is converted to a modern electric drive within just 10 days. This approach saves up to 80 percent of the CO₂ emissions that would arise from manufacturing a new vehicle. You keep your familiar vehicle and protect your investment in the build while simultaneously benefiting from the full subsidy for electric vans up to 80 percent. With a range of up to 425 km on a retrofitted Heero DTE-Sprinter, this solution is also absolutely practical. The conversion is thus the most intelligent form of modernization.
Performance without Compromise: Technical Specifications of the Heero Fleet
The practicality of modern eTransporters 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 in most transporter models.
DC fast charging: Standard with up to 135 kW, which allows charging to 80 percent in under 40 minutes.
Heero Tourer (9-seater): Up to 400 km range, ideal for passenger transport.
These figures demonstrate that range anxiety is a thing of the past for modern e-commercial vehicles.
Act now: Secure your free funding analysis
The combination of a high subsidy rate and the impending deadline on 31 August 2025 creates a unique opportunity. Do not hesitate to set the course for a clean and economical future for your fleet. The first step is a non-binding analysis of your subsidy potential. Simply answer three questions and receive your personalised grant roadmap to make optimal use of the 80 per cent subsidy. Our experts will assist you throughout the entire process, from vehicle configuration to successful application submission. All contents mentioned here are general information and do not constitute legal or subsidy advice.
For a free analysis
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More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding programme for climate protection and innovation in the field of commercial vehicle mobility (KSNI).
The Federal Gazette publishes the official announcement of the funding directive for climate protection and innovation in the field of commercial vehicle mobility (KSNI).
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides monthly vehicle registration statistics.
The Federal Environment Agency offers comprehensive information on climate protection in transport.
The KfW offers funding programmes for e-mobility for businesses.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action presents a dossier on e-mobility.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) provides information on the drive strategy for commercial vehicles.
The Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) provides a guide on e-mobility.
FAQ
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes all costs that occur over the lifetime of a vehicle. This includes acquisition, energy consumption, maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and residual value. A TCO analysis allows for a realistic cost comparison of different drive types.
By when must the application for the 80% funding be submitted?
The application deadline for the current funding round of the KsNI directive ends on 31 August 2025. All applications must be fully received by this date by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM).
Is the charging infrastructure also eligible for funding?
Yes, the funding programme subsidises the establishment and expansion of charging infrastructure for the funded electric commercial vehicles at a rate of 40 percent of the eligible expenditures.
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive?
The Clean Vehicles Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/1161) is an EU mandate that obliges public purchasers to comply with binding minimum quotas for clean and emission-free vehicles when procuring vehicles and services. It has been implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG).
How long does a Diesel-to-Electric conversion take?
A professional conversion of a van like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to electric drive typically takes Heero about 10 working days.
What advantages does the conversion offer compared to a new purchase?
The conversion is more sustainable as it conserves resources and avoids CO₂ emissions in production. The biggest economic advantage is retaining expensive and specialised vehicle bodies (e.g., refrigerated boxes, workshop vehicles) which do not need to be newly acquired.
