BMDV Funding for Electric Transporters: Secure an 80% Grant by 31st August 2025
Up to 425 km range after a Diesel-to-Electric upgrade – without the expense of a new vehicle. The current BMDV subsidy for electric transporters makes the transition more attractive than ever before. Act now, the deadline ends on 31 August 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
The BMDV funding (KsNI) provides an 80% subsidy for the conversion or purchase of eDrive transporters and a 40% subsidy for charging infrastructure.
The application deadline for the current funding period ends on 31 August 2025.
Converting from Diesel to Electric (DTE) conserves resources, secures investments in specialized constructions, and receives substantial support.
Rising diesel prices, impending city driving bans, and the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive pose significant challenges for fleet operators. Electrification is unavoidable, yet the investment costs are high. This is exactly where the current funding guideline "Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) comes in. It offers an 80% subsidy for vehicle conversion and 40% for charging infrastructure, presenting a unique opportunity. This article shows you how to benefit from the BMDV's funding for electric transporters and sustainably reduce your operating costs.
Your Funding Benefits at a Glance
The time to switch is now, as the terms are clearly defined and extremely advantageous. With the right strategy, you can save up to 80% of investment costs. Here are the key facts about the current funding round:
80% grant: The funding covers 80% of the additional costs for acquiring an eTransporter or a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE).
40% for charging infrastructure: In parallel, 40% of the costs for establishing the necessary charging infrastructure at your business location are covered.
Application deadline 31 August 2025: This is the last possible date to submit your funding application in the current programme.
Openness to technology: Support is provided for battery electric vehicles such as the Heero eTransporter with a range of up to 500 km.
This funding is a crucial lever for significantly improving the economic efficiency of your fleet.
Legal pressure and rising costs as drivers
Companies and municipalities face double pressure: rising operating costs and strict environmental regulations. The European Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) has been imposing mandatory quotas for clean vehicles on public procurement since 2021. By the end of 2025, 38.5 percent of the procured light commercial vehicles must be low-emission. At the same time, volatile diesel prices and the CO₂ toll significantly burden the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of conventional fleets. Therefore, converting to eDrive is no longer an option but an economic necessity. A well-thought-out vehicle electrification is the direct answer to these challenges. The BMDV funding for electric transporters massively reduces the initial investment hurdle and accelerates the transition.
Your 4-Point Plan for Successful Promotion
The path to funding is clearly structured and straightforward with the right preparation. With over 1,000 companies already supported, the process has proven itself. Follow this checklist to secure your 80% funding:
Conduct a needs analysis: Determine the exact number of vehicles to be converted and the need for charging infrastructure. A Heero eTransporter, for example, offers a range of up to 500 km.
Check economic viability (TCO): Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership. Consider the savings on energy, maintenance, taxes, and tolls, which can be up to 50% with eVehicles.
Request a quote: Request a detailed quote for the DTE conversion of your existing vehicles or for new electric commercial vehicles.
Submit application in good time: Submit all documents completely by 31 August 2025. It's best to use professional funding advice for this.
Careful planning is the key to maximising the grant amount and setting the course for a profitable future.
Utilise Funding Opportunities Effectively: Vehicles and Infrastructure
The KsNI programme of the BMDV is designed to specifically accelerate the market ramp-up. It supports not only the purchase, but explicitly also the conversion of existing vehicles. This is a clear commitment to the circular economy – a central advantage of the HEERO Diesel-to-Electric solution. You receive an 80% subsidy for conversion costs, allowing expensive special constructions to be retained. Additionally, 40% of the expenses for the installation of DC rapid chargers with up to 165 kW capacity are subsidised. This combination not only secures financing but also the full operational capability of your modernised fleet. The right funding checklist helps with the optimal combination of applications.
Focus on Economic Efficiency: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The higher initial costs of an e-transporter are often seen as a hurdle. However, a TCO analysis paints a different picture. The term Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) refers to the total operating costs of a vehicle over its entire lifespan. While the acquisition costs of e-vehicles are higher, the operating costs are significantly lower. Studies show that maintenance costs for e-transporters are up to 50% lower than those for diesel vehicles. Energy costs are also more stable and predictable than diesel prices. In Germany, e-transporters achieve TCO parity with diesel vehicles thanks to subsidies and lower operating costs in a short period of time. The 80% subsidy drastically shortens this period.
Technology that convinces: Range and sustainability
Modern electric vans are designed for demanding workdays. The Heero eTransporter achieves a range of up to 500 km with its 110 kWh battery. Even the converted Heero DTE Sprinter manages up to 425 km. At a DC fast-charging station with 135 kW, the 96 kWh net battery is recharged to 80% in around 30 minutes. The key advantage of the conversion lies in sustainability. Instead of scrapping a functioning vehicle, its lifecycle is extended. This conserves valuable resources, saves up to 25 tonnes of CO₂ per vehicle, and protects your investment in expensive superstructures. Discover suitable conversion solutions for your fleet.
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information about the Climate Protection and Mobility Support Program (KSNI).
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers an overview of support programs in the field of freight transport and logistics.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides comprehensive information about electromobility in Germany.
The Future Mobility Platform offers up-to-date reports and analyses on future mobility.
The National Platform Future of Mobility (NPM) publishes a report by AG 5 on charging infrastructure for battery-electric trucks.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistical information on new vehicle registrations.
FAQ
What exactly is subsidised under the BMDV funding for electric transporters?
80% of the additional investment costs for the purchase of new vehicles in classes N1, N2, and N3 with electric drive, as well as for the conversion of conventional commercial vehicles to electric drive, are subsidised. Additionally, 40% of the costs for the associated, non-public charging infrastructure are subsidised.
By when must the funding application be submitted at the latest?
The key deadline for submitting applications under the current funding guideline is 31 August 2025.
What does Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) mean?
DTE (Diesel-to-Electric) is a process in which the diesel engine and drivetrain of an existing commercial vehicle are removed and replaced with a powerful electric drive with a battery. This allows expensive and proven vehicle bodies to be used further while realising the benefits of electromobility.
What is the advantage of a conversion compared to a new purchase?
The main advantage is cost-effectiveness and sustainability. You protect your previous investment in expensive special bodies and avoid scrapping an intact vehicle. This corresponds to the principle of the circular economy, saves considerable amounts of CO₂, and thanks to the 80% funding, is often cheaper than a new purchase.
What charging power should I plan for my transporter fleet?
For a commercial fleet, DC fast charging stations (direct current) with a power of at least 50 kW are recommended to keep downtime short. HEERO vehicles support charging powers of up to 135 kW (Transporter) or 165 kW (Bus), allowing an 80% charge in about 30 minutes.
Are the contents on this page legally binding advice?
No, the information provided here serves as general guidance and does not replace individual legal or funding advice. Funding conditions may change, so we recommend a professional analysis of your specific case.
