Profitably electrify the gardening fleet: convert flatbed trucks and double cabin vehicles to electric drive and reduce total cost of ownership.
Profitably electrify the gardening fleet: convert flatbed trucks and double cabin vehicles to electric drive and reduce total cost of ownership.
Rising diesel prices and looming city driving bans are putting pressure on gardening and landscaping businesses. Transitioning the fleet is unavoidable, but the purchase of new electric delivery vans is expensive and often impractical for existing specialized setups. Discover a more economically advantageous alternative.
The topic briefly and concisely
Converting a diesel flatbed truck to electric drive reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 33% through lower energy and maintenance costs.
By continuing to use the chassis and the expensive specialized construction, investments are protected and resources are conserved in the spirit of the circular economy.
With a range of up to 425 km and the most recently available subsidies, the conversion is a practical solution with a fast payback period for landscaping businesses.
For nurseries and landscaping businesses, the fleet is the backbone of operational business. Flatbed trucks and double cabs must function reliably every day. However, the costs for diesel, maintenance, and the rising CO2 pricing of currently 55 euros per ton are increasingly weighing on budgets. At the same time, sustainability goals and access restrictions in city centers require a shift away from the internal combustion engine. With its patented conversion, HEERO offers a pragmatic and solution-oriented answer: we convert your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to a powerful electric drive in just 10 days. In this way, you protect your investments in expensive bodies and future-proof your nursery fleet.
Cost trap diesel: Analyzing the growing burden for landscaping fleets
Operating costs for diesel commercial vehicles are rising continuously and are eroding the margins of many landscaping businesses. The CO2 price alone will be set at 55 euros per ton in 2025, which will make diesel about 3.2 cents more expensive per liter. Studies show that the total cost of ownership (TCO) of e-transporters in Germany is already up to one third lower than that of comparable diesel models. These savings result from lower energy, maintenance, and tax costs. For a typical transporter with an annual mileage of 37,000 km, this means substantial annual savings. Many businesses underestimate that maintenance costs for an electric drive are over 40% lower, as oil changes or the replacement of exhaust systems are no longer necessary. The analysis of total costs shows that sticking with diesel propulsion is an expensive strategy. These purely economic disadvantages are further exacerbated by operational restrictions such as urban low-emission zones.
Protect investments: Maintain special structures through retrofit instead of buying new.
Buying a new electric flatbed truck or double cab often means the loss of expensive, customized bodies. Investing in a flatbed optimized for landscaping with a leaf screen or toolboxes can quickly reach five-figure sums. Converting to an electric drive protects this capital. Instead of replacing a functioning overall system, only the drivetrain is modernized during the HEERO conversion. This is a central pillar of the circular economy, which focuses on the continued use of existing resources and reduces material consumption by up to 70%. The advantages of this approach are clear:
Complete preservation of your individual and expensive vehicle bodies.
Avoidance of up to 15 tons of CO2 that would be generated during the production of a new van.
Significantly lower investment costs compared to purchasing a completely new electric vehicle.
No long waiting times, as your existing vehicle is converted in just 10 days.
By continuing to use your bodies, the transition becomes not only more economical but also more resource-efficient. This approach directly combines economic sense with emission reduction.
Ensure practical suitability: Range and performance for everyday landscaping tasks
The concern about insufficient range is one of the biggest hurdles in electrification. HEERO refutes this concern with facts: Our converted Sprinters offer a field-tested range of up to 425 km. For the typical workday in gardening and landscaping, which often consists of regional trips of between 80 and 150 km, this offers more than enough buffer. The vehicles are fully charged overnight at the depot and start every morning with 100% energy. There are also no compromises when it comes to performance. The electric drive delivers instant torque, which is a noticeable advantage particularly when driving with a full load or trailer. The robust base of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter remains fully preserved. Our high-performance electric flatbed vehicles are designed for tough use. Switching to electric therefore does not mean sacrificing anything, but rather gaining driving comfort and efficiency in daily operations.
Maximizing economic efficiency: Classifying subsidies and TCO advantages
Converting your nursery fleet to electric drive was heavily subsidized by the government, which significantly lowered the investment barrier. Programs such as KsNI supported the conversion of commercial vehicles until 2024 with significant grants for the additional investment costs. HEERO actively supports you in checking available funds. The combination of funding and lower operating costs often amortized the conversion within 4 to 5 years. A TCO comparison shows the clear superiority:
Energy costs: Electricity costs per 100 km are around €8 - 10, while diesel costs are €15 - 18.
Maintenance: Savings of over 40% due to the elimination of oil changes, exhaust system repairs, etc.
Taxes & levies: 10-year vehicle tax exemption and decreasing burden from the CO2 levy.
Funding: Direct grants significantly reduced the initial conversion costs.
These factors make cost-efficient conversion the strategically smartest decision for forward-looking landscaping companies. This turns the transition from a mere necessity into a profitable investment.
Shaping the Future: How the Shift to Electric Drive Strengthens Your Business
The decision to convert the nursery fleet of flatbed trucks and crew cabs to electric drive is more than a technical modernization. It is a clear commitment to sustainability and improves your company image among customers and municipalities. Companies that rely on locally emission-free drives position themselves as modern and responsible partners. This can be a decisive competitive advantage in public tenders, where environmental criteria are playing an increasingly important role. In addition, you avoid impending diesel driving bans and secure unrestricted access to all low-emission zones. With a converted fleet, you can not only achieve your sustainability goals, but also increase employee satisfaction through quiet and modern vehicles. The conversion is therefore a strategic step that secures the future viability of your business on several levels.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO
Converting your nursery fleet to electric drive with HEERO is an economically and emission-wise superior decision. You significantly reduce your operating costs, protect valuable investments in special bodies, and benefit from high performance without compromise. Our conversion is the pragmatic solution to meet legal requirements while increasing profitability. HEERO is your innovative partner, accompanying you from analysis and funding to final implementation. Make your fleet future-proof. Request your personal consultation now or book an everyday test free of charge.
More useful links
Statista provides a detailed statistic on the stock of trucks with alternative drivetrains in Germany.
Statista presents a survey on the range requirements of electric trucks.
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) provides monthly new registration figures for vehicles in Germany.
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) provides information in its press releases about the current vehicle stock in Germany.
VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie) highlights the development of electric trucks for long-distance transport in an article.
