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 government subsidies, retrofitting is a practical and quickly amortizable solution for landscaping businesses.
For nurseries and landscaping businesses, the fleet is the backbone of the operational business. Flatbed trucks and double cabins must function reliably every day. But the costs for diesel, maintenance, and the increasing CO2 pricing, currently at 55 euros per ton, are increasingly straining budgets. At the same time, sustainability goals and access restrictions in city centers require a departure from the combustion engine. Heero offers a pragmatic and solution-oriented answer with the patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric): We convert your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to a high-performance electric drive in just 10 days. This way, you protect your investments in expensive structures and secure your nursery fleet for the future.
Cost trap diesel: Analyzing the growing burden for landscaping fleets
The operating costs for diesel commercial vehicles are rising relentlessly, diminishing the margins of many landscaping companies. The CO2 price alone will be set at 55 euros per ton in 2025, which will increase diesel costs by around 3.2 cents per liter. Studies show that the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric 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 van with an annual mileage of 37,000 km, this means a significant annual savings. Many companies underestimate that the maintenance costs for an electric drive are more than 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 environmental zones.
Protect investments: Maintain special structures through retrofit instead of buying new.
Purchasing a new electric flatbed truck or double cab often means losing expensive, customized structures. Investing in a platform optimized for landscaping with leaf grates or toolboxes can quickly reach five-figure amounts. Retrofitting to electric drive protects this capital. Instead of replacing a functioning system, only the drivetrain is modernized with the HEERO D2E conversion. This is a central pillar of the circular economy, which focuses on the continued use of existing resources and reduces material usage by up to 70%. The advantages of this approach are clear:
Complete preservation of your individual and expensive vehicle structures.
Avoidance of up to 15 tons of CO2 that would be generated in 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 structures, the transition becomes not only more economical but also more resource-friendly. This approach directly connects economic prudence with ecological responsibility.
Ensure practical suitability: Range and performance for everyday landscaping tasks
The concern about insufficient range is one of the biggest hurdles in electrification. HEERO dispels this worry with facts: Our retrofitted Sprinters offer a proven range of up to 425 km. For the typical workday in landscaping, which often involves regional trips between 80 and 150 km, this provides more than enough buffer. The vehicles are fully charged overnight at the depot and start every morning with 100% energy. There are no compromises in performance either. The electric drive delivers instant torque, which is a noticeable advantage, especially when driving with a full load or trailer. The robust base of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter remains completely intact. Our powerful electric flatbed trucks are designed for tough use. Switching to electric thus means no sacrifice, but a gain in driving comfort and efficiency in daily operations.
Maximize profitability: Target subsidies and TCO advantages effectively
The conversion of your gardening fleet to electric drive is strongly supported by the government, which significantly reduces the investment hurdle. Programs like KsNI support the conversion of commercial vehicles with significant grants on the additional investment costs. HEERO actively supports you in applying for these funds. The combination of subsidies and lower operating costs often pays off the conversion within 4 to 5 years. A TCO comparison shows clear superiority:
Energy costs: Electricity costs per 100 km are about €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 & Fees: 10 years of vehicle tax exemption and decreasing burden due to the CO2 levy.
Subsidies: Direct grants significantly reduce the initial conversion costs.
These factors make the cost-efficient conversion the strategically smartest decision for future-oriented 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 gardening fleet to electric drive with flatbed trucks and double cabins is more than just a technical modernization. It is a clear commitment to sustainability and enhances your company's image with customers and municipalities. Companies that rely on emission-free drives position themselves as modern and responsible partners. This can be a decisive competitive advantage in public tenders, where environmental criteria play an increasingly important role. In addition, you will avoid impending diesel driving bans and secure unrestricted access to all environmental zones. With a converted fleet, you can not only achieve your sustainability goals but also increase employee satisfaction through quiet and modern vehicles. Thus, the conversion is a strategic step that secures the future viability of your business on multiple levels.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO
The conversion of your gardening fleet to electric drive with Heero is an economically and ecologically superior decision. You significantly reduce your operating costs, protect valuable investments in special constructions, and benefit from high performance without compromise. Our D2E conversion is the pragmatic solution to meet legal requirements while simultaneously increasing profitability. Heero is your innovative partner, guiding you from analysis through funding to final implementation. Make your fleet future-proof. Request your personal consultation now or book a free everyday test.
More useful links
Statista provides a detailed statistic on the number of trucks with alternative drives in Germany.
Statista presents a survey on the range requirements of electric trucks.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides monthly registration numbers for vehicles in Germany.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) informs in its press releases about the current vehicle inventory in Germany.
VDA (German Association of the Automotive Industry) discusses in an article the development of electric trucks for long distances.
FAQ
How long does it take to convert my Sprinter at Heero?
The patented Heero D2E conversion of your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter takes only 10 working days. This way, we minimize your vehicle's downtime and efficiently integrate the conversion into your operations.
What happens to the old diesel engine?
In the interest of the circular economy, the removed diesel engines and components are refurbished and supplied to the spare parts market. This conserves resources and prevents waste.
What warranties are there for the electric drive?
Heero offers comprehensive warranties on the electric drive train and battery, which are comparable to the manufacturer's warranties for new vehicles. For specific details and conditions, please speak with our advisory team.
Does Heero assist in applying for funding?
Yes, our expert team provides comprehensive advice on available funding programs and actively supports you in the application process to secure the maximum funding amount for your conversion project.
Do I retain the payload and towing capacity of my vehicle?
The payload is affected by the conversion but remains absolutely practical for most applications in landscaping and garden construction. The exact values depend on the vehicle model. The towing capacity is often retained. We analyze your specific needs and configure the conversion accordingly.
Can I test drive a converted vehicle?
Absolutely. We are confident in our technology and are happy to offer you a free everyday test. This way you can experience how a Sprinter converted by Heero performs in daily use.
