Is there a retrofit solution that offers me better performance than the original diesel?
Up to 425 km of range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. Discover a retrofitting solution that not only surpasses the performance of your diesel but also saves your budget and the environment.
The topic briefly and concisely
A diesel-to-electric conversion offers superior performance compared to the original diesel, with a range of up to 425 km and instant torque.
Thanks to 80% government funding (application deadline 31.08.2025) and over 50% lower total operating costs (TCO), retrofitting is more economical than buying new.
The continued use of the vehicle chassis in terms of circular economy conserves resources and saves up to 80% of the CO₂ emissions of new production.
Rising diesel prices, strict climate regulations, and impending access restrictions are putting pressure on your fleet. The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive further tightens the requirements for public and private fleet operators, demanding a quota of 38.5% for clean, light commercial vehicles by the end of 2025. A diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is the pragmatic response. You not only gain better performance than the original diesel but also conserve valuable resources through the principle of circular economy. With 80% government funding for the conversion and 40% for charging infrastructure, now is the ideal time to switch – but the application deadline is August 31, 2025.
Pressure from Regulations: Why Action is Crucial Now
The EU Directive on Clean Vehicles (Clean Vehicles Directive) has been implemented into German law since August 2021. It requires public authorities to meet a procurement quota of 38.5% for low-emission cars and light commercial vehicles by the end of 2025. For heavy commercial vehicles, the quota is 10%. These requirements affect municipalities and companies alike, making a future-proof fleet strategy essential. The time for a transition is pressing, as the first phase of the directive will end in a few months. A patented retrofit solution is the fastest response here. Ignoring these quotas can lead to significant disadvantages in future tenders.
Your 4-point plan for economic electrification
A structured process ensures you maximum benefits and timely implementation before the funding deadline on August 31, 2025. Here are the four decisive steps:
Conduct fleet analysis: Evaluate your current routes and mileage. Our experts analyze for free which of your 15 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans are eligible for retrofitting first.
Calculate TCO advantage: Determine your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A DTE retrofit often reduces operating costs by more than 50% compared to diesel.
Check and secure funding: The current BMDV guideline offers an 80% subsidy on retrofitting costs and 40% on charging infrastructure. We support you with the application process.
Plan implementation: After funding approval, retrofitting a vehicle takes only 10 working days. Plan now to modernize your fleet in time before the 2025 deadline and enhance driving comfort.
This clear roadmap makes the transition to e-mobility transparent and economically feasible.
Performance boost: How electric retrofitting outperforms diesel
Yes, there is a retrofit solution that offers you better performance than the original diesel. The Heero DTE-Sprinter achieves a range of up to 425 kilometers on a single charge. This clearly surpasses many diesel counterparts in urban delivery traffic. The electric motor also delivers an immediately available torque of 450 Nm, allowing for noticeably better acceleration under load. Unlike the diesel engine, driving is almost silent and vibration-free, significantly improving the workday for drivers. The fast charging capability of up to 135 kW DC ensures that the 96 kWh net battery is charged to 80% in under 40 minutes. Thus, the strongest e-transporter is a real alternative.
TCO Analysis: Why Retrofitting is Cheaper than Buying New
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), also known as the overall operating costs, are significantly lower for a converted electric transporter. Studies show that electric transporters are up to 25% cheaper to operate per kilometer than comparable diesel models. Your savings are made up of several factors:
Energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometer than diesel, which can reduce your variable costs by over 60%.
Maintenance: An electric drive has up to 70% fewer moving parts, which drastically reduces maintenance costs.
Taxes & Charges: You benefit from 10 years of exemption from vehicle tax and lower CO₂ charges.
Value preservation: You protect your investment in your expensive special superstructures, which can be reused 1:1.
This combination makes the Diesel-to-Electric conversion the most economical decision for your fleet.
Deadlines in sight: secure 80% funding until August 31, 2025
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is supporting the transition to clean drives significantly. Companies and municipalities receive a funding rate of 80% on the additional investment costs of a DTE conversion. This high funding rate often makes the conversion cheaper than buying a new diesel vehicle. In addition, the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure is subsidized with 40% of the costs. The crucial information for your planning: Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. Given the processing times at the authorities, an early start is essential to benefit from the funds amounting to several billion euros. With a professional funding analysis, you can set the right course.
Charging infrastructure: The foundation for your e-fleet
A well-thought-out charging infrastructure is the key to the success of your electrified fleet. Heero vehicles like the eTransporter or the converted Sprinter charge by default with up to 135 kW DC (Direct Current). The mid-low-floor bus even supports charging power up to 165 kW. This makes it possible to charge a 96 kWh battery up to 80% in about 40 minutes. For the construction of non-public charging points at your premises, you can apply for a subsidy of 40% of the investment costs. We advise you whether it makes more sense for your usage profile to have a few DC fast chargers or a larger number of AC standard chargers for overnight charging. The right charging infrastructure secures the maximum availability of your vehicles.
More useful links
The Federal Environment Agency provides comprehensive information on climate protection in transport.
A publication from the Federal Environment Agency analyzes the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
The Federal Environment Agency confirms in a press release the climate advantage of electric cars.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs provides a discussion paper for the Roadmap 2045 for the transport sector.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure informs about charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.
The Federal Environment Agency Austria offers current news on the topic.
FAQ
Who can apply for the 80% subsidy for retrofitting?
The subsidy is aimed at companies and public contractors (municipalities, municipal enterprises) in Germany. It applies to the conversion of light and heavy commercial vehicles. We are happy to assist you in checking your individual eligibility for funding.
What exactly does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes all costs incurred over a vehicle's lifetime: acquisition, energy (electricity/diesel), maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and depreciation. For electric vehicles, the TCO are usually lower despite higher acquisition costs.
Can my existing special equipment be reused?
Yes, that is one of the biggest advantages of the DTE retrofitting. Your existing and often expensive special equipment (e.g. refrigerated box, workshop fittings, flatbed) remains completely intact and will be used 1:1 on the electrified vehicle.
How long does the battery last and what warranty is there?
The installed batteries are designed for a long lifespan of over 3,000 charge cycles. Heero provides a warranty that ensures the performance of the battery over many years and offers you long-term planning security.
What charging power is required for the retrofitted vehicles?
Our retrofitted vans and minibuses can be fast-charged with up to 135 kW direct current (DC). This makes the battery 80% full in less than 40 minutes. For overnight charging, a conventional AC wallbox with 11 or 22 kW is sufficient.
What happens if the funding deadline expires on August 31, 2025?
According to the current status, it is no longer possible to submit applications for the 80% subsidy after this date. To benefit from the attractive conditions, it is crucial to start the process in good time. Contact us for a free funding analysis.
