Electric flatbed truck

Electrifying glass transporters: Invest in exterior refurbishments and reduce operating costs by 25%

09.02.2025

Minutes

Federico De Ponte

Experte für Beratung bei Auctoa

May 13, 2025

7

Minutes

Patrick Zenker

Sustainability enthusiast

Your glazing delivery vehicle with an expensive exterior is a central working tool, but rising diesel costs and impending driving bans threaten its economic viability. A new purchase would mean a loss of this valuable investment. Discover how you can not only preserve your specialized setup with a targeted D2E conversion to electric drive, but also significantly reduce your operating costs.

The topic briefly and concisely

Protect your investment: Upgrade your glazing transporter to electric and continue using expensive exterior racks and structures.

Reduce your total operating costs (TCO) by up to 25% through lower energy, maintenance, and tax burdens.

Secure future contracts by having unrestricted access to urban zero-emission zones.

For glazing companies and craft businesses, the transporter is more than just a vehicle; it is a mobile workshop with expensive, indispensable special structures like external racks for the safe transport of panes. The transition to electromobility presents these businesses with a challenge: The large investments in the structures seem lost upon a new purchase. HEERO offers a solution with the patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter that addresses this exact issue. We preserve the value of your vehicle by replacing the proven diesel engine with a powerful electric drive, thus combining ecological necessity with economic reason.

Securing investments: The challenge with special setups

A glass transport vehicle is often equipped with an exterior frame worth over 15,000 euros. When changing vehicles, this investment is usually completely lost. At the same time, over 500 planned environmental zones in Europe by 2025 are forcing companies to take action. The acquisition of a new electric transport vehicle therefore means a double financial burden. Many businesses hesitate because they do not want to write off the value of their existing, fully functional special vehicles. This dilemma between investment protection and the pressure for decarbonization requires an intelligent solution. The continued use of the existing vehicle is the key to economic viability.

Utilizing Circular Economy: The D2E Conversion as a Strategic Advantage

The HEERO D2E conversion turns this challenge into an opportunity. Instead of decommissioning a proven vehicle, we replace the diesel engine with our patented electric drive in just 10 days. Your transporter – including the expensive exterior and interior fittings – remains completely intact. This circular economy approach not only conserves valuable resources but also your budget. You keep your familiar vehicle and make it future-proof for the next 10-15 years. With a certified conversion, you avoid long delivery times for new vehicles and make a strong statement for sustainability.

Reduce operating costs: TCO analysis for your glass shop fleet

The conversion of your glazing transport vehicle to electric drive pays off quickly. Studies show that the total operating costs (TCO) for electric vehicles are already significantly lower than those of diesel vehicles. You benefit from several factors:

  • Energy costs: The electricity costs per 100 km are up to 70% lower than diesel.

  • Maintenance: Maintenance costs are reduced by over 50%, as many wear parts of the internal combustion engine are eliminated.

  • Taxes: You enjoy a 10-year exemption from vehicle tax, saving around 2,000 Euros.

  • Subsidy: Government programs support the conversion with up to 80% of the costs for the engine and installation.

Overall, operating costs per vehicle can be reduced by up to 25%. A detailed analysis of the TCO demonstrates the full savings potential for your fleet. These economic advantages make the conversion a wise business decision.

Ensure performance: Range and payload for everyday craftsman use

Concerns about the practicality of e-transporters are unfounded. Our retrofitted Mercedes-Benz Sprinters offer a practical range of up to 425 km. This comfortably covers the typical daily distances of craft businesses in regional use. The payload remains almost unchanged, allowing you to safely transport heavy glass panes and tools. The performance of the electric drive ensures a dynamic and quiet driving experience, which is particularly advantageous in urban traffic. You can rely on your retrofit Sprinter to consistently meet your business’s daily requirements. This makes operations in urban areas and on longer trips manageable and efficient.

Creating future security: Unrestricted access to city centers

With an electric upgraded glazing transport vehicle, you secure access to all city centers. While diesel vehicles face increasing driving bans in environmental and zero-emission zones, you have free passage with your E-Transporter. Cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam are already planning bans on combustion engines by 2030. By converting, you position your company as a modern and environmentally conscious service provider. This is not only a competitive advantage in tenders from municipalities and large companies, but it also strengthens your brand image. You can achieve your sustainability goals and simultaneously guarantee your operational flexibility for the coming years.

Your advantage with HEERO: Pragmatic solutions for craftsmanship

HEERO is your partner when it comes to leading proven commercial vehicles economically and sustainably into the future. We understand that for craft businesses like glaziers, not only ecology but above all, economy and practicality count. Our D2E conversion for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the answer to the challenges of rising costs and stricter environmental regulations. We protect your investments in expensive special constructions while simultaneously reducing your ongoing operating costs. Rely on a proven vehicle base, combined with innovative drive technology. Experience the benefits yourself and schedule a free everyday test or request a personal consultation.

FAQ

How long does it take to retrofit my glazing transporter?

The entire retrofitting process at Heero is designed for maximum efficiency and usually takes only 10 working days. This way, we minimize the downtime of your important equipment.



What subsidies are available for commercial vehicle retrofitting?

Companies can benefit from various federal programs such as "Environmental Protection and Safety" (formerly De-minimis) or the KsNI guideline, which provide grants up to 80% for the retrofitting and acquisition of charging infrastructure. We are happy to advise you on suitable funding opportunities.



Does the payload of my transporter remain the same after the retrofitting?

The payload remains largely intact with a Heero retrofitting. Through the intelligent installation of our components, we ensure that your transporter retains its practical transport capacities for glass and materials.



Do I get a warranty on the retrofitting?

Yes, Heero provides a comprehensive warranty on the electric drivetrain and all components installed by us. You receive a reliable and certified solution that is designed for long-term use.



Is retrofitting possible for other industries with special constructions?

Absolutely. Our D2E retrofitting concept is ideally suited for a variety of industries that use expensive special constructions, such as municipal vehicles, workshop vans, refrigerated transporters, or construction vehicles.



How can I have the cost-effectiveness of retrofitting for my fleet calculated?

Contact us for non-binding and free advice. We analyze your current fleet structure and create a detailed TCO calculation that shows your individual savings potential.