Electric vehicle manufacturer: What the 80% subsidy achieved until 2024 and what remains of it today
Electric vehicle manufacturer: What the 80% subsidy achieved until 2024 and what remains of it today
Over 3,500 e-buses benefited from government subsidies – when will you electrify your fleet? The funding period for commercial vehicles ran until 2024. We will show you how to master the transition strategically and economically.
The topic briefly and concisely
The 80% funding for electric commercial vehicles and conversions by the BMDV (KsNI) ran until 2024; new calls for funding are not planned.
Retrofitting a diesel sprinter to electric drive (DTE) can save up to 50% of the investment costs compared to buying new and preserves resources.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric commercial vehicles is often lower than that of diesel vehicles in the long run due to lower energy and maintenance costs.
The electrification of commercial vehicle fleets is no longer an option for many companies and municipalities, but a necessity. Rising diesel prices, strict climate requirements imposed by the Clean Vehicles Directive, and impending access restrictions are creating pressure to act. At the same time, bureaucracy and high initial investments present a significant hurdle. To put this into perspective: the Electromobility Funding Guideline of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offered a subsidy rate of up to 80% for vehicle electrification until 2024; no new calls for funding are planned. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to set the course for a future-proof fleet.
Analyzing the status quo: Why the time to switch is now pressing
Pressure on fleet operators is growing from several sides. The EU directive "Clean Vehicles Directive" (CVD) already prescribes binding minimum quotas for clean vehicles to public contracting authorities. In the reference period up to the end of 2025, 45 % of newly procured buses had to be low-emission, half of them even completely emission-free. At the same time, volatile diesel prices and the rising CO₂ levy are noticeably impacting the total cost of ownership (TCO). Many manufacturers of electric vehicles are responding with innovative solutions that go beyond purely purchasing new vehicles. Retrofitting existing diesel vehicles is one such alternative that protects investments in expensive special bodies and promotes the idea of sustainable electromobility. The funding landscape made this step particularly attractive for a long time. Applications for the 80 % funding were possible until 2024; since August 2024, no new funding calls are planned. A strategic plan therefore remains essential to make the transition economically viable.
Your 4-point action plan for cost-effective fleet electrification
A structured approach is the key to successfully implementing the transition of your fleet, even without an open funding window. With this checklist, you can keep track of everything:
Needs analysis and economic feasibility test: Record the daily driving distances and operational profiles of your vehicles. A HEERO eTransporter achieves a range of up to 500 km, while a converted Sprinter reaches up to 425 km. Check what the Total Cost of Ownership is in comparison to diesel.
Funding analysis: Identify all relevant programs. The BMDV KsNI guideline covered up to 80% of the additional costs for vehicle conversion and included the charging infrastructure until 2024. New funding calls are not planned.
Make technology decision: Weigh up between buying new electric commercial vehicles and converting your existing fleet. The conversion not only conserves resources, but also preserves the value of your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with special bodies.
Plan charging infrastructure: Dimension your charging infrastructure according to your needs. HEERO vehicles charge with up to 135 kW (DC) as standard, the mid-low floor bus even with up to 165 kW. Plan depot and occasional charging strategically.
Careful planning of these four points forms the basis for a successful transformation of your fleet and a resilient funding review.
Classifying funding pots: What an 80% subsidy covered until 2024
The funding landscape in Germany was a decisive driver for the transport transition for years. The Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) provided significant funds through the KsNI funding directive until 2024. Companies and municipalities could apply for a funding rate of up to 80% of the additional investment costs for the purchase of electric commercial vehicles or a conversion. The necessary charging infrastructure was part of the directive. This directive was a central instrument for achieving climate targets and accelerating the market ramp-up. Since August 2024, the directive has been discontinued; no new calls for funding are planned, and projects that have already been approved will be fully financed. In the case of e-bus funding, the most recent call ended on July 21, 2026. We clarify on a case-by-case basis which programs are currently open.
Reducing costs: The TCO comparison between diesel, new purchase, and retrofitting
The total cost of ownership (TCO) is the decisive key figure for the profitability of your fleet. It comprises far more than just the purchase price. While electric vehicles are more expensive to purchase, they score points with significantly lower operating and maintenance costs. Studies show that the extra costs for an electric truck can pay for themselves within four to six years, depending on the usage profile. A decisive advantage is the conversion of an existing diesel vehicle, for example a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, to a pure electric drive. This reduces investment costs by up to 50% compared to buying a new vehicle, as the chassis and expensive bodies are preserved. A converted HEERO Sprinter achieves a range of up to 425 km with a 96 kWh (net) battery. These innovative conversion solutions make the transition economically attractive, especially for fleets with special-purpose vehicles.
Properly plan charging infrastructure: From depot to fast charging
A powerful charging infrastructure is the backbone of any electric fleet. Planning must take into account the specific requirements of your vehicles and operational processes. For most use cases, charging in the depot overnight is the most economical solution. AC charging stations or lower-power DC wallboxes are often sufficient for this purpose. HEERO offers DC fast charging capacities of up to 135 kW for its vehicles, from the eTransporter to the modern electric bus. The HEERO medium low-floor bus can even charge at up to 165 kW, enabling an 80% charge in around 30 minutes. For long-distance transport and unforeseen deployments, access to public high-power charging (HPC) stations is crucial. The federal government is pushing ahead with the expansion of a Germany-wide truck charging network to close this gap. A well-thought-out combination of depot and public charging ensures the maximum availability of your fleet.
Increasing sustainability: Circular economy as a model for the future
The electrification of vehicles is more than just a change in technology; it is a step towards a true circular economy. Instead of scrapping proven vehicles with expensive bodies, the conversion gives them a second life. This approach significantly reduces the demand for primary raw materials such as steel and aluminum and avoids the CO₂ emissions that occur during the production of a new vehicle. Studies show that reusing components can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions compared to new production. Every conversion is an active contribution to resource conservation and strengthens the local economy. By choosing sustainable electrification instead of buying a new vehicle, you position your company as a responsible player and pioneer. This sustainable approach is increasingly becoming an important factor in public tenders and in B2B business.
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More useful links
Umweltbundesamt offers comprehensive information on electromobility from an environmental perspective.
