Manufacturers of electric vehicles: Here’s how to secure 80% funding until August 31, 2025.
Already, 3,500 electric buses are securing 80% subsidies – when will you electrify your fleet? Time is running out, as the current funding period ends on August 31, 2025. We will show you how to successfully master the transition strategically and economically.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% grant for electric commercial vehicles and retrofitting by the BMDV ends on August 31, 2025.
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 regulations due to the Clean Vehicles Directive, and impending access restrictions create pressure to act. At the same time, bureaucracy and high initial investments present a significant hurdle. However, now is the ideal time to make the transition: The funding guideline for electromobility from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a one-time grant rate of 80% for vehicle electrification until August 31, 2025. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to make the most of this opportunity and set the course for a future-proof fleet.
Analyzing the status quo: Why the time to switch is now pressing
The pressure on fleet operators is growing from multiple sides. The EU directive "Clean Vehicles Directive" (CVD) already mandates binding minimum quotas for clean vehicles for public authorities. By the reference period up to the end of 2025, 45% of newly procured buses must be low-emission, with half of them even completely emissions-free. At the same time, volatile diesel prices and the increasing CO₂ levy noticeably burden the total cost of ownership (Total Cost of Ownership, TCO). Many manufacturers of electric vehicles are responding with innovative solutions that go beyond pure new purchases. Retrofitting existing diesel vehicles is one such alternative that protects investments in expensive specialized builds and promotes the idea of sustainable electromobility. The current funding landscape makes this step more attractive than ever before. But time is running out: Applications for the lucrative 80% funding must be submitted by August 31, 2025. Therefore, a strategic plan is essential to avoid missing this deadline.
Your 4-point action plan for timely fleet electrification
A structured approach is the key to successfully transitioning your fleet before the funding ends on August 31, 2025. With this checklist, you remain in control:
Needs analysis and profitability assessment: Record the daily mileage and usage profiles of your vehicles. A Heero eTransporter achieves a range of up to 500 km, while a converted DTE-Sprinter reaches up to 425 km. Examine which Total Cost of Ownership results compared to diesel.
Funding analysis: Identify all relevant programs. The BMDV funding guidelines cover up to 80% of the costs for vehicle conversion (Diesel-to-Electric, DTE) and 40% for the charging infrastructure. Do not miss the application deadline on August 31, 2025.
Make technology decision: Weigh up the purchase of new electric commercial vehicles against converting your existing fleet. The DTE conversion not only preserves resources but also retains 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 at up to 135 kW (DC) by default, with the medium-low floor bus even up to 165 kW. Strategically plan depot and opportunity charging.
Careful planning of these four points forms the foundation for a successful and funded transformation of your fleet.
Make optimal use of funding pots: This is how you secure 80% funding.
The current funding landscape in Germany is a crucial driver for the transportation transition. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is providing significant funds through its funding guideline for electromobility until the end of 2025. Companies and municipalities can apply for a funding rate of 80% of the additional investment costs for the acquisition of electric commercial vehicles or a diesel-to-electric conversion. A grant of 40% is provided for the necessary charging infrastructure. This guideline is a central instrument to achieve climate goals and accelerate market ramp-up. It is important to understand that this funding is not unlimited; applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. Therefore, an early application for E-bus funding is crucial to secure the funds. The time for a sound analysis and application is now.
Reducing costs: The TCO comparison between diesel, new purchase, and retrofitting
The total cost of ownership (TCO) is the key figure for the economic efficiency of your fleet. It includes far more than just the purchase price. While electric vehicles are more expensive to purchase, they score with significantly lower operating and maintenance costs. Studies show that the additional costs for an electric truck can amortize within four to six years, depending on the usage profile. A decisive advantage is the DTE conversion (Diesel-to-Electric). In this process, an existing diesel vehicle, such as a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, is converted to a pure electric drive. This reduces investment costs by up to 50% compared to buying new, as the chassis and expensive body structures are retained. A converted HEERO DTE-Sprinter achieves up to 425 km range with a 96 kWh (net) battery. These innovative conversion solutions make the switch particularly economically attractive for fleets with specialized vehicles.
Properly plan charging infrastructure: From depot to fast charging
A powerful charging infrastructure is the backbone of any e-fleet. The planning must consider the specific requirements of your vehicles and operations. For most applications, charging at the depot overnight is the most economical solution. Often, AC charging stations or DC wall boxes with lower power are sufficient for this purpose. Heero offers DC fast-charging capabilities of up to 135 kW for its vehicles, from the eTransporter to the modern electric bus. The Heero low-entry bus can even charge with up to 165 kW, allowing an 80% charge in about 30 minutes. For long-distance travel and unforeseen deployments, access to public high-power charging stations (HPC) is crucial. The federal government is promoting the development of a nationwide 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 technological shift; it is a step towards a true circular economy. Instead of scrapping proven vehicles with expensive superstructures, the diesel-to-electric conversion gives them a second life. This approach significantly reduces the need for primary raw materials like steel and aluminum and avoids the CO₂ emissions associated with the production of a new vehicle. Studies show that reusing components can reduce CO₂ emissions by over 60% compared to new production. Every DTE conversion is an active contribution to resource conservation and strengthens the local economy. By opting for sustainable electrification instead of purchasing new, you position your company as a responsible player and pioneer. This sustainable approach is increasingly becoming an important factor in public tendering and in B2B business.
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More useful links
Federal Environmental Agency provides comprehensive information on electromobility from an environmental perspective.
FAQ
By when must the funding application for the 80% be submitted?
The deadline for submitting applications under the current BMDV funding guideline for electromobility is August 31, 2025. Early planning and application submission is strongly recommended, as processing takes time.
What does TCO mean and why is it important?
TCO stands for Total Cost of Ownership. This metric considers all costs over the entire lifetime of a vehicle, including purchase, energy, maintenance, insurance, and incentives. It enables a realistic cost comparison between electric and diesel vehicles.
What range do the converted e-transporter have?
The range depends on the model. A DTE-Sprinter converted by Heero achieves a practical range of up to 425 km. The Heero eTransporter as a new vehicle even manages up to 500 km.
Is the charging infrastructure also eligible for funding?
Yes, the non-public charging infrastructure necessary for the operation of the funded vehicles is subsidized with up to 40% of the expenses. This must be applied for in the same application as the vehicles.
What is the advantage of DTE conversion in terms of the circular economy?
The DTE conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) extends the life of an existing vehicle. This conserves valuable resources needed for a new vehicle and reduces waste as well as the CO₂ footprint of manufacturing. It is a practical example of applied circular economy.
Who is the conversion particularly suitable for?
The conversion is ideal for fleet operators who have expensive and customized structures on their vehicles (e.g. refrigerated boxes, workshop vans, municipal vehicles). This way, the investment in the structure is preserved while the drive becomes future-proof and emissions-free.
