BoxVan Electric: Secure 80% funding now and optimise TCO
Up to 425 km range after a Diesel-to-Electric upgrade – without the costs of a new vehicle. The current round of federal funding makes switching to an Electric BoxVan more attractive than ever before. Act now before the deadline on 31 August 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
Fleet operators can receive 80% of the costs for converting a diesel box van to electric drive and 40% for the charging infrastructure as government subsidies.
The grant application under the KsNI guidelines must be submitted by 31 August 2025 at the latest in order to secure the subsidies.
The conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) through lower energy and maintenance costs and is a sustainable alternative to purchasing new vehicles.
Rising diesel prices, impending city driving bans, and the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive are putting fleet operators under pressure. However, a new electric box van often involves high investments and long delivery times. The solution lies in your existing assets: The conversion (Diesel-to-Electric, DTE) not only protects your budget but also valuable resources. With the current KsNI funding guidelines from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), you receive an 80% subsidy on the conversion costs. This guide shows you how to secure the funding on time and sustainably reduce the total cost of ownership of your fleet.
Quick Facts: Why Now Is the Right Time to Make the Switch
The electrification of your commercial vehicle fleet is not a question of "if", but "when". Current conditions create a unique window of opportunity for an economically and ecologically sound decision. Over 3,500 e-buses and numerous commercial vehicles are already benefiting from the subsidies.
Secure 80% subsidy: The funding guideline "Climate-friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) subsidises the conversion of your box van to electric drive with 80% of the costs.
Deadline 31 August 2025: Applications must be submitted by this date to benefit from the attractive terms.
40% for charging infrastructure: The setup of the necessary charging infrastructure at your premises is also supported with 40% of the investment costs.
Embrace sustainability: The Diesel-to-Electric conversion preserves your proven vehicles and their special fittings in the spirit of the circular economy.
This combination of high subsidies and the continued use of existing vehicles makes the switch to an Electric Box Van more pragmatic than ever before.
Your 4-point action plan for timely promotion
The path to funding is clearly structured and straightforward with the right partner. You don't have to tackle bureaucratic hurdles and complex application procedures alone. With over 1,000 companies already supported, the process is well-established. Follow these four steps to secure your grants in a timely manner:
Free Funding Analysis: Check your basic funding eligibility and potential grant amount for your fleet without any obligation.
Needs Assessment & Offer: Define which of your box vans need conversion and which charging infrastructure is required. Obtain a detailed offer for the Diesel-to-Electric conversion.
Application Submission by 31.08.2025: Submit the complete funding application based on the offer promptly to the appropriate authority.
Implementation & Commissioning: After receiving the grant notification, the conversion of your box van takes place. The Heero electric transporter, for example, achieves a range of up to 500 km.
A detailed checklist for funding helps you keep every step in view and avoid pitfalls.
Funding opportunities and legal drivers: Here's what you need to know
The current funding landscape is significantly shaped by two instruments: the national KsNI directive and the European Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD). The KsNI directive of the BMDV provides substantial funding until 2026 for the acquisition and conversion of climate-friendly commercial vehicles. It is the direct financial support for your investment. In contrast, the CVD creates the regulatory framework and obliges public contractors to comply with fixed quotas for 'clean' vehicles at procurement. By the end of 2025, for example, 45% of newly procured buses must be considered at least 'clean'. This quota increases to 65% from 2026, further increasing pressure on municipal and commercial fleets. Converting to an electric box van is thus not only an economic opportunity but also a strategic preparation for future legislative requirements.
Cost Comparison: How Conversion Reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), meaning the total operating costs, is the decisive factor for the economic efficiency of your fleet. They encompass much more than just the purchase price. A study by Transport & Environment shows that electric transporters in Germany are about a third cheaper than comparable diesels in terms of operating costs. An E-transporter costs around 10 cents per kilometre, a diesel 15 cents. Here are the main reasons why a retrofitted Electric BoxVan reduces TCO:
Energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometre than diesel, especially when charging on your own premises.
Maintenance and repairs: An electric motor has significantly fewer wear parts than an internal combustion engine, reducing maintenance costs by up to 50%.
Taxes and levies: E-vehicles benefit from tax exemptions and lower toll rates.
CO₂ pricing: Rising CO₂ prices in the future will make diesel vehicles more expensive.
Thanks to the 80% subsidy for conversion, the biggest disadvantage – the high acquisition costs – is almost completely eliminated, maximising the advantage of electrification.
Technology and Sustainability: Performance Meets Circular Economy
Diesel-to-Electric conversion is a prime example of a functioning circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully operational vehicle with expensive specialised equipment, its lifecycle is extended by many years. This saves tons of CO₂ and valuable resources. Technologically, a converted box van is in no way inferior to a new vehicle. The HEERO DTE-Sprinter, for example, achieves a range of up to 425 kilometres. All models (except for the medium-low-floor bus) use a powerful battery with 110 kWh gross (96 kWh net). Thanks to DC fast charging capability of up to 135 kW, the battery is recharged to 80% in around 30 minutes. These figures prove that a converted transporter with an electric drive can meet the demands of a demanding workday.
Your Funding Analysis: A Three-Step Grant Roadmap
The time until the end of funding on 31 August 2025 is tight, but sufficient for a well-informed decision. Do not wait until increasing demand limits capacity. Start your funding analysis now: Answer three questions, receive your personal grant roadmap, and use the 80% subsidy for switching to a box van with electric drive.
For a free analysis
free · non-binding · timely
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding programme for climate protection and innovations in local rail passenger transport (KSNI).
At Statista, you will find current statistics on the truck fleet with alternative drives in Germany.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides current statistical information on vehicles.
The Federal Environment Agency offers an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
Transport & Environment publishes a summary of a study on decarbonising long-distance truck transport in Germany.
The Federation of German Consumer Organisations (vzbv) provides a summary of a TCO study (Total Cost of Ownership).
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the KsNI funding?
Eligible applicants include companies from the private sector, municipal enterprises, public entities, and associations involved in road freight transport. The funding aims to accelerate the market uptake of climate-friendly commercial vehicles.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean exactly?
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes all expenses incurred over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. This includes acquisition (or conversion), energy (electricity/diesel), maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, tolls, and the residual value upon sale.
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD)?
The Clean Vehicles Directive is an EU directive that mandates public purchasers to meet minimum quotas for low-emission and zero-emission models when procuring vehicles. It is intended to increase demand for environmentally friendly vehicles and improve air quality in cities.
Will I retain the warranty on my base vehicle after conversion?
The manufacturer's warranty on the base vehicle may be affected by the conversion. Heero as the converter provides its own warranty on the electric drivetrain and all installed components, ensuring your investment is fully protected.
What vehicles can be converted to electric drive?
Heero specialises in converting Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. These provide an ideal and widely used basis for minibuses, flatbed trucks, and special body vehicles in trades, logistics, and municipal services.
Do I need to apply for the charging infrastructure separately?
No, the funding for the charging infrastructure (40% of the costs) can be applied for in the same application as the vehicle conversion (80% of the costs) under the KsNI directive. This simplifies the process significantly.
