Buy a minibus with 20 seats: Secure 80% funding before August 31, 2025.
Over 3,500 electric buses are already benefiting from an 80% government grant. The deadline for this funding ends on August 31, 2025 – a date that fleet managers must have marked on their calendars now.
The topic briefly and concisely
The BMDV funding of 80% for electric vehicles and retrofitting will expire on August 31, 2025, and requires swift action.
Converting an existing diesel minibus (DTE) is often more economical than buying a new one, as expensive components are retained and the total cost of ownership decreases.
The Clean Vehicles Directive requires public authorities to meet fixed quotas for zero-emission buses (45% by 2025), making electrification mandatory.
The decision to purchase a 20-seat minibus is a significant investment for municipalities and businesses. Rising diesel prices, strict climate regulations from the Clean Vehicles Directive, and the increasing pressure to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) make choosing the right vehicle complex. Instead of making an expensive new purchase, the diesel-to-electric retrofit (DTE) offers a pragmatic and highly economical solution. This article shows you how to save up to 80% of costs by electrifying your existing fleet, meet legal requirements, and make the most of the funding deadline on August 31, 2025.
The pressure to act: Why time is running out for fleet operators by 2025
The operation of passenger and commercial vehicle fleets faces three central challenges: rising operating costs, stricter environmental regulations, and a tight timeframe for government funding. The funding guideline for electromobility from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a unique opportunity but only lasts until the end of 2025. At the same time, the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), obliges public procurement entities to fixed quotas for zero-emission vehicles. For buses, this quota is 45% in the first reference period until the end of 2025, half of which must be completely emission-free. This combination of expiring funding and increasing regulatory pressure now requires a strategic decision. Those who hesitate not only lose out on substantial subsidies but also risk failing to meet legal requirements. The question is therefore no longer whether, but how electrification can be achieved most economically.
Your 4-point action plan for economic electrification
A strategic transition ensures you maximize benefits. With this checklist, you can safely navigate through the process:
Conduct needs analysis: Define the exact requirements for range, seating capacity, and payload. A converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter can often be more flexible and cost-efficient than a rigid purchase of a 20-seater.
Evaluate existing fleet: Check the potential of your existing diesel vehicles. A diesel-to-electric conversion protects your investment in expensive superstructures and is particularly sustainable thanks to circular economy.
Check funding options: The current BMDV guideline subsidizes the DTE conversion with 80% and the charging infrastructure with 40%. The application deadline on August 31, 2025, is crucial.
Calculate total cost of ownership (TCO): Compare the TCO of a new vehicle with that of a conversion solution. Consider the lower energy, maintenance, and tax costs of an electric vehicle, which often offset the higher acquisition costs within three years.
This plan forms the basis for an informed decision that connects economy and ecology.
Optimize funding pots: 80% grant for vehicles and conversions
The current funding landscape in Germany offers an exceptionally strong argument for electrification. Through the BMDV Electromobility funding guideline, companies and municipalities can be reimbursed up to 80% of the additional investment costs for an electric vehicle or a DTE conversion. Simultaneously, the necessary charging infrastructure is funded with up to 40%. The decisive factor is the application deadline: All applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. This date marks the last possible time to benefit from the maximum grants. A HEERO DTE-Sprinter with a range of up to 425 km fully qualifies for this funding. The purchase of an E-bus is thus significantly financially relieved. However, planning and application submission require lead time, which is why swift action is necessary.
Cost comparison: Why retrofitting often outperforms buying new
The total cost of ownership (TCO) is the key metric for fleet managers. It includes all costs over the entire lifecycle of a vehicle, not just the purchase price. Studies show that electric vehicles have clear advantages here. While the acquisition may be more expensive, the ongoing costs for energy, maintenance, and taxes are significantly lower. A DTE retrofit enhances this effect. It preserves the value of your existing vehicle and its often expensive special equipment. The TCO analysis shows that a retrofitted vehicle is often cheaper than a new diesel minibus after just a few years. The CO₂ savings also lead to benefits regarding the GHG quota. With our Bus configurator, you can compare different options and find the most economical solution for your needs.
Technology in detail: Range and performance for practical use
Modern electric drives are designed for the demanding everyday use in passenger transport. HEERO relies on field-proven technology to ensure maximum reliability. Here are the facts:
Range: A sprinter retrofitted with the Heero system achieves a practical range of up to 425 km. Our minibus tourer for 9 people manages up to 400 km.
Battery: We install a powerful battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net capacity, optimized for longevity and performance.
Charging power: With a DC fast charging power of up to 135 kW, the battery is recharged to 80% in around 30 minutes, minimizing downtimes.
Diesel-to-Electric (DTE): In this process, we replace the diesel engine and drivetrain with a highly efficient electric drive. The vehicle structure remains untouched, which represents an enormous cost advantage, especially for special purpose vehicles.
These technological metrics prove that the decision against a new 20-seater and in favor of a flexible retrofit solution does not mean compromising on performance.
Sustainability through circular economy: Rebuild instead of throw away
The decision to retrofit a DTE is an active contribution to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle and producing a new one, the lifecycle of the existing vehicle is extended. This significantly reduces the demand for raw materials such as steel, aluminum, and plastic. The CO₂ emissions incurred in the production of a completely new vehicle are entirely avoided. This approach not only protects the environment but also your budget. The reuse of the chassis and the superstructure is the purest form of resource efficiency, making the electrification of your fleet a model project for lived sustainability. Such a passenger transporter represents a future-proof mobility strategy.
More useful links
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in transportation (KSNI).
The Funding Database of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) provides details on the funding program 'E-Vehicle Applications and Infrastructures'.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure provides comprehensive information about commercial vehicles and the associated charging infrastructure.
The KfW gives an overview of four funding options for companies in the field of sustainable mobility.
e-mobil BW publishes announcements about current funding for electric trucks and charging infrastructure.
The L-Bank Baden-Württemberg offers information on the funding program 'BW-e-Vehicles'.
FAQ
Is converting my old diesel bus really cheaper than buying a new one?
In most cases, yes. You save the new purchase price and retain the value of your vehicle's structure. Lower operating and maintenance costs, along with the 80% subsidy, make the conversion the most economical option over the entire lifespan (TCO).
How long does a diesel-to-electric conversion take at Heero?
The conversion process itself is highly efficient and usually takes only a few weeks. We recommend starting an early funding analysis, as the application and approval processes may take additional time.
Which vehicles can be converted?
We specialize in electrifying Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. These provide an ideal and widely used base for passenger transport and vehicles with special bodies.
What happens if I miss the funding deadline on August 31, 2025?
According to current regulations, the option to apply for the high 80% funding will no longer be available. Switching to e-mobility will become significantly more expensive for you, while the legal pressure from the Clean Vehicles Directive remains.
Does Heero also offer a solution for the charging infrastructure?
Yes, we offer comprehensive advice and mediate partners for planning and installing the appropriate charging infrastructure, which is also subsidized up to 40%.
Is the range of 425 km realistic in winter?
Our range indications are practical. As with any electric vehicle, the range in winter can be affected by factors such as heating and outside temperature. However, our systems are optimized for year-round use.
