SME Bonus E-Bus Funding 2025: Secure up to 80% grant for the electrification of your Sprinter fleet.
Are you facing the challenge of decarbonizing your commercial vehicle fleet without breaking the budget? The federal government offers a unique opportunity with the E-Bus funding for 2025 and a special SME bonus. Find out how you can receive up to 80% of the additional investments for the electrification of your vehicles as a grant, making the transition economically feasible.
The topic briefly and concisely
With the current funding guidelines, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can receive a grant of up to 80% of the additional investment costs for the acquisition or conversion of e-buses and e-vans.
The retrofitting of existing diesel vehicles (D2E) is explicitly supported, protecting investments in specialized structures and supporting the principles of circular economy.
In addition to the vehicles, the necessary charging infrastructure is subsidized by up to 40% of the costs, enabling a comprehensive fleet electrification.
The transition to emission-free commercial vehicle fleets is not a question of if, but when for municipalities and companies. Legal requirements and rising operating costs for diesel vehicles create pressure to act. At the same time, the high initial investments pose a significant hurdle. This is precisely where the current 'Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Passenger Transport' comes in. It offers targeted financial relief with the SME Bonus E-Bus Promotion 2025, paving the way for economically and ecologically sensible fleet modernization. HEERO is your partner to fully exploit these potentials.
Overview of the state electric vehicle funding 2025
The federal government is driving the transportation transition forward with significant funding. By 2025, around 1.3 billion euros are earmarked for the promotion of climate-friendly commercial vehicles, along with an additional 6.3 billion euros for the development of charging and refueling infrastructure. The central instrument for operators of bus and sprinter fleets is the revised “Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Passenger Transport.” This initiative from the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) focuses on battery and fuel cell vehicles. It covers not only new acquisitions but also explicitly includes the retrofitting of existing diesel vehicles, making it particularly attractive. Sketches for funding applications can be submitted within the framework of the current call until August 31, 2025. This creates a clear perspective for your fleet planning in the coming year.
So SMEs maximize their subsidies with the funding bonus.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the German economy and benefit from special support. The funding guideline provides for a special SME bonus that significantly increases the standard funding rate. For SMEs, an increase in the funding rate of 10 to 20 percentage points is possible. In practice, this means: While large companies bear a significant part of the additional costs themselves, SMEs can receive a funding rate of up to 80 % on the additional investment expenses for an electric vehicle compared to a diesel model. This regulation significantly lowers the entry barrier for innovative logistics companies and craft businesses and accelerates the amortization of the investment. The maximum funding rate often makes the switch to e-mobility the more economically sensible decision.
Circular economy in action: Why the retrofitting is being promoted
A central, innovative aspect of the funding guidelines is the explicit support for the conversion of existing vehicles. This is a clear commitment to the circular economy and conserves valuable resources. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with expensive special equipment, its lifecycle is extended by the Heero D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric). The funding covers up to 80% of the costs directly associated with the conversion. The prerequisite is that the converted vehicle has a remaining lifespan of at least 8 years or 600,000 kilometers. For municipalities and companies with special vehicles, such as in trades or waste disposal services, this is the ideal solution to protect capital investment and still switch to zero emissions. The funding for the conversion is thus a crucial lever.
Strategic Planning: The Checklist for Your Funding Application
The path to successful funding begins with careful preparation. The project sponsor Jülich (PtJ), who processes the applications, provides comprehensive documents for this purpose. Timely submission of the project outline by 31.08.2025 is crucial. The following steps are essential for a successful application for the SME Bonus E-Bus Funding 2025:
Analysis of the Status Quo: Record your current fleet size, driving profiles, and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your diesel vehicles.
Definition of the Target Image: Determine how many vehicles you want to convert or purchase new and what ranges (e.g., 425 km with Heero) you need.
Profitability Calculation: Compare the additional investment costs for the e-vehicles with savings in energy, maintenance, taxes, and CO2 charges.
Check of SME Criteria: Ensure that your company meets the official EU definition for small and medium-sized enterprises to receive the bonus.
Obtaining a Quote: Request a detailed quote for the conversion or new vehicles, which serves as the basis for the funding application.
Creation of the Project Outline: Carefully fill out the templates of the funding provider and describe your project precisely.
Professional consulting in the application process can significantly increase the chances of success.
Not only the vehicle matters: Grants for charging infrastructure
An electric vehicle is only as good as the charging infrastructure behind it. The federal government has recognized this and supports the development of the necessary infrastructure with up to 40% of the investment costs. This subsidy applies to the construction and expansion of operational charging and hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The support can also be increased with the SME bonus. This further reduces the overall costs for electrifying your fleet and enables the establishment of a future-proof charging solution on your company premises. Heero offers you a comprehensive solution, ranging from consulting through the vehicle to the suitable planning of the charging infrastructure.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO
The current funding landscape with the SME Bonus E-Bus Funding 2025 offers an unprecedented opportunity to make the transition to electromobility economic and sustainable. With grants of up to 80% on the additional costs for acquisition or conversion and 40% for the charging infrastructure, the financial burden is significantly reduced. In particular, the funding of D2E conversion protects your previous investments and establishes a sustainable circular economy model in your fleet. As an innovative partner, Heero accompanies you through the entire process, from analysis to application submission to commissioning. Take the opportunity to future-proof your fleet while benefiting from massive cost advantages. Request your personal consultation now or book a trial in everyday life at no cost to experience the performance of our solutions first-hand.
More useful links
Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport informs about the funding guidelines for alternative drives in passenger transport and the support for charging infrastructure.
Project Management Jülich provides detailed information and documents for applying for funding for climate-friendly commercial vehicles and the conversion of existing vehicles.
Federal Government provides comprehensive information on its initiatives and funding programs for the transport transition and climate protection.
European Commission explains the official definition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that is relevant for accessing the funding bonus.
FAQ
What exactly is funded by the SME Bonus E-Bus Subsidy 2025?
The investment costs for the purchase of battery and fuel cell buses, as well as the costs for converting diesel vehicles, are subsidized. Additionally, up to 40% of the costs for the necessary charging and refueling infrastructure are covered.
Is the Heero D2E conversion eligible for my Sprinter?
Yes, the conversion of commercial vehicles is an explicit subject of the subsidy. Our D2E conversion for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter meets the criteria and allows you to benefit from the high subsidies and maintain your special modifications.
How does Heero help me apply for the subsidy?
Our expert team provides comprehensive advice. We analyze your savings potential, check your eligibility for subsidies, prepare a TCO calculation and assist you in compiling all necessary documents for a successful submission of the project outline.
What happens if my company is not an SME?
Larger companies are also eligible to apply and receive attractive subsidy rates, even if the specific SME bonus is not applicable. We are happy to calculate the applicable subsidy rate for you in a personal consultation.
Can I apply for the subsidy for the charging infrastructure alone?
The subsidy for infrastructure is tied to the procurement or conversion of vehicles within the program. It is part of an overall fleet electrification project.
Where can I find the official documents for the subsidy application?
The official documents such as checklists, templates, and the SME definition are provided by Project Management Jülich (PtJ). As part of our service, we guide you to the correct documents.
