Convert municipal tippers based on Sprinter chassis to electric drive: Your guide to 80% funding
Up to 425 kilometers of range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. The time to transition your municipal vehicles is pressing, as the current funding period ends on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
Municipal dump trucks based on Sprinter chassis can be converted to electric drive through the DTE process (Diesel-to-Electric) to avoid expensive new purchases.
The BMDV funding subsidizes the conversion with 80% and the charging infrastructure with 40%; the application deadline ends on August 31, 2025.
The conversion reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through lower energy and maintenance costs and complies with the Clean Vehicles Directive.
For municipal construction yards, electrification is becoming mandatory. Rising diesel prices, the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), and political pressure for CO₂ reduction demand pragmatic solutions. But what to do with expensive special vehicles like a tipper based on a Sprinter, whose structure works perfectly? The solution is to have your municipal tippers based on Sprinter converted to electric drive for the construction yard. This approach, also known as Diesel-to-Electric (DTE), not only saves your budget but also preserves the value of your existing fleet. Find out how to secure 80% government funding with a clear strategy and significantly reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your vehicles.
The pressure to act: Why construction sites must electrify now
The era of diesel engines in municipal use is coming to an end. The European Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), mandates binding minimum quotas for low-emission vehicles. By the end of 2025, 38.5 percent of newly purchased light commercial vehicles must be 'clean.' This regulatory pressure coincides with volatile diesel prices and rising operating costs. For municipal workshops, this means a double challenge: meeting legal requirements while under cost pressure. The sole focus on the new purchase of electric vehicles often ignores the value of existing, highly specialized superstructures. Retrofitting is the strategically and economically superior alternative here. With a targeted retrofitting of your fleet, you not only respond to the pressure but also actively shape the transition.
Your 4-point action plan for successful retrofit
A structured approach is the key to success. With this checklist, you will navigate the process safely:
Fleet analysis and TCO assessment: Capture the current state of your Sprinter tippers. Analyze driving profiles and operating costs to calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) – the total costs over the entire lifespan.
Funding review (deadline 08/31/2025): Check your eligibility for the current BMDV funding guidelines. This subsidizes the DTE conversion with 80% of the additional costs compared to a diesel.
Plan charging infrastructure: Design the necessary charging infrastructure at the construction site. There is also a subsidy of 40% of the investment costs for this.
Select implementation partner: Choose an experienced partner for the technical conversion. Heero offers a patented solution specifically for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
These four steps form the roadmap for your successful Sprinter electrification and ensure you maximum profitability.
Financial benefits: Funding pots and TCO analysis in detail
First August 31, 2025: Secure 80% Grant for the DTE Conversion
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is massively supporting the transition to electric mobility. The current funding guidelines provide for a quota of 80 percent for the conversion of existing vehicles. Eligible applicants are legal entities, including municipalities and their enterprises. It is important to meet the application deadline by August 31, 2025, to take advantage of this high funding rate. The funding refers to the additional investment costs compared to a reference vehicle with a diesel engine. This significantly reduces the financial effort for a future-proof transition. The planning certainty that such funding offers is a crucial factor.
More than Acquisition: The TCO Advantage of Electrification
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the key metric for fleet managers. While the initial conversion represents an investment, it often pays off within a few years. The operating costs of an electric vehicle are significantly lower: electricity is cheaper than diesel, maintenance costs for oil changes or exhaust systems are completely eliminated, and the vehicle tax is waived for ten years. Furthermore, the conversion leads to a CO₂ savings of up to 100 percent in operation, which not only improves the environmental balance but also protects against future CO₂ levies. The analysis of your individual TCO shows the concrete savings potential.
HEERO-Technology: Performance meets circular economy
Up to 425 km Range for Demanding Everyday Construction Yard Tasks
The practicality is the focus of every conversion. A Sprinter tipper converted to electric drive by Heero achieves a range of up to 425 kilometers. The basis for this is a battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net capacity. The vehicle charges at a DC fast charging station with up to 135 kW, allowing for short idle times at the depot. These performance figures ensure that the daily tasks of the construction yard can be completed without compromise. The technology is therefore not just a distant dream, but a viable, robust solution for your electrified flatbed truck available today.
Circular Economy in Action: Why Converting is More Sustainable
A tipper body is an expensive and long-lasting investment. Scrapping it when changing vehicles is neither economical nor environmentally sensible. The diesel-to-electric conversion is a prime example of a functioning circular economy. You retain the valuable chassis and the specialized structure of your Sprinter and only replace the drivetrain. This saves enormous amounts of resources and CO₂ emissions compared to producing a completely new vehicle. You extend the lifespan of your investment and act in the spirit of sustainability, sending a clear signal to citizens and politicians. This approach underscores why using existing vehicles is often the best choice.
Start your funding analysis: The final step to conversion
The time until the funding deadline on August 31, 2025, is limited. Act now to set the course for a future-proof and economical fleet. Use our expertise to make the process smooth and timely.
Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your subsidy roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
For the free analysis
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Please note that the content presented here is general information and does not constitute legal or funding advice.
More useful links
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs about the funding guideline for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV) provides comprehensive information on electromobility in Germany.
Federal Ministry for Transport (BMV) offers a detailed factsheet on electromobility specifically for municipalities.
National Control Center Charging Infrastructure provides an overview of current funding programs in the field of electromobility.
KfW Bank informs about various funding options for sustainable mobility for companies.
Future Network Public Transport reports on the funding of electric vehicles for municipalities by the federal government.
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection provides information on the framework conditions and incentives for electric vehicles.
Electromobility.NRW informs about specific funding for electromobility for municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia.
FAQ
How long does it take to convert a Sprinter tipper?
The pure conversion process at Heero is standardized and usually takes only a few weeks. Contact us for a precise timeline based on your fleet and our capacities.
Does the payload of the tipper remain the same after conversion?
The additional weight of the battery components is taken into account during the design. We design the conversion in such a way that maximum everyday usability and high payload are maintained, which we will transparently show you in the offer.
What guarantees are there on the conversion and the battery?
Heero offers comprehensive guarantees both on the installed electrical components and on the work carried out. You will receive the exact warranty conditions for the powertrain and the battery with your individual offer.
Does Heero support in applying for funding?
Yes, we actively support you throughout the process. Our funding analysis is the first step to determining your eligibility and potential funding amount, and to assist you with timely application submission.
What charging infrastructure is needed for a converted depot tipper?
We recommend installing a DC wallbox or charging station at the depot to be able to use the charging power of up to 135 kW. The investment in charging infrastructure is also subsidized by 40%.
Does a converted vehicle meet the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive?
Yes, a vehicle converted to pure electric drive is by definition a zero-emission vehicle and thus fully meets the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) for the second reference period starting from 2026.
