Long delivery times for e-transporters? Here's how to accelerate your fleet electrification through retrofitting.
The demand for electric transporters far exceeds the supply, leading to extremely long delivery times. For fleet operators who must meet legal requirements and sustainability goals, this is a strategic blockade. Discover how you can overcome this hurdle by retrofitting your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter while protecting your investments.
The topic briefly and concisely
Avoid delivery times of up to 14 months for new e-transporters by retrofitting your existing fleet in just 10 days per vehicle.
Protect investments in expensive special setups and save up to 80% of the costs compared to a new purchase.
Reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your fleet by up to 28% through lower energy and maintenance costs.
Switching to an emission-free fleet is no longer an option, but a necessity for many municipalities, logistics companies, and craft businesses. However, the reality is sobering: Delivery times for new e-vans are often 8, 10, or even up to 14 months. These waiting times not only delay the achievement of your sustainability goals but also jeopardize your competitiveness in environmental zones. HEERO offers you an immediately available and economically superior alternative with the D2E conversion. Electrify your existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and make your fleet future-proof in record time.
Market analysis: High demand meets production bottlenecks
The market for new e-transporters is characterized by a massive gap between demand and supply. While 41 percent of German fleet managers are planning a purchase, the market share of e-transporters is only 5 percent. Manufacturers are struggling with production capacities, leading to average delivery times of 6 to 14 months for popular models like the new VW Transporter or the Mercedes Crafter. For vehicles with special bodies, these deadlines often extend by additional months. This delay of over a year poses a significant risk to operational planning. These bottlenecks force forward-thinking companies and municipalities to seek alternative and faster routes to electrification. Thus, retrofitting the existing fleet is becoming a strategic necessity.
Strategic acceleration: fleet modernization in 10 days instead of 14 months
Instead of waiting 14 months or longer for a new vehicle, the HEERO D2E conversion allows the electrification of one of your existing vehicles in just 10 working days. This time advantage is crucial for the rapid implementation of sustainability strategies and compliance with entry restrictions in cities. While waiting for a single new electric transporter, you could already have a significant number of your fleet vehicles converted. This way, you can scale your electric fleet up to 30 times faster than with a new purchase. This speed not only offers planning certainty but also an immediate return on investment through reduced operating costs. Learn more about the benefits of Converting or Buying New. The conversion is more than just a quick solution; it is also an economically wise decision that preserves existing values.
Capital protection: Investments in expensive special structures are secured.
Many fleets, especially in municipalities or crafts, consist of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with expensive and highly customized bodies, the value of which often exceeds €50,000. A new purchase would mean a complete write-off of this investment. The Heero D2E conversion preserves the value of your vehicle, as the chassis and body remain untouched. You save up to 80% of the costs compared to a new purchase with a comparable body. The conversion is possible for almost all Sprinter models, regardless of wheelbase or roof height. Here are the direct economic benefits:
Preservation of the investment in the existing vehicle body.
Significantly lower capital costs compared to a new purchase.
Faster return on investment through lower initial investment.
No recurring costs for the adjustment and setup of a new vehicle.
Avoidance of depreciation loss due to the write-off of a fully functional body.
This financial efficiency becomes even clearer through the analysis of total operating costs, as demonstrated by the preservation of special bodies. The consideration of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) reveals the full savings potential.
TCO analysis: reduce operating costs by up to 28 percent
The conversion to an electric drive is not only cheaper to purchase, but also significantly reduces ongoing costs. A study by Transport & Environment shows that e-vans in Germany are already 28 percent cheaper per kilometer than comparable diesel models. The savings come from several factors. The energy costs per 100 kilometers are significantly lower than with diesel. In addition, maintenance costs are up to 50% lower, as electric motors have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes. Over a period of three years, companies can save up to 11,000 euros per vehicle. Government funding programs for the purchase or conversion can further reduce investment costs and shorten the payback period. With a detailed TCO analysis, the individual savings potential for your fleet can be calculated exactly. This economic advantage is directly linked to a strong ecological benefit.
Circular economy as a future model: pragmatically implementing sustainability
The retrofitting of your existing fleet is a prime example of practicing the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a functioning vehicle and producing a new one, you extend its lifespan by many years. This approach significantly reduces the need for new raw materials like steel and aluminum and lowers the CO2 emissions associated with production. The production of reconditioned parts has up to 60% lower environmental impacts than the manufacture of new parts. By continuing to use the chassis and structure, the environmental footprint of your fleet is drastically reduced. Heero has perfected this process to combine sustainability and economy. The procedure for our D2E retrofitting is clearly defined:
Analysis of your existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter fleet.
Planning the retrofit based on your specific requirements.
Removal of the diesel powertrain in our plant.
Installation of our patented electric drive and battery system.
Quality assurance and technical approval of the retrofitted vehicle.
Handover and training in the new e-mobility.
This approach allows you to achieve your sustainability goals faster and is based on a certified and field-tested technology. Our patented solution guarantees the highest quality and reliability.
Certified performance: The patented HEERO D2E conversion
The centerpiece of our solution is the patented D2E conversion, specifically developed for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform. You will receive a vehicle that excels in performance and reliability. Our converted Sprinters offer a practical range of up to 425 km, which is more than sufficient for most daily operations in logistics, trades, or municipal services. The performance of the electric motor ensures a dynamic and quiet ride, which is particularly advantageous in city traffic. Since we build on the proven foundation of the Sprinter, vehicle safety and handling remain at the accustomed high level. Our conversion is a certified solution that meets all technical and legal requirements. This means you are not investing in an experiment, but in a proven technology from a certified provider. Seize the opportunity to make your fleet future-proof without risks or long wait times.
More useful links
Statista provides detailed statistics on the number of trucks with alternative drives in Germany.
Statista here presents a forecast of the global electrification of trucks, broken down by regions.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) informs about the funding program KSNI, which supports climate protection and sustainability in transportation.
DEKRA offers information on retrofitting trucks to electric drives and related technical aspects.
European Commission here presents a regulation on the recycling of vehicles within the framework of the circular economy.
International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) analyzes the total cost of ownership (TCO) of battery-electric trucks in Europe in this PDF.
Federal Environment Agency highlights the important topic of climate protection in the transport sector on this page.
Deutsche Post DHL informs in this press release about the deployment of a new electric truck fleet in Berlin.
FAQ
Can every Mercedes-Benz Sprinter be retrofitted?
Our patented D2E conversion is designed for a variety of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. This includes different wheelbases, roof heights, and even chassis with special superstructures. Contact us to review your specific model.
What guarantees are there for the conversion?
Heero offers comprehensive guarantees on the electric drive train and the installed components. You will receive a reliable and certified solution that is designed for longevity and performance.
How does the conversion affect payload and driving characteristics?
We place great emphasis on maintaining the practical characteristics of your van. The payload is influenced by the weight of the battery but remains absolutely practical for most applications. The driving characteristics even improve due to the quiet, low-vibration, and high-torque electric drive, especially in urban traffic.
Does Heero also offer charging solutions?
Yes, we see ourselves as a holistic solution partner. In addition to vehicle conversion, we also advise you on the planning and implementation of the appropriate charging infrastructure for your fleet yard to ensure smooth and efficient operation of your new electric fleet.
Are there government subsidies for the conversion?
Yes, the conversion of commercial vehicles to electric drive is supported in Germany through various programs that can cover a significant portion of the investment costs. We are happy to advise you on current subsidy options and assist you with the application process.
How can I test the solution?
We are convinced of the performance and practicality of our retrofitted vehicles. Therefore, we offer potential customers the opportunity to experience a Heero E-Transporter live in their own operations as part of a free everyday test. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
