Make market stalls emissions-free for weekly markets: The economic conversion to electric drive
Your market vehicle is the heart of your business, but impending diesel driving bans and rising costs threaten your existence. Learn how you can not replace your specialized transporter, but instead convert it to electric drive for a quiet, clean, and profitable future.
The topic briefly and concisely
Converting a market vehicle to electric drive reduces operating costs by over 30% and ensures access to city centers with diesel driving bans.
Continued use of the expensive special setup makes retrofitting more economical than purchasing a new e-transporter.
An electric market vehicle enables silent, emission-free operation including all ancillary consumers such as refrigeration, making it friendlier to customers and residents.
The situation for operators of market vehicles at weekly markets is becoming increasingly critical. Municipalities are tightening access regulations, and cities like Stuttgart or Munich already have diesel bans that massively restrict business operations. At the same time, high diesel and maintenance costs burden the balance sheets. Purchasing a new electric transporter is often uneconomical because expensive special constructions are lost. Heero provides the pragmatic solution: We make your market vehicle emission-free for weekly markets by converting it to electric drive. Protect your investment, reduce operating costs, and secure unrestricted access to all city centers.
The dual challenge: operating costs and access restrictions
The operation of a market vehicle with diesel drive is becoming an increasing economic burden for traders. The operating costs for diesel vehicles are up to one third higher than those of comparable electric transporters, which adds up to thousands of euros per year. At the same time, several German cities, such as Darmstadt and Stuttgart, have already introduced diesel driving bans for vehicles up to the Euro 5 standard, potentially making access to central weekly markets impossible. These environmental zones are established to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution – a point that is particularly relevant during early morning deliveries. For market vendors, this represents a direct threat to their business model. The need to transition to emission-free drives is no longer a distant visionary future, but an acute operational necessity. The question is not whether, but how this transition can be accomplished intelligently and cost-effectively.
Maximizing profitability: Why retrofitting surpasses new purchases
The purchase of a new electric transporter involves high investments and leads to the loss of value of your existing, often expensively converted market vehicle. The D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) by Heero is the economically superior alternative. You retain your proven vehicle including the entire special structure – from the refrigerated counter to the shelving system. Studies show that the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electrified fleets is significantly lower. You benefit from lower energy, maintenance, and tax costs; electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax for up to 10 years. Additionally, attractive government subsidy programs are available that can cover up to 80% of the conversion costs. The protection of your original investment in the construction is the greatest financial lever.
Reduction of energy costs by over 50% compared to diesel.
Minimal maintenance costs due to the elimination of oil changes, exhaust system, and clutch.
Use of government grants specifically for the conversion of commercial vehicles.
Avoidance of depreciation of a fully equipped special vehicle.
Exemption from truck tolls until at least the end of 2025.
These direct savings make the conversion the strategically smarter choice for any fleet operator.
Technology that convinces: The HEERO conversion process
Heero has developed a standardized and patented process to transform your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into a powerful electric vehicle within just 10 days. Our solution is more than just an engine swap; it’s a complete upgrade of your drivetrain. We integrate an electric drive with power that matches the original diesel engine, offering a practical range of up to 425 km. A crucial advantage for market vehicles: our system reliably supplies energy to all auxiliary consumers such as refrigeration units or lighting. This way, you can operate your stand autonomously and without a noisy generator. The entire process is designed for maximum efficiency and quality.
Vehicle check and removal of the combustion engine.
Installation of the pre-assembled Heero electric drivetrain.
Integration of the high-performance batteries within the vehicle frame.
Connection of the power electronics and onboard system.
Installation of the charging unit and connection of auxiliary units.
Software calibration and comprehensive quality control.
TÜV approval and handover with full certification.
Our technology not only ensures certification but also the full functionality of your specialized vehicle with refrigeration construction. This prepares your market vehicle for the technical and legal future.
Sustainability as a principle: Your contribution to the circular economy
By choosing to upgrade, you are acting not just economically but also in an environmentally exemplary manner. Instead of scrapping a functioning vehicle, you extend its lifecycle and make a valuable contribution to the circular economy. The production of a new transporter consumes enormous amounts of resources and energy. By continuing to use chassis and bodywork, tens of thousands of tons of CO2 emissions are avoided, which would occur during the production of steel, plastic, and other materials. The upgrade is the most resource-efficient form of modernization. You are making a strong statement for sustainability, which is equally appreciated by environmentally conscious customers and municipalities. This positions your company as a responsible player in urban environments and allows you to credibly implement your sustainability goals in your fleet.
Practical advantages at the weekly market: Quiet, clean, customer-friendly
The advantages of an electric market vehicle go far beyond costs and emissions. Imagine driving to the market square at 5 a.m. without disturbing residents with engine noise. A quiet drive improves the relationship with the neighborhood and avoids noise complaints, which are becoming an increasing problem in city centers. Your stand operation will also be revolutionized. The integrated power supply for cooling, coffee machines, or lighting makes external, loud, and smelly diesel generators unnecessary. This creates a more pleasant atmosphere for you and your customers. The emission-free operation will become your quality feature.
Noise-free arrival and departure at any time of the day.
No exhaust nuisance for customers and neighboring stands.
Independent and quiet power supply for all devices on board.
Positive image as a modern and environmentally conscious merchant.
Unrestricted access to all future zero-emission zones.
These practical advantages directly increase the attractiveness of your food truck or sales stand and secure you a competitive advantage.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO
Converting your market vehicle to electric drive is the smartest investment in the future of your business. You combine ecological responsibility with clear economic advantages. With the D2E conversion from Heero, you protect the value of your special body, drastically reduce your operating costs, and ensure permanent access to all city markets. As your innovative partner, we offer you a proven, powerful and comprehensive solution built on the robust base of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Take the decisive step and make your fleet future-proof. Experience the benefits yourself and book a free everyday test or request a personal consultation to analyze your savings potential.
More useful links
DEKRA provides information on converting trucks to electric drive.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs offers an article on retrofittable hybrid systems for commercial vehicles.
The Rhineland-Palatinate Energy Agency informs about the growing stock of electric commercial vehicles in Germany.
The National Control Center provides information on commercial vehicles.
The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) informs about commercial vehicles with alternative drives.
FAQ
Will my vehicle remain registered after the conversion?
Yes, your vehicle will receive a new registration as a fully-fledged electric vehicle after the conversion and a successful TÜV inspection. You keep your license plate, and your vehicle documents will be updated accordingly.
What guarantees does Heero offer on the conversion?
Heero provides a comprehensive warranty on all components of the electric drivetrain installed by us, including the battery and motor. We would be happy to explain the details of the warranty conditions to you in a personal meeting.
How does the power supply for my equipment in the market van work?
Our system is designed so that the vehicle's high-performance battery also supplies power to all your setups, such as refrigerated counters, lighting, or coffee machines. You no longer need a separate generator.
Does Heero assist with applying for funding?
Yes, our team provides comprehensive advice on the available federal and state funding programs and actively supports you in the application process to secure the maximum funding for your project.
Where can I test a converted transporter?
We offer you the opportunity to test one of our converted demonstration vehicles in your own business environment. Simply contact us to arrange a free everyday test.
Is the conversion possible for every Mercedes-Benz Sprinter?
Our D2E conversion is available for a variety of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. In a free initial consultation, we will check the compatibility of your specific vehicle and provide you with a tailored offer.
