Retrofitting existing vehicles: Secure high residual value & switch to electric drive
Up to 425 kilometers of range after an upgrade – without the costs of a new vehicle. The federal KsNI funding covered up to 80% of the additional costs until 2024; no new calls for funding are planned.
The topic briefly and concisely
The conversion of existing vehicles to electric drive secures high residual values and reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO); the 80% funding ran until 2024.
The BMDV's KsNI funding ran until 2024; new funding calls for applications have not been planned since August 2024.
By continuing to use the vehicle chassis in the spirit of the circular economy, valuable resources are preserved and CO₂ emissions are reduced.
Rising operating costs, strict CO₂ regulations and threatening driving bans are putting pressure on fleet operators. Especially for vehicles with expensive special bodies, a new purchase is often not economically viable. The solution lies in converting your existing vehicle with a high residual value to a future-proof electric drive. This conversion, known as DTE, not only protects your budget but is also a clear commitment to the circular economy. Government subsidies of up to 80% of the additional costs for the conversion made the transition plannable; the KsNI ran until 2024, and charging infrastructure was also eligible for funding. This article shows you how to set the course for a locally emission-free and economical future.
Why retrofitting is the most economically viable decision now
In view of more than 6,600 climate-friendly trucks that have already received funding, many fleets are facing a strategic decision. Legal frameworks such as the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) are forcing municipalities and public enterprises in particular to convert their fleets. By 2025, 38.5 percent of newly procured light commercial vehicles had to be low-emission. At the same time, unpredictable diesel prices and new CO₂ taxes make cost planning a challenge. Retrofitting existing vehicles is the pragmatic answer here. It follows the principle of the sustainable circular economy by preserving valuable vehicle bodies and conserving resources. Studies prove that the use of secondary raw materials saves significant CO₂ emissions. Instead of investing in an expensive new purchase, which often has long delivery times, you modernize the drive technology in a targeted manner. This approach not only secures the value of your special vehicles, but also makes your fleet fit for the next ten years. The transition is therefore not a pure cost factor, but an investment in long-term competitiveness.
A look back at getting funding in 4 steps: Your action plan
The path to the funded electrification of your fleet can be implemented quickly and easily with a clear strategy. Here is your checklist for a successful conversion:
Inventory and needs analysis: Together we will check the condition of your vehicles and analyze the exact requirement profile. Daily mileage, payload, and area of application determine the optimal technical design for a range of up to 425 kilometers.
Subsidy check: The BMDV's KsNI directive covered up to 80% of the additional costs of a conversion until 2024 and was discontinued since August 2024. We identify which funds are suitable for your project today.
Economic efficiency analysis (TCO): We create a transparent comparison of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This analysis shows how the higher initial investments quickly pay off through savings in energy, maintenance, taxes, and tolls.
Implementation and charging planning: After the funding commitment, we plan the conversion, which often takes only a few days. In parallel, we design the appropriate charging infrastructure, which was also eligible for up to 40% funding and optimizes your operations.
For example, a logistics company from Stuttgart was able to retain its Sprinter fleet with refrigerated bodies and reduce the total cost per vehicle by 15%. Planning and implementing the next steps is crucial for success.
Funding situation and deadlines 2025: How to classify your grants
The funding landscape has supported cost-effective electrification for years. The central instrument was the guideline on funding for commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-friendly drive systems (KsNI) of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). The KsNI ran until 2024 and has been discontinued since August 2024. The high demand in the last funding calls showed the need. The funding rates were clearly defined:
80% of the additional investment costs for purchasing an electric vehicle or the conversion of an existing vehicle.
40% of the costs for setting up the necessary, non-public charging infrastructure on your company premises.
Grants for feasibility studies to analyze the electrification potential in your fleet.
This funding was crucial to meet the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive without breaking the budget. New funding calls are not planned; we therefore calculate the economic feasibility of the conversion without a grant. Precise knowledge of the financial framework conditions is the first step towards technical implementation.
Cost comparison: How the DTE retrofit reduces the TCO of your fleet
The conversion from diesel to electric is more than a mere technology change; it is a strategic lever to reduce your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). While the acquisition costs for electric vehicles are higher, the investment amortizes through significantly lower running costs. A TCO analysis shows that electric trucks already achieve TCO parity with diesel counterparts in many segments today. The savings result from several factors:
Energy costs: Electricity costs per kilometer are significantly lower and more stable than those for diesel.
Maintenance and repair: Electric drivetrains have fewer wear parts, which can reduce maintenance costs by up to 50%.
Taxes and duties: Electric vehicles benefit from a ten-year vehicle tax exemption and lower CO₂-based toll fees.
Residual value: Through the conversion, you protect the value of your expensive special bodies, which would be lost if the diesel vehicle were sold.
Particularly in urban delivery traffic with frequent stop-and-go operation, electric drivetrains fully exploit their efficiency advantages. These financial advantages, combined with the high performance of the vehicles, make the conversion a smart commercial decision.
Range and charging power: The technical facts of the HEERO solutions
The practicality of an electric commercial vehicle stands and falls with range and charging capacity. Our conversion solutions are designed for demanding commercial use and are based on over ten years of experience. We use exclusively new, certified components to guarantee maximum service life and performance. Here are the key figures of our most common models:
HEERO DTE-Sprinter: Up to 425 km range, ideal for regional distribution and trades.
HEERO E-Transporter: Up to 500 km range for demanding delivery traffic.
HEERO Niederflur-Busse: Up to 300 km range for reliable public transport.
Battery capacity: Standard 110 kWh gross (96 kWh net), which ensures a high range even with a full load.
Fast charging capacity (DC): With up to 135 kW (up to 165 kW for buses), the battery is recharged to 80% in around 40 minutes.
These performance data guarantee that your converted vehicles will handle daily routes without compromise. The combination of long range and fast charging ensures maximum availability and efficiency in daily operations. This clears the way for the final, decisive step.
Your next step: Start the free funding analysis
The central funding deadlines have passed, while regulatory pressure continues to limit your options. We classify which support is still eligible for the conversion of your fleet today. Start your funding analysis: Answer three brief questions about your fleet, and you will receive a tailored grant roadmap from us. We will guide you through the entire process and evaluate how the 80% funding running until 2024 is to be assessed today. Request your free and non-binding analysis.
To the free analysis
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More useful links
Statista offers comprehensive statistics and information on the topic of electromobility.
The Bundesamt für Logistik und Mobilität (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding program Climate Protection and Sustainability (KSNI).
The Deutsche Automobil Treuhand (DAT) provides important information on the residual value of electric cars.
The Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) addresses the topic of circular economy in the context of climate, environment, and sustainability.
The Fraunhofer UMSICHT describes the EKODA project, which focuses on the development of circular economy strategies for electromobility.
The Umweltbundesamt confirms the climate advantage of electric cars in a press release.
The Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr (BMDV) provides an overview of electromobility in Germany.
DEKRA offers information on converting trucks to electric drive.
