Prepare your fleet for the smart city: Use the funding deadline of August 31, 2025, with electric upgrades.
Up to 425 km range after a diesel-to-electric conversion – without the costs of a new vehicle. Time is running out: The current BMDV funding guideline for an 80% subsidy expires on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
The current BMDV funding offers 80% grants for vehicle conversions and 40% for charging infrastructure, but the application deadline ends on August 31, 2025.
A diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) reduces total operating costs (TCO) through energy and maintenance savings and conserves resources in terms of the circular economy.
The EU Clean Vehicles Directive already requires up to 45% clean vehicles for public contracts, which increases the pressure for municipal and commercial fleets.
To prepare your fleet for a conversion to electric for the smart city, you must act now. Rising diesel prices, strict climate regulations due to the Clean Vehicles Directive, and impending access restrictions require a future-proof strategy. A diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is the pragmatic solution. It safeguards your capital, preserves the value of your specialized builds, and utilizes the principles of the circular economy. This article will show you in four clear steps how to strategically plan the transition, secure maximum funding, and optimize the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your fleet.
Analyze pressure to act: Why the time until August 2025 is crucial
The current funding guideline of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is a decisive factor for the economic viability of your fleet conversion. It subsidizes the additional investment costs for the conversion or acquisition of electric commercial vehicles by up to 80%. Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. At the same time, the EU Clean Vehicles Directive has tightened the requirements for public contracts since August 2, 2021. For the period until the end of 2025, it demands a procurement quota of 45% for clean buses, half of which must be completely emission-free. This combination of expiring funding and increasing regulatory pressure creates a unique opportunity that must be seized now. The conversion not only ensures you planning security for the next 10 years, but also a clear competitive advantage. Analyzing deadlines and regulations is the first step towards an informed decision.
Your 4-step checklist for successful fleet electrification
A structured approach is the key to efficiently preparing your fleet for the future. With this checklist, you'll safely navigate the process:
Conduct needs analysis: Analyze the daily routes and usage profiles of your vehicles. Our HEERO eTransporters offer up to 500 km range, which is sufficient for most urban logistics and service tasks.
Examine and secure funding: Identify all relevant funding sources. In addition to the 80% for vehicle conversion, there is up to a 40% subsidy for building the charging infrastructure.
Evaluate profitability (TCO): Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership. Consider the savings in energy (electricity vs. diesel), maintenance, taxes, and CO₂ levies, which often account for 50% of operating costs.
Select implementation partner: Choose an experienced partner who not only offers suitable conversion solutions but also supports grant applications and planning of the charging infrastructure.
Meticulously addressing these four points lays the foundation for a smooth transformation. Next, a detailed examination of the financial aspects will underpin your decision.
Reducing costs: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) as a basis for decision-making
The higher acquisition costs of an electric vehicle are often overestimated when one ignores the total cost of ownership (Total Cost of Ownership, TCO). The TCO approach considers all costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle of 5 years or more. Studies show that electric transporters can already achieve TCO parity with diesel vehicles depending on usage profile and electricity prices. Operating costs can be reduced by up to 50% through a conversion. An electric motor has significantly fewer wearing parts than a combustion engine, which reduces maintenance costs by at least 40%. However, the biggest lever is the energy costs, which can be over 60% lower compared to diesel. Therefore, a detailed TCO analysis is essential. It shows how the conversion not only protects the environment but also your budget.
Funding pots maximized: How to secure grants
The public sector supports your transition to electric mobility with considerable funds. It is crucial to fully exploit these, to minimize the investment burden.
Vehicle funding (KsNI): The BMDV program covers 80% of the additional investment costs for a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) or a new purchase.
Charging infrastructure funding: For the establishment of non-public DC fast charging points on your premises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) receive up to 40% of the costs reimbursed.
Eligible charging capacity: HEERO vehicles typically charge at up to 135 kW, while the medium-floor bus even charges at up to 165 kW, ensuring eligibility for funding.
Application deadline: The deadline for vehicle funding is August 31, 2025 - a date you should definitely mark on your calendar.
The combination of these fundings makes conversion currently more attractive than ever before. To take advantage of these benefits, you need the right technical equipment, which we will discuss below.
Technology in focus: Range and charging power for practical use
Practicality is the be-all and end-all for commercial vehicles. Our converted models are based on proven technology and deliver impressive performance data. The HEERO eTransporter reaches a range of up to 500 km. The converted DTE-Sprinter achieves up to 425 km. Even our buses, like the mid and low-floor buses, reach up to 300 km on a single charge. The basis for this is a 110 kWh gross battery (96 kWh net). Only the mid-floor bus uses a larger 137 kWh battery (115 kWh net). Thanks to DC fast charging with up to 165 kW, the bus is charged to 80% in about 30 minutes. These figures demonstrate that a conversion for zero-emission zones does not compromise operational capability. This makes the transition a sustainable and long-term solution.
Living sustainability: Circular economy as a smart way to the future
The conversion of your existing fleet is a strong commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with expensive special equipment, its lifespan is extended by many years. This approach reduces the need for new raw materials by more than 70% compared to purchasing new. You avoid the gray energy that is incurred in the production of a completely new vehicle. This makes your fleet a marketing tool for lived sustainability. The CO₂ savings are twofold: they occur during the continued use of the chassis and in daily emission-free operation. This is the logical next step for any company that takes its sustainability goals seriously while also wanting to act economically. Now, let’s summarize the key benefits for you.
More useful links
Federal Funding Database provides detailed information on funding programs from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) for e-vehicle applications and the associated infrastructure.
The Federal Ministry of Economics informs in an article about the funding program for electromobility and its goals.
The Federal Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) provides an overview of its funding programs in the field of freight transport and logistics.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) offers comprehensive statistics on vehicles and road traffic in Germany.
On the website of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), you can find current statistics on vehicle registrations.
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) confirms in a press release the climate benefits of electric cars and their positive impacts.
Another press release from the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) highlights the clear economic significance of electromobility.
The KfW (Reconstruction Loan Corporation) provides information about its funding programs for companies in the field of electromobility, energy, and environment.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure offers specific information and recommendations for the expansion of charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles.
FAQ
How long does a conversion of my Sprinter take?
The pure conversion time of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in our specialized workshops is usually only a few weeks. The exact duration depends on the order situation and the specific requirements of your vehicle. Contact us for precise scheduling.
What range can I expect from a converted vehicle?
Our converted vehicles are optimized for practical use. A Heero DTE Sprinter reaches up to 425 km, the eTransporter up to 500 km, and our bus solutions up to 300 km. The actual range depends on factors such as load, driving style, and outside temperature.
Does the payload of my vehicle remain after conversion?
We place great emphasis on maintaining the practicality of your vehicles. The additional weight of the electric drive train is taken into account during the design process. In many cases, the original payload can be largely retained through intelligent component distribution and material selection. We clarify details in an individual analysis.
What happens to my manufacturer warranty?
The original manufacturer warranty for the entire vehicle expires due to the intervention in the drive train. Heero, however, provides you with a comprehensive warranty on all components of the electric drive train installed by us, including the battery.
Do I get help applying for funding?
Yes, absolutely. Our team specializes in current funding programs. We actively support you in compiling the necessary documents and submitting the applications on time to secure the maximum funding amount for you.
Can I charge my converted vehicle at any charging station?
Yes, our vehicles are equipped with the Europe-wide standardized CCS (Combined Charging System) Type 2 plug. This allows you to charge at all public DC fast charging stations and AC charging points. For maximum efficiency, we recommend a DC fast charging station at your facility.
