Secure the fleet with electric conversions against unpredictable fuel prices
Did you know that over 3,500 e-buses in Germany are supported with an 80% subsidy? In light of unpredictable diesel prices and stricter CO₂ regulations, the electrification of existing fleets is no longer a luxury, but a strategic necessity. Secure your fleet now by converting to electric to protect against unpredictable fuel price fluctuations and gain planning security for the next ten years.
The topic briefly and concisely
Protect your fleet against volatile diesel prices by converting to electric and benefiting from stable, predictable energy costs.
Take advantage of the state KfW funding with an 80% grant for vehicle conversion and 40% for charging infrastructure when applying by August 31, 2025.
A diesel-to-electric conversion reduces total operating costs (TCO) through lower maintenance, energy, and toll costs while conserving valuable resources through the principle of circular economy.
The volatility of fuel prices and the growing pressure from CO₂ pricing present fleet operators with enormous challenges. Sticking to diesel means accepting rising and unpredictable operating costs. At the same time, regulations such as the Clean Vehicles Directive compel action. Converting your fleet to electric drive is the pragmatic solution to minimize these risks. You not only protect yourself against price fluctuations, but also position your company for the future, reduce total operating costs (Total Cost of Ownership, TCO), and make a measurable contribution to the circular economy. Time is running out: Government incentives of 80% for the conversion are only available until August 31, 2025.
Cost trap diesel: Why volatile prices and CO₂ taxes force action
The operating costs for diesel fleets are subject to massive fluctuations, making reliable financial planning almost impossible. Alone, the CO₂ tax will rise to 55 euros per ton in 2025, further driving up fuel costs. Added to this are regulatory requirements such as the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), which already obligate public procurers to procure low-emission vehicles – by 2025, 45% of new buses must be "clean." This combination of price pressure and legal requirements creates an economic uncertainty that paralyzes many companies. Switching to electric is the direct way to end this uncertainty. A professional amortization calculation shows how quickly the investment pays off. Electrification is therefore not only an ecological necessity but especially an economic necessity for long-term stability.
Your 4-point action plan for fleet electrification with 80% funding
Switching to electromobility doesn’t have to be a complex task. With a clear plan, you ensure maximum subsidies and make your fleet future-proof. The deadline for applying for the attractive KsNI subsidy ends on August 31, 2025. Act now to benefit from 80% on vehicle conversion and 40% on charging infrastructure.
Conduct a subsidy check: Analyze your eligibility for the KsNI subsidy from the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV). We support you in securing up to 80% subsidy for your Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE).
Create a TCO analysis: Compare the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your current diesel fleet with the projected costs after electrification. Studies show that E-commercial vehicles are often cheaper than diesel counterparts after just four to six years.
Validate driving profile and range: Check if the ranges of modern E-transporters meet your daily requirements. The Heero eTransporter, for example, can achieve up to 500 km on a single charge.
Plan charging infrastructure: Determine the need for charging infrastructure at your depot. The subsidy also covers 40% of the costs here, significantly reducing the investment.
This structured approach takes the complexity out of the process. It enables informed, data-driven decisions and ensures planning security for the next 10 years. The next step is a detailed examination of the available subsidy funds.
Optimize funding pots: This is how to secure maximum support
The current funding landscape offers a unique opportunity to drastically reduce the costs of electrification. The central instrument is the KsNI guideline from the BMDV, which explicitly supports the retrofitting of existing vehicles. It covers 80% of the additional investment costs compared to a reference diesel vehicle. This means that the difference in costs between your DTE retrofitting and a new diesel truck will largely be borne by the state. But time is running short, as applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. In addition to vehicle funding, charging infrastructure is also eligible for 40% funding. Many companies miss this opportunity because they shy away from the bureaucratic effort. With a professional funding analysis, you can overcome this hurdle. Thus, a complex application process becomes a clear path to cost reduction.
TCO Analysis: How Retrofitting Reduces Total Cost of Ownership by Over 50%
The higher acquisition costs of an electric vehicle or a retrofit are often perceived as a hurdle. However, a close examination of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) proves the opposite. The TCO includes all costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle, from acquisition through energy and maintenance to the residual value. Studies by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) demonstrate that battery-electric trucks already have, or will have by 2030 at the latest, the lowest total operating costs in most classes. The savings arise from several factors:
Lower energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometer than diesel, even with fluctuating prices.
Reduced maintenance costs: Electric drives have fewer wear parts than combustion engines, which can reduce maintenance costs by up to 50%.
Tax benefits & toll exemptions: Electric commercial vehicles are exempt from truck tolls in Germany, which represents significant savings.
Elimination of the CO₂ tax: The constantly increasing CO₂ pricing for fossil fuels is completely eliminated.
The diesel-to-electric retrofit (DTE) is particularly economical here. It preserves the value of your existing vehicle structure while simultaneously preparing you for the future. A detailed analysis of your fleet's total costs reveals your individual savings potential. This financial attractiveness is supported by the technological maturity of the vehicles.
Technology that convinces: Range and charging performance in practical tests
The practicality of electric commercial vehicles has long been proven. Modern battery technology and high charging capacities guarantee smooth operation. The HEERO DTE-Sprinter, for example, achieves a range of up to 425 km. Our vehicles are designed for demanding everyday work. The HEERO low-floor bus has a 137 kWh gross battery and charges at up to 165 kW. This means that in just 30 minutes, 80% of the range is available again. All other models, such as the tourer minibus with a range of up to 400 km, use a 110 kWh battery and charge at up to 135 kW. These performance figures disprove outdated prejudices and prove everyday practicality. The available conversion solutions offer the right technology for almost every requirement profile. This makes the conversion not only economical but also operationally a clear gain.
Circular economy as a competitive advantage: renovation instead of new purchase
The decision to convert from diesel to electric is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with an expensive special build, its lifespan is significantly extended. This approach not only conserves valuable resources like steel and aluminum but also reduces the CO₂ footprint that would result from producing a new vehicle. You get the proven foundation of your vehicle and combine it with a future-proof, emission-free drive. This way, you protect your original investment while acting sustainably. This approach, utilizing existing values, is at the core of an intelligent and resource-saving fleet strategy. It proves that economy and ecology can go hand in hand.
More useful links
The ADAC provides detailed information on the development of fuel prices in Germany.
Statista offers statistics on the average price of super gasoline in Germany since 1972.
The Dashboard Germany provides indicators and data that may also be relevant for the analysis of fuel prices.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) offers official information on fuel prices.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides information on commercial vehicles with alternative drives.
A press release from the BMDV highlights investments in electric vehicles and charging points.
Transport & Environment published a study showing the cost advantages of electric vans over diesel vehicles.
The Federal Environment Agency provides a detailed analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
FAQ
What does Diesel-to-Electric Conversion (DTE) mean?
DTE refers to the process of removing the diesel engine and associated components from an existing commercial vehicle and replacing them with a complete electric drive system (electric motor, battery, power electronics). This retains the proven vehicle, but makes it future-proof and emission-free.
How long does a DTE conversion take at Heero?
A professional conversion at Heero is a standardized process. The exact duration depends on the vehicle model and workload, but is designed to minimize downtime for your fleet as much as possible. Contact us for precise scheduling.
What is included in the TCO analysis (Total Cost of Ownership)?
The TCO analysis takes into account all costs incurred over the entire period of use. This includes acquisition or conversion costs, government subsidies, energy costs (electricity vs. diesel), maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes, truck tolls, and the projected residual value of the vehicle.
What warranties are there for the conversion and the battery?
Heero offers comprehensive warranties on all installed components of the electric drive system, including the high-voltage battery. We are happy to explain the exact warranty conditions and terms to you in a personal consultation.
Do I have to take care of applying for the grants myself?
No, you don't have to. Heero provides comprehensive grant consultancy and actively supports you in the application process to ensure you receive the maximum possible subsidies on time. Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible for you.
Are the converted vehicles suitable for all types of bodies?
Yes, a major advantage of the DTE conversion is that your costly and specialized bodies (e.g. refrigerated box, workshop equipment, lifting platform) remain completely intact. The conversion is compatible with the proven base of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, making it ideal for a variety of industry solutions.
