Quickly electrifying the fleet: Utilize the funding period by August 31, 2025, without waiting for new models.
Up to 425 km range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the costs and waiting times for a new vehicle. Time is running out, as high subsidies for the electrification of your fleet will expire on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
The deadline for applying for 80% funding for the electric conversion of commercial vehicles ends on August 31, 2025.
The retrofitting of existing diesel vehicles (DTE) is the fastest way to electrify the fleet and to avoid delivery times of over 18 months for new vehicles.
Due to lower operating and maintenance costs, a converted electric utility vehicle is often more economical over its lifetime (TCO) than a comparable diesel.
Do you want to quickly electrify your fleet without waiting for new models from manufacturers? In light of rising diesel prices, stricter climate regulations such as the Clean Vehicles Directive, and long delivery times for new electric vehicles, fleet managers are under enormous pressure. Retrofitting your proven existing vehicles is the pragmatic and economically smart solution. This approach not only saves your budget through massive funding, but also accelerates the transition to electric mobility from years to just a few weeks. Find out here how to set the course correctly before the crucial funding deadline on August 31, 2025.
Pressure on fleets: Legal deadlines and economic realities
The pressure for the electrification of commercial vehicle fleets is increasing from three directions. First, the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Law (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), sets clear quotas for public procurement of low-emission vehicles. By the end of 2025, for example, 45 percent of new buses and 10 percent of heavy commercial vehicles must be "clean."
Second, crucial funding programs from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) are coming to an end. Applications for grants of up to 80% on retrofit costs and 40% for charging infrastructure must be submitted by August 31, 2025. Third, unmanageable delivery times of over 18 months for new e-transporters make a planned transition almost impossible. Those who do not act now risk losing significant subsidies and failing to meet legal requirements. The strategic retrofit of your existing fleet is therefore not a compromise, but a necessity.
Diesel to Electric Conversion: Your fastest way to an e-fleet with 80% funding
Instead of waiting months for new vehicles, you can quickly electrify your fleet by using your existing vehicles. The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is a process that replaces the combustion engine and the tank with a high-performance electric drive and modern battery systems. Your vehicle retains its proven chassis, the familiar driver’s seat, and above all, expensive special bodies. This approach is not only faster but also a prime example of the circular economy.
The advantages of this method are significant:
Speed: Converting a vehicle takes only a few weeks, not 18 months.
Cost efficiency: You save the high procurement costs of a new vehicle and secure 80% government funding on the conversion costs.
Preservation of value: Your investments in special bodies, shelving systems, or refrigerated boxes are 100% retained.
Sustainability: By continuing to use the vehicle, around 15 tons of CO₂ are saved, which would be generated in the production of a new transporter.
No compromises: You get an electric vehicle with up to 425 km range and full everyday usability.
With a DTE solution from Heero, you make your existing fleet future-proof and bypass the current market bottlenecks. Compare the advantages of conversion versus purchasing a new vehicle yourself and make an informed decision.
Your 4-point plan for timely fleet electrification
To make optimal use of the funding period and quickly electrify your fleet, a structured approach is crucial. With this checklist, you set the course for a successful and timely transition:
Fleet Analysis: Identify the vehicles in your fleet that are best suited for conversion due to mileage, age, and structures. Particularly Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with expensive special bodies are ideal candidates.
Funding Check: Have your eligibility for the BMDV program checked. With up to 80% subsidy on conversion and 40% on charging infrastructure, the investment is significantly eased.
Conduct TCO Calculation: Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A TCO analysis shows that converted e-transporters are significantly cheaper in the long run than diesel vehicles due to lower energy, maintenance, and taxation costs.
Create Implementation Roadmap: Plan the entire process from collection, conversion, to delivery. An experienced partner like Heero provides not only the vehicle but also the appropriate charging infrastructure solution.
This pragmatic approach gives you back full control. Thus, you can strategically plan the electrification of your fleet instead of hoping for indefinite delivery dates.
Performance and Range: HEERO Technology in a Practical Test
The decision to retrofit does not mean making sacrifices in performance. Quite the contrary: modern electric drives often offer a better driving experience and are ideal for urban stop-and-go traffic. A HEERO DTE sprinter, for example, achieves a range of up to 425 kilometers with a 110 kWh battery (96 kWh net usable). That's more than enough for typical daily operations in logistics, trades, or municipal services.
You also do not have to compromise on charging performance. With a DC fast charging power of up to 135 kW, the battery is recharged to 80% in about 30 minutes. For specific requirements, such as in public transport, we offer solutions like the low-floor bus with a charging power of up to 165 kW and a range of up to 300 km. These performance figures prove that converting to electric is a technologically mature alternative.
Costs in plain text: TCO advantage and funding landscape until August 2025
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), also known as the total operating costs, is the crucial factor for the economic efficiency of a fleet. While the initial investment in electrification may be higher, the balance clearly tips in favor of electric drive over the usage period. Maintenance costs can be up to 50% lower, as many wear parts of the combustion engine are eliminated. Additionally, there are massive savings on energy costs compared to diesel, as well as a ten-year exemption from vehicle tax in Germany.
The current funding landscape makes the transition particularly attractive. The BMDV subsidizes the acquisition or conversion of electric commercial vehicles with 80% of the additional costs compared to a diesel vehicle. The associated charging infrastructure is subsidized by 40%. This subsidy is your greatest financial support, but the application deadline ends on August 31, 2025. A strategic decision to reduce fleet costs must be made now.
More than just electric: Circular economy as a competitive advantage
If you quickly electrify your fleet by retrofitting existing vehicles, you are acting in the spirit of a true circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functioning vehicle with a valuable superstructure, you extend its life cycle by many years. This significantly reduces the need for primary raw materials such as steel, aluminum, and plastics. The production of a new van chassis alone causes several tons of CO₂ emissions, which you can completely avoid by retrofitting.
This approach not only strengthens your sustainability record but is also increasingly demanded by public and private clients. You position your company as a responsible partner that takes resource conservation seriously. The extension of your fleet's lifespan is therefore a double win: for the environment and for your business. This secures you a clear competitive advantage.
More useful links
Federal Environment Agency provides comprehensive information on the environmental balance of electric cars.
Fraunhofer ISI releases a press release on electromobility in commercial traffic.
FAQ
Why should I retrofit my fleet now and not wait for new models?
Three reasons speak in favor of an immediate retrofit: 1. The current 80% subsidy from the BMDV expires on August 31, 2025. 2. Delivery times for new electric commercial vehicles often exceed 18 months. 3. You can continue to use your expensive and proven specialized bodies, thus saving significant costs.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean in the context of an electric transporter?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) encompasses all costs incurred during the lifespan of a vehicle. This includes acquisition, energy (electricity instead of diesel), maintenance, insurance, taxes, and subsidies. For electric transporters, TCO is often lower than for diesels because energy and maintenance costs are significantly lower and tax exemptions apply.
Is the range of a retrofitted transporter practical for everyday use?
Yes. With ranges of up to 425 km, the retrofitted vehicles cover almost all daily driving profiles in delivery traffic, trades, and municipal services. Thanks to high DC charging power, longer routes with short charging breaks are also easily possible.
Which vehicles are particularly suitable for retrofitting?
Retrofitting is particularly economical for vehicles with high depreciation when buying new. This mainly includes transporters with expensive, custom bodies such as refrigerated trucks, workshop facilities, or lifts. The base of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is ideally suited for this.
How long does a retrofit take?
The actual retrofitting of a vehicle usually only takes a few weeks. Compared to the long waiting times for a new vehicle, you can significantly electrify your fleet much faster and benefit from cost advantages sooner.
What happens to my old diesel components?
The removed engines and transmissions are properly processed and supplied to the spare parts market. This is part of the circular economy approach, which aims to keep resources in the economic cycle for as long as possible and minimize waste.
