Special structure conversion

Investment protection through electrification: Equip your Mercedes Sprinter chassis with special equipment for the future.

09.02.2025

Minutes

Federico De Ponte

Experte für Beratung bei Auctoa

May 16, 2025

8

Minutes

Michael Holzwig

Use Case Expert

Your Mercedes Sprinter with an expensive special build is the centerpiece of your fleet, but diesel driving bans and rising costs threaten your investment. A new purchase is costly and often unnecessary when only the drive system is outdated. Discover a solution that combines the best of both worlds: the fully electric power of tomorrow with the proven build of today.

The topic briefly and concisely

Protect your investment: An electric conversion of the Mercedes Sprinter chassis retains expensive special builds 100%.

Reduce operating costs: Benefit from up to 50% lower maintenance costs, tax exemptions, and lower energy costs compared to diesel.

Act sustainably and future-proof: The continued use in terms of circular economy reduces waste and CO2 emissions and meets upcoming legal requirements.

For fleet operators in municipalities, logistics, and crafts, a pressing question arises: How do you ensure the value of a fleet when its core component—the diesel engine—becomes a burden? A Mercedes Sprinter chassis is the basis for countless special bodies, from refrigerated compartments to mobile workshops, whose value often exceeds that of the base vehicle. The HEERO D2E conversion offers a pragmatic and economically superior solution here. Instead of writing off a functional and valuable body, we only replace the drivetrain. Thus, your proven commercial vehicle becomes a powerful e-transporter that is not only 100% emission-free but also significantly cheaper to operate.

The double challenge: emission targets and the protection of expensive specialized structures

Companies and municipalities face the necessity of making their vehicle fleets climate-neutral by 2045 to meet legal requirements. At the same time, they have often invested six-figure sums in special bodies for their Mercedes Sprinters. A refrigerated box or a workshop build-out can easily cost over €50,000 and has a lifespan that often exceeds that of a diesel engine by double. Purchasing a new electric transporter would necessitate the depreciation of these fully functional and expensive builds. This capital destruction is neither economical nor sustainable. Retrofitting is a strategic decision to secure your sustainability goals and your balance sheet. This issue affects thousands of vehicles in daily operation. The continued use of these builds is therefore a central lever for cost reduction.

Maximizing value creation: The patented D2E conversion as a strategic alternative

Instead of investing in a completely new electric transporter with a body, HEERO offers an intelligent alternative: the D2E (Diesel-to-Electric) Conversion. In this process, the entire diesel drivetrain is removed from your Mercedes Sprinter chassis and replaced with our powerful electric drive. Your individual body remains 100% intact and untouched. This approach of the circular economy not only conserves valuable resources but also your budget. The conversion usually takes only 10 working days.

The following bodies can easily be retained:

  • Refrigerated and fresh service boxes for food logistics

  • Workshop facilities and shelving systems for trades

  • Furniture box trucks and tail lifts for freight forwarders

  • Municipal special bodies like sweepers or aerial work platforms

  • Sales and promotion vehicles with elaborate interior fittings

This process protects your original investment and prepares it for the emission-free future.

TCO Analysis: Why Retrofitting Outweighs Purchasing Economically

The total cost of ownership is the key figure for fleet managers. A study by Transport & Environment shows that electric transporters are on average 25% cheaper to operate than comparable diesel models. The advantages of this conversion are even more significant in a retrofit. The amortization of the retrofit costs often occurs within 4 to 6 years. The maintenance costs for an electric drive are up to 50% lower, as components such as exhaust, oil changes, or clutches are eliminated. Additionally, you benefit from 10 years of vehicle tax exemption in Germany and significantly lower energy costs per kilometer. Through funding programs like KsNI, up to 80% of the additional costs compared to a new diesel vehicle can be subsidized, making the patented retrofit solution even more attractive. The economic viability is thus clearly proven.

Performance without compromise: Technical data and practicality

An electric conversion does not mean a loss of performance – on the contrary. The HEERO electric sprinter offers a higher performance with up to 180 kW (245 hp) than many series electric transporters. The proven practical range of up to 425 km (WLTP combined) ensures planning security in the everyday work of logisticians and craftsmen. The payload and driving characteristics of the original sprinter chassis remain almost unchanged. This way, we ensure that your vehicle is perfectly prepared for tough everyday work.

The conversion process in our manufacture follows a standardized and certified procedure:

  1. Analysis and preparation of the base vehicle.

  2. Professional dismantling of the entire combustion engine.

  3. Integration of the HEERO electric drive module and battery units.

  4. Adjustment of the on-board electronics and cockpit.

  5. Comprehensive quality control and TÜV approval.

This ensures that your electrified sprinter chassis is immediately fully operational again.

Industry-specific solutions: Success stories from municipalities and logistics

The advantages of retrofitting are evident in many industries. A municipality operating a sprinter with an expensive street sweeper setup for €80,000 can fully continue to use this setup. Instead of spending over €150,000 on a new special-purpose electric vehicle, retrofitting allows for savings of over 50%. An furniture transporter with a box body and tail lift protects his investment of €30,000 in the setup and benefits from lower operating costs. For craft businesses with expensive shelving systems in the vehicle, the continued use of the conversion is a crucial factor. Therefore, retrofitting is not a niche solution but rather a pragmatic strategy for dozens of application cases. It ensures the functionality for which the vehicle was originally designed.

Your advantage with HEERO: More than just a vehicle

The decision for a HEERO D2E conversion is a decision for economy, sustainability, and performance. You protect your investments in expensive special constructions, significantly reduce your operating costs, and meet future environmental regulations with a powerful vehicle. With a range of up to 425 km and robust technology, your converted Sprinter is equipped for all tasks. HEERO is your innovative partner that puts the principles of the circular economy into practice and offers you a tailor-made solution for the electrification of your fleet. Experience the benefits yourself. Request your personal consultation now or book a everyday test free of charge.

FAQ

How long does the conversion of my Sprinter chassis take?

The actual conversion time in our factory usually takes only about 10 working days. During this time, the entire drivetrain is replaced and the vehicle is prepared for electric operation.



What guarantees are there for the conversion?

HEERO offers comprehensive warranties on the electric drivetrain and installed components. For detailed information on the warranty conditions, please contact our advisory team.



Is the conversion subsidized by the government?

Yes, the conversion of commercial vehicles to electric drive is supported in Germany through programs like 'Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure' (KsNI). Companies can apply for grants that cover up to 80% of the additional investment costs.



What happens to the old diesel engine?

In the spirit of the circular economy, the removed diesel engines and components are professionally reconditioned and recycled. This ensures that as few resources as possible are wasted.



Does HEERO also offer charging solutions?

Yes, HEERO considers itself a holistic solution partner. We also advise you on the selection and installation of suitable charging infrastructure for your depot to ensure smooth and efficient use of your electrified fleet.



Can I test drive a converted Sprinter?

Of course. We are convinced of the performance and practicality of our vehicles. HEERO offers a free everyday test so that you can experience the performance and benefits yourself. Contact us to schedule an appointment.