Midibus manufacturers: Why upgrading your fleet is now the better investment
Around 3,500 electric buses have already secured a funding of 80% – when will you electrify your fleet? Time is running out, as rising diesel prices, strict EU regulations, and the funding deadline of August 31, 2025 require pragmatic action now.
The topic briefly and concisely
The deadline for applying for 80% funding for the conversion of midi buses to electric drive ends on August 31, 2025.
The diesel-to-electric conversion is often more economical than purchasing a new electric bus due to lower investment and operating costs (TCO).
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) establishes binding quotas for clean vehicles and increases the pressure on fleet operators.
The search for a suitable midibus manufacturer is a significant challenge for many transport companies and municipalities. They face the task of decarbonizing their fleet in line with the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), but struggle with high investment costs and long delivery times for new vehicles. However, there is a cost-effective and environmentally superior alternative: the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) of your proven existing vehicles. This approach not only conserves your budget but also secures the value of your specialized superstructures and significantly accelerates the transition to an emission-free fleet. With the current funding guidelines of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), this step is more attractive than ever before.
Legal pressure meets economic hurdles
The Clean Vehicles Directive, implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), requires public authorities to take action. By the end of 2025, 45 percent of newly procured buses must be low-emission, with half of them being completely emission-free. Starting in 2026, these quotas will rise to 65 percent. These requirements present many fleet managers with enormous financial hurdles, as the acquisition costs for new electric midibuses significantly exceed those for diesel vehicles. Additionally, there are often long delivery times from manufacturers, making timely transitions even more difficult. Many operators overlook that retrofitting represents a quick and legal solution. This strategic pressure requires a solution that goes beyond mere new purchases.
The smart alternative: retrofit midibuses instead of replacing them
Instead of investing in expensive new vehicles, Diesel-to-Electric retrofitting (DTE) offers a pragmatic solution. In this process, the internal combustion engine is removed from your existing midibus and replaced with a modern electric drive train. The biggest advantage is that the proven vehicle chassis and expensive special superstructures are retained. This is not only significantly cheaper than purchasing a new one, but it also promotes the circular economy and reduces the CO₂ footprint by up to 70%. Here are the key advantages at a glance:
Cost savings: The retrofitting costs are significantly lower than the price of a new e-midibus.
Sustainability: You extend the lifespan of your vehicles and save valuable resources.
Value preservation: Your investments in special superstructures, such as those for passenger transport with special requirements, remain fully intact.
Quick availability: Retrofitting a vehicle takes only a few weeks, not months or years.
Lower operating costs: Benefit from up to 50% lower operating and up to 40% lower maintenance costs compared to diesel.
With efficient retrofitting solutions, you future-proof your fleet. This approach is not just a technical decision, but above all a strategic decision for greater efficiency.
Your 4-point plan for the e-fleet: Utilize the deadline of August 31, 2025.
The time to apply for funding is tight. With a clear strategy, you secure maximum support. Here is your checklist for a successful transition:
Conduct fleet analysis: Identify the midibuses in your fleet that are ideally suited for a DTE conversion. Sprinter-based models are often excellent candidates.
Check and apply for funding: Submit your application under the BMDV guidelines by August 31, 2025. Secure 80% funding for the vehicle conversion and 40% for the necessary charging infrastructure.
Calculate Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Have a detailed TCO analysis created. This compares the total costs of conversion versus new purchase over the entire lifecycle and demonstrates the economic viability of the conversion.
Plan implementation and charging infrastructure: Define the timeline for conversion and the installation of charging infrastructure to ensure a smooth transition without operational downtime.
A structured plan is key to optimally leveraging the e-bus funding in 2025. The analysis of total costs often reveals a surprisingly clear picture.
Funding pots and TCO: The economics in detail
The financial attractiveness of the e-conversion is based on two pillars: government funding and long-term operating cost savings. The current funding program of the BMDV is a crucial lever to drastically reduce investment costs. It subsidizes the additional costs of an alternative drive compared to a diesel reference vehicle by up to 80%. However, the true strength of the conversion is evident in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the total operating costs. While a new e-bus incurs high acquisition costs, the DTE conversion is significantly cheaper and massively reduces ongoing costs. Electricity is cheaper and more stable than diesel, and the maintenance effort for an e-drive is up to 40% lower, as components such as exhaust systems or oil changes are eliminated. These savings make the conversion the most economical choice over the vehicle's lifespan. The technology behind it is already practical and proven in everyday use.
Technology that convinces: Range and charging power for everyday life
Modern retrofit solutions offer performance values that more than meet the demands of line and shuttle services. Instead of worrying about range, you get a solution tailored to your application profile. Our e-bus models are based on proven technology and deliver reliable performance. Here is an overview of the key figures:
Heero Low-floor-mid Bus: With a battery capacity of 137 kWh (gross), it achieves a range of up to 300 km and charges at up to 165 kW.
Heero Rear low-floor Bus: It also achieves up to 300 km with its 110 kWh battery and charges at up to 135 kW.
Heero Tourer (Minibus for 9 people): This model offers a range of up to 400 km with a battery capacity of 110 kWh.
These ranges easily cover most daily routes in urban and regional transport. Thanks to high DC charging capacities, the vehicles are also quickly ready for use again, which maximizes operational flexibility. This means the technology is no longer a hurdle, but a pioneer for your electric future.
Conclusion: Act now and secure your benefits.
The search for a new midibus manufacturer is not the only way to electrification. The DTE retrofitting of your existing fleet is a faster, more sustainable, and above all, more cost-effective alternative. This not only complies with the legal requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive, but also sustainably reduces your operating costs. The funding deadline on August 31, 2025, is the last opportunity to secure an 80% subsidy for this project. Don't wait until rising operating costs and regulatory pressure limit your options. Take action now.
Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your subsidy roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
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More useful links
Wikipedia provides general information on electromobility.
Federal Environment Agency (UBA) offers comprehensive information on the topic of electromobility.
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) presents research and expertise in the field of electromobility.
FAQ
Which minibuses are suitable for a retrofit?
Basically, many common minibus models are suitable for a retrofit. Vehicles based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter have proven particularly effective, as standardized and tested retrofit kits are available that ensure high quality and reliability.
How long does the retrofitting of a minibus take?
The actual retrofit time for a minibus usually only takes a few weeks. This is a significant time advantage compared to the often months or even years of delivery times for new electric buses from manufacturers.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean for buses?
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) or overall operating costs include all costs incurred over the entire lifespan of a bus. These include not only the purchase price but also costs for energy (electricity/diesel), maintenance, repairs, insurance, and residual value. For electric buses, the TCO is often lower than for diesel buses, even though the purchase price may be higher.
What does the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) require from me?
The CVD, implemented by the SaubFahrzeugBeschG, obliges public authorities to adhere to fixed quotas for clean and emission-free vehicles during procurement. For buses, the quota is 45% by 2025, of which half must have zero emissions. This applies to both direct purchases and the awarding of transport services.
What else is funded besides the vehicle?
The BMDV funding guideline not only subsidizes the vehicle retrofit (80%) but also the related charging infrastructure. The establishment of charging stations on the company premises is funded with up to 40% of the costs.
Is the range of retrofitted buses lower in winter?
As with all electric vehicles, the range can decrease at cold temperatures. However, modern systems use intelligent thermal management for the batteries to minimize this effect. The range specifications of up to 400 km are practical and calculated for year-round use.
