Achieving sustainability goals in fleets faster: Why retrofitting vans surpasses buying new ones.
Rising CO₂ taxes and looming driving bans are putting pressure on fleet operators in Germany. A strategic retrofit of existing transporters protects budgets and valuable resources at the same time. Discover the economically and ecologically superior way to an emissions-free fleet.
The topic briefly and concisely
Converting diesel transporters to electric drive reduces total operating costs (TCO) by up to 28% and protects existing investments in specialized equipment.
By continuing to use vehicles in the sense of the circular economy, valuable resources are conserved and the CO₂ emissions generated during new production are avoided.
While new vehicles have delivery times of over 10 months, a conversion can be done in just 10-15 days, which enables a quick achievement of CO₂ targets.
The decarbonization of commercial vehicle fleets is no longer an option for municipalities and companies, but a strategic necessity. In view of stricter EU requirements such as the CSRD reporting obligation since January 2024 and ambitious climate targets until 2045, fleet managers face a double challenge. They must reduce emissions and ensure profitability at the same time. Purchasing new E-Transporters often seems the only way, but it involves high investments of over €70,000 per vehicle and long delivery times of more than 10 months. Heero offers a pragmatic solution with the patented D2E conversion that allows sustainability goals in the fleet to be achieved through retrofitting instead of purchasing new transporters, thereby preserving existing values such as expensive special constructions.
Key Takeaways
Increase profitability: Reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 28% by opting for a cost-efficient retrofit instead of an expensive new purchase.
Conserve resources: Extend the lifecycle of your trusted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and avoid up to 80% of waste that would result from scrapping, in the spirit of the circular economy.
Immediately available: Bypass delivery times of over 12 months for new E-Transporters and electrify your existing vehicle in just 10 to 15 working days.
Protect investments: Preserve your expensive and customized special constructions that are often lost with a new purchase.
Securely achieve goals: Easily meet the new EU CO₂ fleet limits, which will be reduced to 154 g/km for light commercial vehicles from 2025, and avoid high penalties.
The challenge: decarbonization meets budget constraints
The pressure on fleet operators is growing inexorably. The transport sector alone was responsible for around 146 million tons of CO₂ equivalents in 2023, thus missing the legal requirements. At the same time, the EU is drastically tightening the CO₂ fleet limits for light commercial vehicles starting in 2025. Many companies, especially municipalities and crafts businesses, face a dilemma: Acquiring new electric transporters to meet the quotas means a huge capital commitment. Moreover, investments in costly special builds worth several tens of thousands of euros are often lost when changing vehicles. This value destruction is neither economically nor sustainably viable. The question is not whether, but how electrification can be implemented intelligently and resource-efficiently. The solution lies in utilizing what is already available.
The HEERO Principle: Circular Economy as a Strategic Advantage
Instead of retiring proven vehicles prematurely, HEERO pursues a consistent approach to circular economy with the D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric). This principle not only reduces the demand for primary raw materials but also minimizes waste and emissions associated with the production of a new vehicle. A vehicle is designed for a lifespan of over 200,000 km and represents a valuable resource base. The continued use of an existing chassis avoids the energy-intensive manufacturing process of a complete new vehicle. A closed recycling loop can reduce energy consumption by up to 75%. The benefits of the conversion are measurable:
Preservation of vehicle value and the embedded gray energy.
Reduction of production waste significantly compared to scrapping.
Conservation of resources such as steel, aluminum, and plastics.
Utilizing the robust and millions of times proven basis of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
This approach is not only ecologically exemplary but also proves to be superior upon closer examination of finances. Learn more about how you can benefit from circular economy in the commercial vehicle sector.
TCO Analysis: Why Retrofitting Outperforms New Purchases Financially
The total cost of ownership (TCO) is the key metric for the economic efficiency of a fleet. While new e-vans incur high initial costs, the Heero D2E conversion is a significantly more affordable investment. A study by Transport & Environment shows that e-vans are already up to 28% cheaper today in terms of total operating costs compared to similar diesel models. A calculation for Germany found operating costs of only 10 cents per kilometer for a light e-van compared to 15 cents for a diesel. Several factors contribute to the savings:
Lower operating costs: Electricity is cheaper than diesel, and maintenance costs are significantly reduced by the elimination of oil changes and exhaust system repairs.
Government incentives: Programs like the KsNI directive support the conversion of existing diesel vehicles with up to 80% of the additional investment expenses.
Tax advantages: Electric vehicles in Germany are exempt from vehicle tax until at least 2030.
No tolls: Electric trucks are exempt from truck tolls, which represents significant savings with high mileage.
The payback period for a conversion is therefore significantly shorter than for a new purchase. Let us create your individual TCO analysis for your fleet. These purely financial benefits are further enhanced by practical feasibility.
Availability and performance: Avoid bottlenecks, act immediately
A significant disadvantage when buying new is the long delivery times. For a new van, companies often wait 10 months or longer; for specific configurations, the waiting time can even exceed 14 months. This delay blocks the urgently needed modernization and the achievement of sustainability goals. Heero resolves this bottleneck: The D2E conversion of a delivered Sprinter takes only 10 to 15 working days. This allows you to adapt your fleet in a planned manner and without long downtimes, quickly switch to electric drive. In terms of performance, you don't have to make any compromises. The Heero E-Sprinter offers a practical range of up to 425 kilometers and a performance that is in no way inferior to the original diesel vehicle. This makes it the ideal solution for demanding applications, from construction logistics to the last mile in future Zero-Emission Zones.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO
The decision to retrofit your existing fleet is a clear commitment to economic reason and practiced sustainability. You not only securely achieve your sustainability goals in the fleet through retrofitting instead of new purchases of transport vehicles, but you also benefit from immediate availability, lower overall operating costs, and the protection of your valuable investments in specialized bodies. HEERO is more than a vehicle supplier; we are your technological partner for the pragmatic and rapid transformation of your fleet. We prove that ecology and economy are not opposites but two sides of the same coin. Request your personal consultation now or book a daily test for free to experience the benefits yourself.
More useful links
Federal Environment Agency provides comprehensive information on climate protection in transport.
Federal Environment Agency offers a detailed analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) publishes current statistics.
Federal Ministry for Transport informs about climate protection in transport, especially for commercial vehicles with alternative drives.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport has published a comprehensive concept for climate-friendly commercial vehicles.
Fraunhofer ISI offers a press release on the planning of electric trucks, including potentials and costs.
Fraunhofer IPA informs about the circular economy in electromobility, especially regarding batteries and hydrogen.
FAQ
How long does the conversion of a transporter take at Heero?
The pure conversion time for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at Heero is only 10 to 15 working days. This way, you can quickly reintegrate your vehicle into operational service and avoid long waiting times for new vehicles.
Will my special fittings remain intact during the conversion?
Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of the conversion is that your existing and often expensive special fittings, such as refrigerated boxes, shelving systems, or lifting platforms, remain completely intact. The conversion focuses exclusively on replacing the drivetrain.
What guarantees are there for the conversion and the battery?
Heero offers comprehensive guarantees on all installed components of the electric drivetrain as well as on the high-performance battery. This ensures the same safety and reliability you expect from a new vehicle.
Do I meet the legal requirements with a converted vehicle?
Yes. A transporter converted to electric drive is a fully-fledged zero-emission vehicle. You meet all current and future legal requirements, such as access permissions for environmental and zero-emission zones as well as the EU's CO₂ fleet limits.
Does Heero also offer advice on charging infrastructure?
Yes, we see ourselves as a holistic solution partner. Our experts provide comprehensive advice on planning and implementing the appropriate charging infrastructure for your depot to ensure smooth and efficient operation of your electrified fleet.
Can I test a converted transporter?
Of course. We are convinced of our technology and offer potential customers the opportunity to experience a converted Heero transporter as part of a daily test at no charge. This way, you can convince yourself of the performance and practicality.
