New bus: How to secure 80% funding before the deadline on August 31, 2025
Up to 3,500 electric buses already secure 80% of government funding – when will you electrify your fleet? The time to apply for the maximum funding for a new bus or retrofitting runs out on August 31, 2025. Act now to reduce your operating costs and meet legal requirements.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% funding for e-buses and DTE conversions ends on August 31, 2025.
The Clean Vehicles Directive mandates a share of 45% for clean buses in public procurement by the end of 2025.
A diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is often more economical than buying new, reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO), and conserves resources through circular economy.
Rising diesel prices, stricter emission regulations, and increasing pressure from the Clean Vehicles Directive pose immense challenges for fleet operators. Acquiring a new bus or modernizing the existing fleet is unavoidable. However, the solution does not necessarily lie in expensive new purchases. With a government funding rate of 80% for electrification and intelligent retrofit solutions, a unique economic opportunity is presented to you. This article shows you in four clear steps how to optimally use the deadline until August 31, 2025, reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your fleet, and act sustainably through circular economy. Secure your free funding analysis now.
Last chance: 80% funding only until August 31, 2025
The clock is ticking for transportation companies and municipalities. The current funding program from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a one-time subsidy rate of 80% on the additional investment costs for a new electric bus or a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE). This DTE conversion refers to the modification of an existing diesel vehicle to a purely electric drive. Additionally, 40% of the costs for the necessary charging infrastructure are covered. The application deadline for this lucrative funding ends irrevocably on August 31, 2025. This means that now is the crucial time to set the course for a future-proof and economical fleet. Around 250 transport companies have already seized this opportunity and applied for funding for approximately 3,500 environmentally friendly buses. Securing these funds is not a complex obstacle course, but a manageable process that significantly reduces your investment burden. The next section explains the legal framework that also accelerates the transition.
Clean Vehicles Directive: Legal obligation for a clean fleet
In parallel to the procurement countdown, the European Union is increasing pressure on public procurement authorities. The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), establishes mandatory minimum quotas for the procurement of low-emission vehicles. By the end of 2025, 45% of all newly procured buses must be 'clean', half of which must be completely emissions-free. This applies not only to direct purchases but also to leasing contracts and the awarding of transport services. Failure to meet these quotas can have legal and financial consequences. A sustainable retrofit solution will be counted towards the fulfillment of the quota just like a new vehicle. This regulation makes proactive action a strategic necessity. With a clear plan, you can implement these requirements efficiently.
Your 4-point action plan for timely electrification
To optimally use the funding period and meet legal requirements, we recommend a pragmatic four-step process:
Needs and TCO Analysis: Determine your actual requirements. Analyze route profiles, circulation schedules, and total operating costs (Total Cost of Ownership). A TCO analysis compares all costs over the entire lifetime of a vehicle, not just the purchase price.
Evaluate Solution – New Bus or Retrofit?: Check which option is more economical for your fleet. While a new bus is often associated with high acquisition costs, a DTE retrofit protects your capital and preserves the value of your existing special constructions.
Apply for funding on time: Submit your application for the 80% funding before the deadline on August 31, 2025. A professional free funding analysis can significantly simplify this process and maximize the chances of success.
Implementation and Commissioning: Plan the procurement of the vehicles and the construction of the charging infrastructure. Heero provides complete solutions for this, from consulting to the Heero Tourer minibus to the 165 kW fast charger for the medium-low-floor bus.
The financial comparison between new purchase and retrofit is often the decisive factor in choosing the right solution.
Costs in Focus: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) as a Basis for Decision Making
The acquisition costs are only part of the equation. A well-informed decision for or against a new bus is based on the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This metric takes into account all costs incurred over the entire service life. Studies show that the TCO of an electric bus is 5-10% lower in the long term than that of a diesel bus. A DTE conversion enhances this effect, as the initial investment costs are significantly lower than with a new purchase. The conversion is often up to 40% cheaper than a comparable new electric bus.
Here are the key advantages of a conversion at a glance:
Lower capital costs: Avoid the high expenses for a new vehicle and preserve your liquidity.
Preservation of value: Expensive and proven special bodies of your existing vehicles remain fully intact.
Reduced operating costs: Benefit from up to 50% lower maintenance and energy costs compared to diesel.
Faster availability: Bypass long delivery times for new vehicles and achieve quicker integration into the fleet.
In addition to finances, the technical performance of the vehicles is crucial for daily operation.
Heero technology: performance and range for everyday practice
Whether new minibus or converted city bus – the technical data must convince. Heero relies on field-tested components for maximum reliability. The Heero rear low-floor bus achieves a real range of up to 300 kilometers with its 96 kWh net battery capacity. It charges with up to 135 kW, ensuring short downtimes. The Heero Tourer for nine people even manages up to 400 kilometers. The core of the medium low-floor bus is a powerful system with 115 kWh net capacity and a DC charging power of up to 165 kW. This means the bus is ready for 80% operation again in about 30 minutes. These values show that e-mobility in the bus segment no longer requires compromises. However, the transition not only provides an economic but also an important ecological contribution.
More than just CO₂ reduction: Circular economy as a sustainable principle
The decision to convert a diesel vehicle to electric is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with an intact chassis and body, its lifecycle is significantly extended. This approach not only saves the gray energy required for producing a completely new bus but also drastically reduces waste and raw material consumption. Every converted bus is an active contribution to resource conservation and a strong signal for practiced sustainability in your company or municipality. With a conversion, you not only meet the emission targets but also position yourself as a responsible and forward-thinking player. Start the transition now and secure the benefits.
More useful links
A press release from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs about the funding of climate-friendly buses.
The National Center for Charging Infrastructure provides comprehensive information on the subject of commercial vehicles and their charging infrastructure.
Here you will find detailed information from the National Center for Charging Infrastructure on current funding programs.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides the funding guidelines for charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The Federal Environment Agency publishes an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) informs about current developments and initiatives in the field of e-mobility.
E-Mobility NRW offers information on funding for companies in the field of e-mobility in North Rhine-Westphalia.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for E-Bus funding?
Eligible for the funding programs are generally transport companies, municipalities, municipal enterprises, and private companies that operate in public transport (ÖPNV) or commercial passenger transport.
How long does a Diesel-to-Electric conversion take?
A DTE conversion is a standardized process. Heero typically completes a full conversion within a few weeks, which is significantly faster than the often months-long delivery times for a brand-new electric bus.
What guarantees are there on converted vehicles?
Heero offers comprehensive guarantees on all newly installed electric components, including the battery, drive axle, and control electronics. These are comparable to the guarantees for new vehicles, securing your investment in the long term.
Is the charging infrastructure also funded?
Yes, the current funding program of the BMDV subsidizes the necessary charging infrastructure for operation with up to 40% of the investment costs. This also applies only to applications submitted by August 31, 2025.
Does a converted bus meet the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive?
Yes, a bus professionally converted to pure electric drive is considered an emissions-free vehicle and is fully credited towards the procurement quotas of the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD).
What is the advantage of a conversion for special vehicles?
The greatest advantage lies in retaining value. Expensive, custom-made superstructures (e.g., for mobility-impaired persons, service vehicles) remain completely intact during conversion. For a new purchase, these would have to be procured and adapted again at great cost.
