Commercial Vehicle Electric: Reduce total cost of ownership by up to 80% funding until 2025
Up to 425 km range following a Diesel-to-Electric upgrade – without the costs of a new vehicle. The time to electrify your fleet is now, as the current funding guidelines from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) secure you an 80% subsidy. Act before the deadline on 31st August 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
The current funding guideline of the BMDV offers an 80% subsidy for electric commercial vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure, but only until 31 August 2025.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for electric commercial vehicles is often lower than for diesel models, thanks to reduced operating and maintenance costs.
The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) conserves resources, protects investments in specialized superstructures, and is a sustainable alternative to purchasing new vehicles.
Rising diesel prices, increasing bureaucracy, and the stringent requirements of the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive are putting fleet operators under pressure. Switching to an electric commercial vehicle is not a question of 'if', but 'when'. With the current federal funding round, the change is economically more attractive than ever before. Not only do you receive 80% of the additional investment costs for your new electric commercial vehicle or a conversion, but also 40% for the charging infrastructure. This guide pragmatically and clearly shows you all the steps to future-proof your fleet and significantly reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Your Quick Overview: The Key Facts on E-Commercial Vehicle Subsidies
The electrification of your fleet doesn't have to be a complex undertaking. The framework conditions are clearly defined and offer a unique economic opportunity. The current funding guideline “Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure” (KsNI) from the BMDV provides planning security.
Here are the key figures for your planning:
80% Grant: You will receive an 80% reimbursement of the additional investment costs for purchasing a new electric commercial vehicle or for a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE).
40% for Charging Infrastructure: The necessary charging infrastructure at your premises will be subsidised by 40% of the costs.
31 August 2025: This is the deadline for submitting applications in the current funding period.
All Vehicle Classes: The funding applies to light and heavy commercial vehicles of classes N1, N2, and N3.
These clear advantages allow you to strategically plan the transition and set the course for an emission-free future.
Your 4-point action plan for timely electrification
A structured approach is the key to success in applying for funding on time and optimally utilising it. With over 3,500 e-buses already funded, the process is established. We have divided the path into four manageable steps.
Follow this checklist for a smooth transition:
Analyse demand and cost-effectiveness: Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A detailed funding checklist helps to consider all relevant cost points such as acquisition, energy, maintenance, and residual value. Studies show that e-trucks can already achieve a cost advantage of up to 11% today in TCO.
Define vehicle solution: Decide between a new vehicle and a conversion. Especially with expensive special superstructures, the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (D2E) protects your previous investments and is a core competency of Heero.
Prepare and submit the funding application: Gather all necessary documents and submit the application through the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM). Make sure to observe the application deadline of 31 August 2025.
Plan and implement charging infrastructure: Determine your fleet's energy needs and plan the installation of the charging infrastructure, for which you receive a 40% subsidy.
With this clear roadmap, you transform regulatory pressure into a strategic advantage for your company.
Cost Comparison: Why the TCO Calculation Favours E-Commercial Vehicles
The higher purchase costs of an electric commercial vehicle are often perceived as a hurdle. However, a pure consideration of the purchase price falls short. What is decisive is the total cost calculation over the entire lifetime, the so-called Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This includes all costs from acquisition through operation to residual value.
A study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) shows that battery-electric trucks in Germany have already reached TCO parity with diesel vehicles, considering subsidies and toll exemptions. Lower expenses for energy, maintenance (no oil change, fewer wearing parts), and taxes lead to significantly lower operating costs. Therefore, an accurate TCO comparison is essential. The D2E conversion, i.e., the conversion of an existing diesel vehicle to electric drive, further reduces the initial investment and makes the switch even more economical.
Technology in Practice: Range and Performance that Convince
The practical suitability of modern e-commercial vehicles has long been proven. Range anxiety is a thing of the past. Heero vehicles are designed for demanding commercial applications and are based on the proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform. Our vehicles deliver the necessary performance for your working day.
Here is an excerpt of the performance data of our models:
Heero eTransporter: Up to 500 km range for maximum operational flexibility.
Heero DTE-Sprinter: Up to 425 km range after conversion.
Heero Tourer (MiniBus 9 Pax): Up to 400 km range for passenger transport.
Battery capacity: All models (except medium-low-floor bus) use a powerful 110 kWh (gross) / 96 kWh (net) battery.
Fast charging capability: With up to 135 kW DC charging power, the vehicles are recharged to 80% in around 30 minutes.
These figures show that a modern electric transporter is more than capable of meeting the demands of logistics, trades, and municipalities.
Sustainability and Circular Economy: More Than Just a Drive Change
The decision for an electric commercial vehicle is also a decision for lived sustainability. With the Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion, we at Heero take a decisive step further and rely on the principle of the circular economy. Instead of replacing a fully functional vehicle with an expensive special construction, we preserve its value and convert it for an emission-free future. This approach saves up to 80% of the CO2 emissions that would occur in the production of a new vehicle.
The longevity of the components is a key factor in this. Modern lithium-ion batteries are designed for a long lifespan of eight to ten years and at least 1,000 charge cycles, which corresponds to a mileage of over 300,000 km. By continuing to use existing vehicles, valuable resources are conserved and waste is avoided. A well-thought-out conversion solution is thus the smartest form of sustainability – both ecologically and economically.
Secure your subsidy roadmap now
The time until the funding stop on 31 August 2025 is limited. Don't wait until rising diesel prices and stricter environmental regulations force you to take action. Take the opportunity to set the course for an economical and sustainable future for your fleet. Start your funding analysis: answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap and make use of the 80% funding.
For the free analysis
free · non-binding · on time
All content is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
More useful links
The funding programme "Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) is presented in detail on the website of the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM).
Current statistics and the annual report on the vehicle fleet in Germany are available on the page of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
A press release from Fraunhofer ISI highlights the decreasing costs of zero-emission trucks and their economic efficiency.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) provides information about the current drive strategy for commercial vehicles and future developments.
The German Association of Cities offers insights and positions on the topic of electromobility in urban areas.
The KfW (Credit Institute for Reconstruction) presents funding programmes for companies in the field of electromobility.
A comprehensive dossier on electromobility, including political frameworks and strategies, can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for commercial vehicle funding?
Eligible to apply are companies from the private sector, municipal companies, corporations and institutions under public law, as well as registered associations that are active in Germany.
What does "investment extra expenditures" mean in terms of funding?
The "investment extra expenditures" are the difference between the purchase price of an electric commercial vehicle and that of a comparable conventionally powered diesel vehicle. 80% of this difference is reimbursed as a grant.
Is converting my old diesel worthwhile?
The conversion (Diesel-to-Electric, DTE) is particularly economical if you own a vehicle with an expensive or highly specialised body (e.g. refrigerated box, workshop van, refuse collection vehicle). You protect your investment in the body and only make the drive future-proof.
What charging infrastructure do I need?
This depends on the size of your fleet and the usage profiles. Usually, an AC charging station (Wallbox) is sufficient for overnight charging. For fast charging times during the working day, a DC fast charging station makes sense. The planning and installation are funded with 40%.
How long does a DTE conversion take at Heero?
A DTE conversion is a standardized process that usually takes only a few weeks to complete. This means that your vehicle is back in use quickly – but with a future-proof, electric drive.
What happens after the funding cutoff date on 31 August 2025?
Whether and in what form there will be new funding programs after this date is currently unclear. The current conditions with an 80% grant offer exceptionally high planning security and financial relief, the continuation of which is not guaranteed.
