Purchase commercial electric vehicles: Secure 80% funding before 31 August 2025
Over 3,500 E-Buses are already benefiting from an 80% subsidy – when will you electrify your fleet? Time is of the essence, as the current funding period ends on 31 August 2025. Act now to get ahead of rising diesel prices and stricter EU regulations.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% subsidy for electric commercial vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure ends on 31 August 2025.
A Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) can be more economical than purchasing new by retaining expensive specialist bodies.
Modern eTransporters like the Heero eTransporter achieve practical ranges of up to 500 km and charge to 80% in around 30 minutes.
If you buy an electric commercial vehicle today, you strategically invest in your future viability. Given volatile fuel prices and the implementation of the Clean Vehicles Directive, fleet operators face enormous pressure to act. This tense interplay of bureaucracy, costs, and climate requirements demands pragmatic solutions. This guide provides you with a clear 4-point plan to use government funding of 80% for vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure in a timely manner. We explain the advantages of Diesel-to-Electric conversions and show how you can sustainably reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your fleet.
Costs and regulations now require your action
The pressure on fleet operators is significantly increasing due to two factors. Firstly, the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) is forcing public contractors to meet fixed quotas for zero-emission vehicles by the end of 2025. Secondly, rising operating costs and CO₂ levies are increasingly burdening budgets each year. The Federal Climate Protection Act requires a 48 percent reduction in traffic emissions by 2030. Many companies underestimate that these regulations are already influencing the awarding of public contracts today. Electrification is therefore no longer an option but an economic necessity to secure your competitiveness.
Your 4-Step Plan for Successful Fleet Electrification
A structured approach is the key to successfully implementing the transition before the funding deadline on 31 August 2025. This checklist will guide you safely through the process:
Conduct needs analysis: Analyse your daily mileage and vehicle requirements. Our experts will help you define the exact requirements profile for a range of up to 500 km.
Check and secure funding: The time to apply for KsNI funding is limited. We assist you in correctly submitting applications for an 80% subsidy on vehicles and 40% on the charging infrastructure funding.
Define solution path (conversion vs. new purchase): Check whether a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) for your existing vehicles is more economical. Especially with expensive special fittings, it is possible to save up to 60% of the investment costs in this way.
Plan implementation and commissioning: Coordinate the vehicle conversion or delivery with the construction of the charging infrastructure. A Heero DTE conversion, for example, only takes ten to twelve working days.
These four steps form the basis for a sound investment decision.
Make optimal use of funding: Save up to 80 percent of costs
The current funding guideline of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is a crucial lever for cost reduction. It subsidises the acquisition or conversion of an electric commercial vehicle with up to 80% of the additional investment costs compared to a diesel vehicle. Additionally, 40% of the costs for the installation of operational charging infrastructure are covered. The deadline for application submission is 31 August 2025. As processing and approval can take several months, quick action is required. A fully submitted application secures your chance for these substantial subsidies. The analysis of your individual funding opportunities is the next logical step.
TCO Analysis: Why Retrofitting Often Outperforms Buying New
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), i.e., the overall operating costs, are the key figure for the economic efficiency of your fleet. They include acquisition, energy, maintenance, taxes, and depreciation. While a new E-commercial vehicle has high acquisition costs, the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) offers a clear advantage. You retain the proven base vehicle and protect your investment in expensive specialised fittings. The operating costs of a converted vehicle are up to 50% lower than those of a diesel. A TCO analysis shows that the conversion costs often pay off within four to six years. This ensures the technological performance of your fleet.
Performance without compromise: Focusing on range and charging power
Modern e-commercial vehicles are designed for demanding daily operations and offer proven performance values. The Heero vehicle fleet provides concrete evidence of this:
Heero eTransporter: Up to 500 km range with a 96 kWh net battery.
Heero DTE-Sprinter: Up to 425 km range after conversion.
Heero Tourer (9 Pax Minibus): Up to 400 km range for passenger transport.
Heero mid-floor bus: Up to 300 km range and fast charging with up to 165 kW DC.
All models except the mid-floor bus charge by default with up to 135 kW direct current (DC). This means that in about 30 minutes, 80% of the range is available again. These technological metrics demonstrate full operability in commercial everyday life and are crucial for planning the charging infrastructure.
Circular Economy as a Strategy: CO₂ Reduction through Conversion
Retrofitting existing vehicles is an active contribution to the circular economy and resource conservation, as required by the Circular Economy Act (KrWG). Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle, its lifecycle is extended by at least eight to ten years. This approach avoids the CO₂-intensive emissions that occur during the production of a completely new vehicle. A D2E conversion saves up to 25 tonnes of CO₂ per vehicle compared to a new purchase. Not only do you use an emissions-free drive, but you also act according to the principle "reuse before recycling". This sustainable strategy enhances your corporate image and positions you as a responsible partner who also intelligently plans the necessary charging infrastructure.
More useful links
Federal Environment Agency provides comprehensive information on e-mobility in freight transport.
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) offers a dossier on e-mobility.
FAQ
By when must the funding application for my e-commercial vehicle be submitted?
The application under the KsNI directive must be submitted to the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) by 31 August 2025 at the latest. Due to processing times, early submission is strongly recommended.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) refers to the total operating costs of a vehicle over its entire lifespan. This includes not only acquisition costs but also expenses for energy, maintenance, insurance, taxes and depreciation.
How long does a Diesel-to-Electric conversion take?
A professional Diesel-to-Electric conversion of a van like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter usually takes only ten to twelve working days at Heero. This minimizes the downtime of your vehicle.
What charging power is required for an e-van?
For fast charging on the go, DC charging stations (direct current) with 135 kW or more are ideal to charge the battery to 80% in about 30 minutes. For overnight charging in the depot, an AC wallbox (alternating current) with 11 or 22 kW power is sufficient.
Do I keep my warranty on the base vehicle after a conversion?
The manufacturer's warranty for the parts affected by the conversion (engine, transmission, exhaust system) is voided. However, Heero offers a comprehensive guarantee on the new electric powertrain and all installed components.
Is the conversion a form of sustainability?
Yes, the conversion is a prime example of the circular economy. It extends the lifespan of an existing vehicle and avoids the high resource consumption and CO₂ emissions that occur in the production of a new vehicle.
