Commercial vehicles with electric drives: Secure 80% funding until August 31, 2025
Up to 425 km range after a diesel-to-electric conversion and 80% government grant – the time to switch to electric-powered commercial vehicles is now. In light of rising diesel prices and the final subsidy deadline on August 31, 2025, strategic action is crucial.
The topic briefly and concisely
The funding period for an 80% grant on electric commercial vehicles and retrofitting ends on August 31, 2025; quick action is required.
The diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) conserves budgets and resources by maintaining expensive specialized structures and utilizing the principles of circular economy.
A Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis shows that electric commercial vehicles are more economical in the long term than diesel vehicles due to lower energy and maintenance costs.
Rising operating costs, strict climate regulations, and impending city driving bans are putting fleet operators under pressure. The transition to electric-powered commercial vehicles is no longer a question of “if,” but “how.” Particularly cost-effective is the conversion of your reliable existing vehicles. With the current funding guidelines from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), you can cover 80% of the costs for the retrofitting and 40% for the charging infrastructure. This guide shows you the necessary steps to optimally seize this opportunity before the deadline of August 31, 2025, and to future-proof your fleet.
Legal framework and funding deadlines: Why you need to act now
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) of the EU, implemented by the German Clean Vehicles Procurement Act, establishes facts for public and many private fleets. By the end of 2025, 38.5 percent of newly procured light commercial vehicles must be low-emission. At the same time, the crucial funding guideline "Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure" (KsNI) is expiring; applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. This guideline subsidizes the additional investment costs for an emission-free vehicle or a diesel-to-electric conversion by up to 80 percent. The establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure is funded at 40 percent. The timeframe for this one-time financial support is closing, requiring swift and informed action. The combination of regulatory pressure and final funding creates a unique but time-limited opportunity. Those who do not plan now risk incurring high costs in a few years without government assistance.
Your 4-point action plan for electrifying your fleet
A structured process is key to applying for funding on time and making the conversion efficient. With this checklist, you can navigate the process safely:
Needs analysis and cost-effectiveness assessment: Analyze your current driving profiles, routes, and operating costs. Based on this, we calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for your fleet and identify the greatest potential for savings. The TCO takes into account all costs over the lifetime of a vehicle, not just the purchase price.
Solution configuration – retrofit or new purchase: Check whether a Diesel-to-Electric retrofit (DTE) of your existing vehicles is the better option. Especially in the case of expensive special builds, retrofitting protects your investment and is a prime example of practiced circular economy.
Application for funding: Gather all necessary documents for the application under the KsNI guidelines. This includes vehicle offers, TCO forecasts, and a plan for the charging infrastructure. We support you in submitting the application appropriately and on time by August 31, 2025.
Implementation and commissioning: After approval, the retrofitting of your vehicles or the delivery of the new vehicles will take place. In parallel, the charging infrastructure will be installed with up to 165 kW charging power to ensure high vehicle availability.
This pragmatic approach ensures that you do not miss deadlines and receive the maximum funding for your E-commercial vehicles.
Technology in detail: Retrofitting, costs, and lifespan
Conversion Instead of New Purchase: The Advantages of the Circular Economy
The diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) is the core of our approach and a strong commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle, we replace the combustion engine with a highly efficient electric drive. Your trusted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter retains its chassis and often expensive specialized structure. A converted Heero DTE Sprinter achieves a practical range of up to 425 kilometers. This approach saves up to 10 tons of CO₂ already in production compared to a new purchase. The continued use of existing resources is not only ecologically but also economically the smartest solution for many Mercedes commercial vehicles with electric demand.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): The Real Calculation
The higher acquisition costs for an electric commercial vehicle are often seen as a hurdle. However, a TCO analysis shows a different picture. The total operating costs of an electric vehicle are often lower than those of a diesel. This is due to several factors:
Lower Energy Costs: The electricity costs per kilometer are significantly lower and more stable than diesel prices.
Reduced Maintenance Effort: An electric motor has far fewer wear parts than a combustion engine, reducing maintenance costs by up to 50 percent.
Tax Benefits and Subsidies: The 80 percent subsidy greatly reduces the acquisition costs.
A study by the ICCT confirms that electric trucks, depending on the usage profile, are cheaper to operate than diesel counterparts after four to six years. Our analysis of purchase vs. conversion shows the potentials in detail.
Charging Infrastructure and Battery Life
A powerful charging infrastructure is crucial for efficient operation. Our systems support DC fast charging with up to 135 kW (standard) or 165 kW (mid-low-floor bus). This allows a battery with 96 kWh net capacity to be charged to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. The batteries we install are designed for a long lifespan of over 200,000 km. Thanks to the 40 percent subsidy on charging infrastructure, this cost block is also significantly reduced for you.
HEERO performance data at a glance
Transparency is crucial for us. Here you can find the real performance data of our vehicles, based on the Heero datasheets (as of 07/2025):
Heero eTransporter: Up to 500 km range, 110 kWh gross battery (96 kWh net), 135 kW DC charging capacity.
Heero eFlatbed Truck (EK & DoKa): Up to 400 km range, 110 kWh gross battery (96 kWh net), 135 kW DC charging capacity.
Heero DTE-Sprinter: Up to 425 km range, 110 kWh gross battery (96 kWh net), 135 kW DC charging capacity.
Heero Mid-Low-Floor Bus: Up to 300 km range, 137 kWh gross battery (115 kWh net), up to 165 kW DC charging capacity.
Heero Rear-Low-Floor Bus: Up to 300 km range, 110 kWh gross battery (96 kWh net), 135 kW DC charging capacity.
Heero Tourer (Minibus 9 Pax): Up to 400 km range, 110 kWh gross battery (96 kWh net), 135 kW DC charging capacity.
These practical values for Sprinter with electric drive and other models form the basis for reliable fleet planning.
Start your funding analysis: Your path to 80% funding
The time until the application deadline on August 31, 2025, is short. Don’t wait until bureaucracy overtakes you. Use our expertise to lead your fleet into the future economically and sustainably. Answer three short questions and receive a free and non-binding roadmap for your grants from us. We will ensure that your application for the transition to zero-emission vehicles is submitted on time and complete.
Start your funding analysis
Answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
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Note: The content presented here is for general information and does not constitute legal or funding advice.
More useful links
The Bundestag provides current news and information from the German Bundestag.
Bayern Innovativ explains funding programs for the establishment of charging infrastructure for electric trucks.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure provides comprehensive information on funding programs for charging infrastructure.
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure offers official information on electromobility in Germany.
FAQ
How long does a Diesel-to-Electric conversion take?
The pure conversion process of a van like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally takes about ten to twelve working days. During this time, the entire combustion drivetrain is removed and replaced with our electric components.
What legal requirements must I consider when electrifying the fleet?
The most important regulation is the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), which in Germany is implemented through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG). It mandates binding minimum quotas for the procurement of low-emission and emission-free vehicles for public clients and their service providers.
Can I really have my existing vehicles converted?
Yes, Heero specializes in converting existing vehicles, particularly the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This circular economy approach not only protects the environment but also your budget, as you can continue to use your proven vehicles and their structures.
What happens if I miss the funding deadline on August 31, 2025?
As of the current status, no new funding calls are planned under the KsNI guideline after this date. Electrifying your fleet would then only be possible without the significant financial support of 80% on vehicle costs and 40% on charging infrastructure, which significantly increases the conversion costs.
Does Heero also offer advice on eligibility for funding?
Yes, we offer a free and non-binding funding analysis. We examine your individual situation, create a TCO forecast, and actively support you in preparing and submitting the application documents to secure the maximum funding amount for you.
How fast do the electric commercial vehicles from Heero charge?
Our vehicles are designed for DC fast charging. Most models charge at up to 135 kW, the mid-low-floor bus even at up to 165 kW. A 96 kWh battery is charged from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes, which minimizes downtime.
