Gradually electrifying a large diesel fleet: Your strategic partner for the transition by 2025
Gradually electrifying a large diesel fleet: Your strategic partner for the transition by 2025
Up to 425 km range after an upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. The federal funding period for commercial vehicles ran until 2024; new funding calls are not planned. A strategic partner is crucial to make this transition pragmatic and economically successful.
The topic briefly and concisely
The federal government's 80% KsNI funding for electric commercial vehicles and DTE conversions ran until 2024; no new funding calls are planned.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion retains existing special structures and reduces investment costs through the principle of circular economy.
A partnership with a specialist is crucial to classify subsidies, optimize the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and strategically plan electrification.
The electrification of large vehicle fleets is not a question of "if," but of "how." Rising diesel prices, strict CO₂ targets from the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive, and growing pressure to decarbonize present fleet managers with complex challenges. Until 2024, the federal government's BMDV funding guideline subsidized up to 80% of the costs for retrofitting or purchasing electric commercial vehicles and 40% for the charging infrastructure. Since August 2024, no new calls for funding are planned. Partnering with a specialist for the gradual electrification of a large diesel fleet is key to overcoming bureaucracy, making optimal use of subsidies, and setting the course for future-proof, cost-effective logistics.
Why the time to switch is pressing now: Regulatory framework and deadlines
Regulatory pressure on diesel fleet operators is steadily increasing. The European Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented by the German Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (Saubere-Fahrzeuge-Beschaffungs-Gesetz), already prescribes fixed quotas for low-emission vehicles in public procurement today. In the first reference period until the end of 2025, 45% of newly procured buses had to be "clean". From 2026, these requirements will become even stricter. In parallel, the electromobility funding guideline of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) has expired. The 80 percent funding ran until 2024; no new calls for funding are planned. Those planning today calculate without these subsidies and avoid future competitive disadvantages. Strategic planning for the next ten years is therefore essential. These regulatory milestones make a proactive and well-planned electrification strategy inevitable.
Your 4-point action plan for the gradual electrification of the fleet
A successful transformation requires a clear, pragmatic process. With an experienced partner at your side, you will master the transition in four manageable steps:
Needs Analysis and TCO Evaluation: First, your specific route profiles, vehicle utilization, and operating costs are analyzed. Based on this, a transparent Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis is prepared, comparing the total costs of diesel vs. electric operation over the entire service life.
Subsidies Check and Application: A specialist identifies all relevant funding pools from federal and state governments. They support you in submitting the complete applications and classify the subsidy rates: The KsNI directive funded up to 80% of the additional costs until 2024 and included the charging infrastructure.
Pilot Phase with Conversion: Start with the conversion of a few existing vehicles. The conversion of existing diesel vehicles to electric drive conserves valuable resources and preserves expensive custom bodies.
Establishment of Charging Infrastructure and Scaling: Parallel to the pilot phase, the appropriate charging infrastructure is planned and installed; eligibility for subsidies depends on the respective open program. After a successful test operation, the rollout is scaled to the entire fleet to create a holistic mobility solution.
This structured approach minimizes the investment risk and ensures a smooth transition.
Renovation instead of new purchase: The economic superiority of the DTE conversion
The decision between a new e-vehicle and retrofitting an existing diesel vehicle is key. Here, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) plays a decisive role. TCO takes into account all costs over the lifespan of a vehicle, not just the purchase price. While e-transporters are more expensive to purchase, the costs often pay for themselves through lower energy and maintenance expenses. The decisive advantage of retrofitting lies in the circular economy. You retain your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and its often expensive special bodies. Instead of tying up capital in completely new vehicles, you invest specifically in a new, locally emission-free drivetrain. This reduces investment costs by up to 50% compared to buying new and is a clear commitment to sustainability. Let us create a detailed payback calculation for your fleet. This turns electrification into a strategic decision to reduce costs.
Funding pots until 2024: 80% subsidy for vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure
For years, the funding landscape in Germany offered unprecedented financial support. Through the BMDV's KsNI directive, companies and municipalities were able to receive a grant of up to 80% of the additional costs for purchasing an electric commercial vehicle or for a DTE conversion. This drastically reduced the initial investment. In addition, the development of the necessary, non-public charging infrastructure was part of this funding directive. This combination made the transition particularly attractive financially. The directive ran until 2024 and has been discontinued since August 2024; no new calls for funding are planned. A specialized partner helps you combine the right programs and submit the applications correctly and completely. This ensures that bureaucracy does not become an obstacle on your path to an electric fleet. Find the right provider for a certified conversion now.
Practical technology: range and charging power for professional use
Practical suitability determines the success of electrification in everyday business. HEERO relies on high-performance and reliable components for maximum availability. A converted HEERO DTE-Sprinter, for example, achieves a range of up to 425 kilometers. The HEERO eTransporter even manages up to 500 kilometers on a single charge. For passenger transport, the tourer for nine people offers a range of up to 400 kilometers. All of these models utilize a 110 kWh gross battery and charge with up to 135 kW at DC fast-charging stations. Even special-purpose vehicles such as the medium-low-floor bus impress with a range of up to 300 km and a charging capacity of up to 165 kW. These figures ensure that your vehicles can complete their daily routes without compromise. Furthermore, the transition takes place without having to forgo the familiar operation. This makes the switch to e-mobility a genuine, operationally reliable alternative.
Your advantage with HEERO: Partnership for a successful transformation
Successful fleet electrification is more than just replacing vehicles. It is a strategic project that requires expertise in vehicle technology, the subsidy landscape, charging infrastructure, and operating cost analysis. HEERO sees itself as your partner, guiding you through the entire process. From the initial, non-binding analysis of your fleet to support with subsidy applications, through to implementation and scaling. We offer you a tailored roadmap for the gradual electrification of your large diesel fleet. Our focus on the retrofitting of Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles ensures an economical and sustainable solution that preserves the value of your existing fleet. Start your subsidy analysis and reliably assess the subsidy situation for your fleet.
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More useful links
The Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr (BMDV) offers current information on climate protection in the transport sector.
The Umweltbundesamt publishes an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) provides statistics on new vehicle registrations in Germany.
The Deutscher Städte- und Gemeindebund has published a documentation on electromobility for municipal utility vehicles.
The Bundesamt für Logistik und Mobilität (BALM) provides information on the funding program Climate Protection and Sustainability in Inland Transport (KSNI).
The Nationale Leitstelle Ladeinfrastruktur offers information and initiatives on the topic of commercial vehicles.
The Umweltbundesamt provides information on low emission zones in Germany and their contribution to reducing fine dust.
Strategy& (PwC) has published an article on the breakthrough of electric trucks.
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has produced a factsheet on the total cost of ownership (TCO) of battery-electric trucks (BETs) in Europe.
