Convert Mercedes Sprinter Diesel: Obtain patented E-solution from the specialist and reduce TCO

09.02.2025

Minutes

Federico De Ponte

Experte für Beratung bei Auctoa

July 18, 2025

9

Minutes

Michael Holzwig

Use Case Expert

Rising operating costs and impending diesel driving bans pose enormous challenges for fleet operators. A simple acquisition of e-vans is often uneconomical, especially when expensive special fittings are present. Discover a pragmatic and patented solution that makes your reliable Mercedes Sprinter ready for the electric future.

The topic briefly and concisely

Obtain a patented conversion solution for Mercedes Sprinter from the specialist Heero, to acquire expensive special builds and reduce capital costs.

Reduce your fleet's total operating costs (TCO) by up to 28% through lower energy, maintenance, and tax costs.

Act sustainably in the sense of a circular economy by extending the lifespan of your vehicles and avoiding production waste.

For operators of Mercedes Sprinter fleets, from municipalities to craft businesses, the pressure to decarbonize is increasing. Legal requirements such as urban driving bans and rising CO2 prices are making the operation of diesel vehicles increasingly uneconomical. HEERO offers you, as a specialist, an innovative and patented D2E conversion solution (Diesel-to-Electric). This allows you to keep your existing and often expensively converted Sprinter vehicles and transform them into powerful, emission-free e-transporters. Ensure the operational capability of your fleet and sustainably reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO).

The challenge: Growing cost pressure and driving bans for diesel fleets

The operation of diesel commercial vehicles is increasingly becoming an economic burden for companies and municipalities. In over 60 German cities, the limits for nitrogen oxides are being exceeded, leading to driving bans that also affect commercial vehicles. These bans often apply to diesel vehicles up to Euro 5 emissions standards and significantly restrict the operational capability of your fleet. At the same time, rising fuel prices and CO2 taxes considerably increase ongoing operating costs. The decision to modernize a fleet is therefore not a question of whether, but of how. Many fleet managers face the dilemma of losing significant investments in existing specialized bodies through the purchase of new vehicles. A certified retrofit offers a strategic alternative here. This situation requires a solution that is both economically and ecologically convincing.

The solution: Patented D2E conversion for Mercedes Sprinter as a strategic advantage

HEERO, as a specialist, has developed an innovative answer to these challenges: the patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Instead of replacing your proven vehicles, we transform them into highly efficient electric transporters within just 10 days. The key advantage lies in retaining your expensive and customized bodies, from mobile workshops to refrigerated trucks. This approach not only conserves your capital but also avoids long delivery times for new vehicles. Our solution is based on the reliable vehicle base of the Sprinter, thus ensuring the accustomed quality and longevity. With the conversion, you can continue using custom bodies while simultaneously setting the course for an emission-free future. This makes the technological transition a manageable and pragmatic step.

Cost-benefit analysis: significantly reduce total operating costs (TCO)

Converting your Sprinter fleet is an investment that pays off. A study by Transport & Environment shows that electric vans are already about 28% cheaper to operate per kilometer than comparable diesel models. The total cost of ownership (TCO) decreases significantly due to several factors. The energy costs per 1,000 km for an electric van are often just a fraction of the costs for diesel. Additionally, you benefit from significantly lower maintenance and repair costs, as many wear-prone parts of the combustion engine are eliminated. Government funding programs for the conversion to electric drive additionally reduce initial investment costs. A detailed analysis of your fleet costs shows the specific savings potential. The following points contribute to TCO reduction:

  • Reduced energy costs compared to diesel

  • Elimination of vehicle tax for electric vehicles

  • Lower maintenance effort due to fewer mechanical components

  • Utilization of government funding for the conversion

  • Avoidance of penalties for non-compliance with emission regulations

These economic advantages make the conversion a strategically wise decision for the future of your fleet.

Performance without compromise: Range and power for professional use

Concerns about the practicability of electric commercial vehicles are a thing of the past. Our retrofitted Mercedes Sprinters offer a practical range of up to 425 km, which is more than sufficient for most applications in logistics, trades, and municipal services. The performance of the electric drive ensures dynamic acceleration and confident handling, even when fully loaded. The payload remains at the high level of the original Sprinter chassis. For charging, the existing infrastructure can be used, or an optimized depot charging setup can be established on-site, ensuring readiness overnight. This way, you can also operate a service vehicle with shelving system without any loss of performance. The combination of proven Mercedes-Benz quality and our innovative drive technology guarantees maximum reliability in daily use.

Sustainability through circular economy: A resource-saving alternative

The decision to retrofit to D2E is an active contribution to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a complete vehicle and producing a new one, we extend the lifecycle of your existing Sprinter. This significantly reduces the need for primary resources and lowers the CO2 emissions associated with the production of a new vehicle. The automotive industry can reduce its CO2 emissions by up to 45 percent through circular business processes. Nearly 7 million vehicles in Europe reach the end of their lifecycle each year, highlighting enormous potential for resource-saving approaches. By continuing to use the chassis and the superstructure, you avoid tons of production waste and energy expenditures. This approach, also adopted by reference customers like WÜRTH, is a clear commitment to corporate responsibility. A sustainable fleet modernization not only strengthens your ecological profile but also your brand. Therefore, the retrofit is a pragmatic step towards a functioning circular economy.

The retrofitting process: From diesel to electric transporter in 10 days

We have optimized our conversion process for maximum efficiency and minimal downtime for your fleet. This way, you can avoid long delivery times and quickly get your vehicles back into operation. The entire process takes only 10 business days and follows a clear, certified procedure:

  1. Vehicle Delivery and Incoming Inspection: Your Mercedes Sprinter is checked for its technical condition to ensure a smooth conversion.

  2. Dismantling of the Combustion Drive: Engine, transmission, exhaust system, and tank are professionally removed.

  3. Installation of the Heero E-Drive: The patented electric drivetrain, including battery and power electronics, is installed.

  4. Integration and Calibration: All systems are connected to the vehicle electronics and the software is calibrated.

  5. Quality Assurance and Test Drive: The converted vehicle undergoes strict quality controls and a comprehensive test drive.

  6. Certification and Handover: You receive your vehicle back with all necessary documents and comprehensive instruction.

This structured process ensures the highest quality and makes the transition to electromobility predictable and uncomplicated.

FAQ

Is the conversion to an electric drive eligible for funding?

Yes, the conversion of commercial vehicles to an emission-free electric drive is financially supported in Germany by various programs from the federal and state governments. These grants can significantly reduce investment costs. We are happy to advise you on the current funding opportunities.



What are the advantages of conversion compared to a new purchase?

The conversion protects your investment in expensive specialized bodies, avoids long delivery times for new E-transporters, is often more cost-effective, and acts in the spirit of the circular economy by continuing to use the existing vehicle. You lower the TCO and sustainably modernize your fleet.



For which companies and industries is the conversion particularly suitable?

The conversion is ideally suited for B2B and B2G customers with Mercedes Sprinter fleets. These include municipalities, cities, logistics companies, and craft businesses that operate vehicles with expensive or complex bodies (e.g., workshop vehicles, refrigerated vehicles, municipal vehicles).



How does the conversion affect payload and performance?

Our patented conversion solution is designed to largely preserve the original payload of the Mercedes Sprinter. The driving performance even improves due to the electric drive, especially in acceleration and city traffic.



Does Heero also offer service and maintenance for converted vehicles?

Yes, as your comprehensive solution partner, we offer complete after-sales service including maintenance and repair for the electric components we install, in addition to consulting and conversion.



Can I test Heero technology before making a decision?

Yes, we are convinced of our technology and offer potential customers the opportunity to experience our converted vehicles in a 'daily test for free.' Contact us to arrange a test drive.