Passenger transport in minibuses: Electrifying the fleet with 80% funding until 2025
Already 3,500 electric buses are securing an 80% subsidy – when will you electrify your fleet? Time is running out, as the current funding period for passenger transport in small buses ends on August 31, 2025. Act now to turn bureaucracy, rising diesel prices, and strict climate requirements into a strategic advantage.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% funding for electric minibuses and retrofits through the BMDV ends on August 31, 2025.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric minibuses is often lower in the long term due to lower energy and maintenance costs compared to diesel vehicles.
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) already prescribes binding quotas for clean vehicles in public contracts, making electric vehicles more competitive.
The electrification of commercial passenger transport is no longer a distant dream, but a business necessity. In light of rising CO₂ prices and the implementation of the Clean Vehicles Directive, fleet operators are faced with the challenge of making their vehicles future-proof. The current funding guideline from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers a unique opportunity: up to 80% of the additional costs for the purchase or conversion of an electric minibus will be subsidized. This guide shows you in a pragmatic and solution-oriented way how to secure this funding for your passenger transport in a minibus and set the course for an economically viable and sustainable future.
Why the time until August 2025 is crucial for your fleet
The pressure to decarbonize the transport sector is consistently increasing. Two central regulations define the framework for commercial passenger transport: the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) and the funding guideline of the BMDV. The CVD, implemented through the German Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), has mandated minimum quotas for low-emission vehicles in public contracts since 2021. In the first reference period until the end of 2025, 45 percent of newly procured buses must be "clean," half of which must be completely emission-free. At the same time, the crucial funding guideline "Alternative Drives for Buses" is underway, with the application deadline ending on August 31, 2025. Over 3,500 buses have already been subsidized through this program, which highlights the high demand. Those who do not act now risk not only losing up to 80 percent in grants but also facing competitive disadvantages in future tenders. The combination of regulatory pressure and expiring funding creates a narrow time window for a strategic decision.
Your 4-point action plan for timely promotion
The path to funding may appear complex, but it can be mastered with a structured approach. The deadline on August 31, 2025, requires pragmatic action. Here is your checklist to make the process efficient:
Needs analysis and vehicle selection: Determine your specific needs. Do you need a new electric minibus like the HEERO Tourer with a range of up to 400 kilometers, or is a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) for your existing vehicles more economical? A DTE conversion not only conserves resources in terms of the circular economy but also maintains the value of your specialized bodies.
Profitability assessment (TCO): Conduct a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis. This total cost calculation considers not only the acquisition but also the significantly lower energy and maintenance costs of an electric vehicle. Studies show that the TCO for electric vehicles is often lower than for comparable diesel models.
Subsidy check: Have your eligibility for funding checked. Not only municipal, but also private companies based in Germany are eligible to apply. The subsidy rate is up to 80 percent for the additional vehicle costs and 40 percent for the charging infrastructure. Use a professional e-bus funding 2025 consultancy to fully exploit all potentials.
Prepare application submission: Gather all necessary documents for submitting the draft via the easy-Online portal. This includes the deployment concept, a CO₂ avoidance forecast, and the profitability calculation. Careful preparation is crucial for success in the competitive process.
This structured approach helps you make the most of the remaining time and set the course for successful electrification.
Funding pots in detail: How you benefit from the BMDV guideline
The "Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Public Transport" is the central instrument for supporting your fleet conversion. Coordinated by NOW GmbH, the program aims to offset the additional investment expenses compared to a conventional diesel bus. Funding is available for two core areas: the purchase of new vehicles and the conversion of existing diesel vehicles to electric drive. In particular, the promotion of conversion solutions is a clear commitment to the circular economy, as called for by the Circular Economy Act (KrWG). Instead of scrapping a functioning vehicle, its lifecycle is extended. The funding rate of 80 percent applies to the differential costs between a new diesel bus and an electric bus or the conversion costs. Additionally, the establishment of the necessary non-public charging infrastructure at the depot is subsidized with 40 percent of the investment costs. This significantly reduces the entry barriers and makes the switch economically feasible even for smaller and medium-sized companies in the field of passenger transport.
Cost comparison: Why the electric minibus is cheaper in the long run
The higher purchase costs of an electric vehicle initially deter many people. However, simply looking at the purchase price is too short-sighted. The key is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which encompasses all costs over the entire lifetime of a vehicle. An ADAC cost comparison shows that while depreciation is a significant factor, operating costs crucially affect the balance. Here are the central advantages for a minibus electric:
Energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometer than diesel. A HEERO Tourer consumes about 24 kWh per 100 kilometers, which, at an industrial electricity price of 25 cents/kWh, amounts to around six euros. A comparable diesel minibus requires about nine liters per 100 kilometers, which costs over 15 euros at a price of 1.70 euros/liter.
Maintenance and repair: Electric drives have significantly fewer wear parts. Oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and clutch repairs are completely eliminated. This reduces maintenance costs by up to 50 percent.
Taxes and levies: Electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax in Germany for ten years. Additionally, the rising CO₂ pricing will further increase the costs of fossil fuels in the coming years.
Considering the 80 percent subsidy, the additional costs for an electric minibus often pay off after just three to four years. Therefore, a detailed Total Cost of Ownership calculation is the basis for a well-founded investment decision.
The HEERO solution: Conversion or new vehicle for passenger transport
HEERO offers you two ways to electrify your fleet for passenger transport in minibuses. The choice depends on your specific requirement profile. The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion is ideal for fleets with expensive or complex customizations. You keep your proven base vehicle and we replace the diesel powertrain with a state-of-the-art electric drive. A converted Sprinter thus achieves up to 425 kilometers of range. Alternatively, the new HEERO Tourer as a new E-Tourer offers a turnkey solution for transporting up to nine people. With its 96 kWh net battery capacity, it achieves up to 400 kilometers of real range. Both solutions rely on the proven vehicle base and guarantee the highest reliability. The fast-charging capability with up to 135 kW ensures that the battery is recharged to 80 percent in about 40 minutes. This ensures maximum operational flexibility in the demanding everyday life of passenger transportation. Whether conversion or new purchase, both paths are fully eligible for funding and contribute to sustainability.
Charging infrastructure: The foundation for reliable operation
A successful transition to electromobility stands and falls with a well-thought-out charging infrastructure. For commercial passenger transport, charging at your own depot is the most efficient method. The Heero system solution therefore includes not only the vehicle but also the consulting and planning of the appropriate charging infrastructure. The funding guideline of the BMDV subsidizes the necessary, non-public charging infrastructure with 40 percent of the eligible costs. This includes the wall boxes or DC charging stations as well as the installation costs. The Heero Tourer can charge with up to 135 kW direct current (DC), which minimizes downtime. For the typical use in shuttle or patient transport, where the minibus is parked at the depot overnight, an AC charge with 22 kW is often sufficient to start the next morning with a full battery. Intelligent charge planning not only ensures the availability of your fleet but also optimizes energy costs. This makes the electrification of your fleet for zero-emission minibus operations a plannable and economical success.
More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs about the achieved milestone of 1,000 funded electric buses under the funding guideline.
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) provides comprehensive information and positions on electromobility in public passenger transport.
The Federal Environment Agency offers a detailed analysis of the environmental balance of various motor vehicles, which also highlights aspects of electromobility.
The KfW Bank Group informs about its funding programs for companies in the field of electromobility, which support the switch to emission-free fleets.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides current data and statistics on new registrations of electric cars in Germany and Europe.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure offers detailed information and overviews of existing funding programs for the expansion of charging infrastructure.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the E-Bus funding?
Eligible applicants are legal entities under public law (e.g. municipalities) and legal as well as natural persons under private law who are economically active. This includes private bus companies, logistics firms, craft businesses, and associations with a place of business in Germany.
What exactly is funded in small bus passenger transport?
The funded items are the additional investment expenses (up to 80%) for the acquisition of battery-powered small buses or the conversion of a conventional small bus to electric drive. Additionally, 40% of the costs for the associated, non-public charging infrastructure are covered.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) refers to all costs incurred during the entire service life of a vehicle. This includes the purchase price, energy costs (electricity/diesel), maintenance, insurance, taxes, and depreciation. E-vehicles often have an advantage here as their operating and maintenance costs are significantly lower.
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD)?
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) is an EU directive implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG). It obliges public contracting authorities to adhere to minimum quotas for low-emission and emission-free vehicles in the procurement of vehicles and services.
How long does it take to charge an electric small bus?
The charging duration depends on the charging technology. At a DC fast-charging station with 135 kW, such as supported by the Heero Tourer, charging from 0 to 80% takes about 40 minutes. At an AC wallbox with 22 kW, a full charge takes about 4.5 hours, ideal for overnight charging.
By when must the funding application be submitted?
Project sketches for the current funding round must be submitted via the easy-Online portal by August 31, 2025, at the latest. Due to the competitive procedure, early submission is recommended.
