Passenger transport in minibuses: Electrifying the fleet and classifying the funding situation
Passenger transport in minibuses: Electrifying the fleet and classifying the funding situation
As many as 3,500 electric buses have already benefited from government subsidies – when will you electrify your fleet? The federal funding calls for buses and commercial vehicles have expired; we can clarify on a case-by-case basis which programs are currently open for passenger transport in minibuses. This allows you to turn bureaucracy, rising diesel prices, and strict climate regulations into a strategic advantage.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for funding for e-minibuses and conversions – up to 70% of the additional costs – ended on July 21, 2026.
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 vision, but an economic necessity. In light of rising CO₂ prices and the implementation of the Clean Vehicles Directive, fleet operators face the challenge of making their vehicles future-proof. The funding programs of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) have supported the transition for years: The KsNI directive for commercial vehicles ran until 2024, and the 2026 bus funding call ended on July 21, 2026. This guide shows you pragmatically and in a solution-oriented manner how to assess the funding situation for your minibus passenger transport and set the course for an economic and sustainable future.
Why the time until August 2025 is crucial for your fleet
The pressure to decarbonize in the transport sector is continuously increasing. Two central sets of regulations define the framework conditions for commercial passenger transport: the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) of the EU and the funding directive of the BMDV. The CVD, implemented through the German Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), has been prescribing binding minimum quotas for low-emission vehicles in public procurement since 2021. In the first reference period up to the end of 2025, 45 percent of newly procured buses must be "clean," with half of them even being completely emission-free. Parallel to this is the funding directive "Alternative Drives for Buses," whose most recent call for funding ran from May 26 to July 21, 2026, and has expired. Over 3,500 buses have already been subsidized through this program, illustrating the high demand. Subsidies are generally only accessible within open calls for funding, and those who do not plan risk competitive disadvantages in future tenders. The combination of regulatory pressure and expired funding makes a strategic decision necessary; we clarify which programs are currently open on a case-by-case basis.
Your 4-point action plan for pragmatic electrification
The path to funding can seem complex, but it can be mastered with a structured approach. The funding situation requires a realistic assessment. Here is your checklist to make the process efficient:
Needs Analysis and Vehicle Selection: Determine your specific needs. Do you require a new electric minibus like the HEERO Tourer with a range of up to 400 kilometers, or is a conversion for your existing vehicles more economical? A conversion not only conserves resources in terms of the circular economy, but also secures the value of your special bodies.
Profitability Assessment (TCO): Conduct a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis. In addition to the purchase price, this total cost calculation also takes into account 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.
Funding Eligibility Check: Have your eligibility for funding checked. Eligible applicants are not only municipal but also private companies with registered offices in Germany. The funding rates differed depending on the program: The KsNI directive for commercial vehicles ran until 2024, the bus funding call ended on July 21, 2026; the charging infrastructure was eligible for 40 percent funding in each case. Use a professional E-bus funding 2025 consultation to exploit all potentials.
Prepare Application Submission: Gather all necessary documents for the sketch submission via the easy-Online portal. This includes the operational concept, a CO₂ avoidance forecast, and the economic calculation. Careful preparation is crucial for success in the competitive process.
This structured approach helps you to reliably assess the funding situation and set the course for a successful electrification.
Funding pots in detail: What the BMDV guideline last offered
The "Directive for the Promotion of Alternative Drives for Buses in Passenger Transport" was the central instrument for supporting your fleet conversion. Coordinated by NOW GmbH, the program aimed to offset the additional investment costs compared to a conventional diesel bus. Two core areas were eligible for funding: the acquisition of new vehicles and the conversion of existing diesel vehicles to electric drive. Particularly, the funding of conversion solutions is a clear commitment to the circular economy, as also required by the Circular Economy Act (KrWG). Instead of scrapping a functioning vehicle, its life cycle is extended. In the most recent call, the funding rate of the directive was up to 70 percent of the difference in costs between a new diesel bus and an electric bus or conversion, and 55 percent for a higher degree of electrification. In addition, the installation of the necessary, non-public charging infrastructure at the depot was part of this funding directive. This significantly reduced entry barriers and made the transition economically feasible even for small and medium-sized enterprises in the passenger transport sector.
Cost comparison: Why the electric minibus is cheaper in the long run
The higher acquisition costs of an electric vehicle initially deter many. However, looking only at the purchase price is too short-sighted. The decisive factor is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), which includes all costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. A cost comparison by the ADAC shows that while depreciation is a major factor, operating costs have a decisive influence on the balance sheet. Here are the key advantages for an electric minibus:
Energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometer than diesel. A HEERO Tourer consumes about 24 kWh per 100 kilometers, which corresponds to costs of around six euros at an industrial electricity price of 25 cents/kWh. A comparable diesel minibus requires approximately 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 duties: Electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax in Germany for ten years. In addition, the rising CO₂ pricing will continue to increase the costs for fossil fuels in the coming years.
With the most recently available funding, the additional costs for an electric minibus often amortized after just three to four years. A detailed Total Cost of Ownership calculation is therefore the basis for a sound investment decision.
The HEERO solution: Conversion or new vehicle for passenger transport
HEERO offers you two paths to electrify your passenger transport fleet in the minibus segment. The choice depends on your specific requirement profile. Converting is ideal for fleets with expensive or complex specialized bodies. You keep your proven base vehicle and we replace the diesel drivetrain with a state-of-the-art electric drive. A converted Sprinter thus achieves a range of up to 425 kilometers. Alternatively, the new HEERO Tourer offers a turnkey solution as a new e-tourer for transporting up to nine people. With its 96 kWh net battery capacity, it achieves a real-world range of up to 400 kilometers. Both solutions rely on the proven vehicle platform and guarantee maximum reliability. The fast-charging capability of up to 135 kW ensures that the battery is recharged to 80 percent in about 40 minutes. This guarantees maximum operational flexibility in the demanding daily routine of passenger transport. Whether converting or purchasing new, both paths were 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 one's own depot is the most efficient method. The HEERO system solution therefore includes not only the vehicle, but also the consultation and planning of the appropriate charging infrastructure. The funding guideline of the BMDV subsidized the necessary, non-public charging infrastructure proportionally to the eligible costs. This includes the wallboxes 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 typical use in shuttle or patient transport, where the minibus is parked at the depot overnight, an AC charge of 22 kW is often sufficient to start the next morning with a full battery. Intelligent charging planning not only secures the availability of your fleet, but also optimizes electricity costs. This makes the electrification of your fleet for locally emission-free minibus operation a predictable and economic success.
More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides information on the achieved milestone of 1,000 funded electric buses within the framework of the funding guideline.
The Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) offers comprehensive information and positions on electromobility in public passenger transport.
The Federal Environment Agency provides a detailed analysis of the environmental balance of various motor vehicles, which also sheds light on aspects of electromobility.
The KfW Group informs about its funding programs for companies in the field of electromobility that support the transition to emission-free fleets.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides current data and statistics on new registrations of electric passenger cars in Germany and Europe.
The National Centre for Charging Infrastructure offers detailed information and overviews of existing funding programs for the expansion of charging infrastructure.
