Electric passenger transport vehicles: The 80% subsidy ran until 2024
Up to 425 km range after an upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. The KsNI funding guideline offered up to an 80% subsidy for the conversion of passenger transporters; it ran until 2024, and no new funding calls are planned.
The topic briefly and concisely
The federal funding guidelines subsidized the conversion of passenger transporters to electric; the application deadlines have expired, and we will clarify which programs are currently open on a case-by-case basis.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion is a sustainable alternative to purchasing new vehicles, preserving existing vehicle values and supporting the principles of circular economy.
Electric passenger transporters from HEERO offer practical ranges of up to 425 km and significantly reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) through lower energy and maintenance costs.
Rising diesel prices, strict climate regulations, and threatening access restrictions present fleet operators with enormous challenges. Electrification is no longer an option, but a necessity. Especially for commercial passenger transport, solutions are needed that are economical and pragmatic. Instead of investing expensively in new electric vehicles, retrofitting existing diesel passenger vans offers a clever alternative. This approach not only protects your budget, but also preserves the value of your proven vehicles and supports a genuine circular economy. Federal funding has expired; we will clarify which programs are currently open on a case-by-case basis.
Your 4-point checklist for the e-fleet with funding knowledge
Switching to an electric passenger transporter is straightforward with the right strategy. The federal government's previous funding periods have expired; new calls for funding have not yet been announced. This plan guides you in four steps to successful electrification.
Conduct a requirements analysis: Analyze your daily routes and operational requirements in order to precisely determine the required range and charging capacity. Our experts will support you with a free analysis.
Choose the right solution: Decide between a new vehicle or conversion. A conversion, as with our HEERO Tourer minibus, preserves the value of your special bodies and often costs only a fraction.
Check funding opportunities: Clarify whether a BMDV funding guideline is open for your project and which costs of vehicle conversion and charging infrastructure it covers. The KsNI guideline ran until 2024, and the latest call for buses ended on July 21, 2026.
Implementation and commissioning: Following approval, the conversion of your vehicle takes place in just ten days. In parallel, we plan the installation of the matching charging infrastructure at your depot with you.
With this clear approach, you not only keep an eye on the funding situation, but also ensure a smooth transition.
Legal pressure and economic reality: What matters for fleet operators
The EU Clean Vehicles Directive obliges public contracting authorities to meet fixed quotas for emission-free vehicles. By the end of 2025, 45% of all new buses and a significant proportion of light commercial vehicles had to be low-emission. From 2026, these quotas will increase to 65%. These requirements directly affect municipalities and their service providers. At the same time, volatile diesel prices burden the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your fleet. An electric passenger transporter significantly reduces energy costs per kilometer. The combination of regulatory pressure and economic benefits creates a clear argument for immediate electrification. The next step is the classification of subsidies.
Classifying funding pots: What subsidies were available for vehicles and conversions
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) supported the transition with several funding guidelines. For commercial vehicles, the KsNI guideline covered up to 80% of the additional investment costs for purchase or conversion until 2024; for buses, the call for funding ended on July 21, 2026. This explicitly applied to the diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) offered by us. The necessary charging infrastructure was also subsidized with 40% of the costs. The Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure (KsNI) program has already put over 6,000 vehicles on the road. The KsNI guideline has been discontinued since August 2024, and no new calls for funding are planned. This funding made the decision for an electric minibus easier for years. But how does the conversion compare in a direct cost comparison?
Total Cost of Ownership: Why Retrofitting Outweighs New Purchases
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes all expenses over the lifespan of a vehicle. While purchasing a new electric van incurs high initial costs, the DTE conversion is significantly more cost-effective. You preserve the value of your existing vehicle, including expensive specialized bodies. Studies show that electric commercial vehicles have significantly lower operating and maintenance costs. An electric drive has fewer moving parts, which reduces service effort by up to 70%. Energy costs per kilometer are often more than 50% lower compared to diesel. A converted HEERO DTE Sprinter achieves high practical suitability with a range of up to 425 km. These factors mean that the TCO of a conversion clearly undercuts that of a new diesel or electric vehicle. At the heart of these advantages is the technology.
Circular economy in action: The HEERO DTE technology
Instead of scrapping a functioning vehicle, we convert it into a powerful electric vehicle. This circular economy approach massively reduces resource consumption and CO₂ emissions. Our DTE conversion for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a prime example of sustainable innovation. We use a 110 kWh battery (96 kWh net), which enables ranges of up to 425 km. With a DC fast charging capacity of up to 135 kW, the battery is 80% charged in about 45 minutes. This means our converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Transfer 45 outperforms many new electric models. The longevity of the components ensures reliable operation for many years. To fully exploit this performance, a well-thought-out charging infrastructure is required.
Charging infrastructure: The foundation for your electric fleet
A reliable charging infrastructure on your own depot is crucial for the smooth operation of electric passenger transport vehicles. Planning should take into account the number of vehicles, their idle times, and the available grid capacity. For companies, there were special funding programs, such as those from KfW, which supported the installation of non-public charging points with up to 45,000 euros per location. The BMDV guideline subsidized the necessary infrastructure for funded vehicles on a pro-rata basis. We advise you on choosing the right charging solution, from wallboxes to 135 kW DC fast chargers. Intelligent load management ensures that all vehicles are charged overnight without overloading the power grid. This way, you start every day of operation with a full range.
More useful links
The Bundesamt für Logistik und Mobilität (BALM) provides detailed information on the Climate Protection and Sustainability in the Domestic Market (KSNI) funding program.
The Handwerkskammer Stuttgart compiles the most important funding programs for electromobility for craft businesses.
The Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) publishes monthly statistics on new vehicle registrations.
The Umweltbundesamt confirms the climate advantage of electric cars in a press release.
The Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK) provides information on frameworks and incentives for electric vehicles.
The Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) provides market developments in electromobility in Germany.
The Deutsche Energie-Agentur (dena) provides information on new registrations of passenger cars with electric drive systems in 2024.
The Bundesnetzagentur provides a charging station map for electromobility.
