Electric passenger transporters: Secure 80% funding until August 31, 2025.
Up to 425 km of range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. The current BMDV funding guidelines provide an 80% subsidy for the conversion of passenger transport vehicles, but the application deadline ends on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
The BMDV funding guideline provides a 80% subsidy for converting passenger transport vehicles to electric, but applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025.
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 impending access restrictions pose enormous challenges for fleet operators. 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 heavily in new electric vehicles, retrofitting existing diesel passenger vans offers a clever alternative. This approach not only protects your budget through substantial subsidies but also preserves the value of your proven vehicles and supports a genuine circular economy. Act now, as the time for maximum grants is limited.
Your 4-point checklist for the funded e-fleet
The transition to an electric passenger transporter is straightforward with the right strategy. The current funding period is only until August 31, 2025. This plan guides you through four steps to successful electrification.
Conduct a needs analysis: Analyze your daily routes and operational requirements to precisely determine the required range and charging capacity. Our experts assist you with a free analysis.
Choose the right solution: Decide between a new vehicle or a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion. A DTE conversion, like with our Heero Tourer minibus, retains the value of your special installations and often costs only a fraction.
Apply for funding: Submit the application under the BMDV funding guidelines to secure 80% of the costs for the vehicle conversion and 40% for the charging infrastructure. The deadline is August 31, 2025.
Implementation and commissioning: After approval, the conversion of your vehicle takes only ten days. In parallel, we will plan with you the installation of the appropriate charging infrastructure on your premises.
With this clear approach, you not only secure the maximum funding but also ensure a smooth transition.
Legal pressure and economic reality: Why acting now matters
The EU directive on clean vehicles (Clean Vehicles Directive) requires public authorities to meet fixed quotas for zero-emission vehicles. By the end of 2025, 45% of all new buses and a significant portion of light commercial vehicles must 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 are putting pressure on the total cost of ownership (Total Cost of Ownership, TCO) of your fleet. An electric electric passenger transporter significantly reduces energy costs per kilometer. The combination of regulatory pressure and economic benefits creates a strong argument for immediate electrification. The next step is to analyze the available funding options.
Optimize funding pots: 80% grant for vehicles and conversions
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) supports the transition with an attractive funding guideline. You can receive up to 80% of the additional investment costs for the purchase or conversion of a passenger transport vehicle to electric drive. This specifically applies to the diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) we offer. Even the necessary charging infrastructure is subsidized with 40% of the costs. The Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure Program (KsNI) has already put over 6,000 vehicles on the road. The current funding guideline runs until the end of 2025, but applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. This funding makes the decision for an electric minibus easier than ever before. But how does the conversion compare in 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 e-van incurs high initial costs, the DTE conversion is significantly cheaper. You preserve the value of your existing vehicle, including expensive special modifications. Studies show that electric commercial vehicles have significantly lower operating and maintenance costs. An e-drive has fewer moving parts, reducing service effort by up to 70%. The energy costs per kilometer are often more than 50% lower compared to diesel. A converted Heero DTE Sprinter achieves a high practicality with a range of up to 425 km. These factors result in the TCO of a conversion clearly undercutting that of a new diesel or e-vehicle. 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 approach to the circular economy massively reduces resource consumption and CO₂ emissions. Our DTE conversion for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is an exemplary model of sustainable innovation. We use a 110 kWh battery (96 kWh net), enabling ranges of up to 425 km. With a DC fast charging capacity of up to 135 kW, the battery is charged to 80% in about 45 minutes. This surpasses our converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Transfer 45 many new electric models. The durability of the components ensures reliable operation for many years. To fully harness 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 premises is crucial for the smooth operation of electric passenger transporters. The planning should consider the number of vehicles, their downtime, and the available grid capacity. There are special funding programs for companies, such as those from KfW, which support the establishment of non-public charging points with up to 45,000 euros per location. The current BMDV guideline subsidizes the necessary infrastructure for funded vehicles by 40%. We advise you on selecting the right charging solution, from the wall box to the DC fast charger with 135 kW. Intelligent load management ensures that all vehicles are charged overnight without overloading the power grid. This way, you start every day with full range for operation.
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides detailed information on the funding program for climate protection and sustainability domestically (KSNI).
The Chamber of Crafts Stuttgart compiles the most important funding programs for electromobility for craft businesses.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) publishes monthly statistics on new vehicle registrations.
The Federal Environment Agency confirms the climate advantage of electric cars in a press release.
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) informs about the framework conditions and incentives for electric vehicles.
The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) provides market developments of electromobility in Germany.
The German Energy Agency (dena) offers information on new registrations of passenger cars with electric drives in 2024.
The Federal Network Agency provides a charging station map for electromobility.
FAQ
How long does it take to convert a passenger transporter to electric drive?
The pure conversion time for a vehicle in our factory is only about ten working days. Including all logistical and administrative processes, you can expect a total project duration of a few weeks.
Can my existing vehicle body be retained during the conversion?
Yes, that is one of the biggest advantages of the Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion. Your proven base vehicle and all existing, often expensive, special structures are fully retained. We only replace the drivetrain.
What warranty does HEERO offer on the conversion?
HEERO offers comprehensive warranties on all newly installed components. You will receive a warranty on the high-voltage battery as well as on the electric drivetrain, ensuring you long-term safety and reliability.
What happens when the funding deadline expires on August 31, 2025?
After August 31, 2025, no more applications can be submitted for the current funding directive. Whether there will be a successor program with similarly high funding ratios of 80% is uncertain. Therefore, it is advisable to take advantage of the opportunity now.
Does HEERO support in applying for funding?
Yes, our team of experts supports you throughout the entire process. We conduct a free funding analysis for your project and assist you in preparing and submitting the necessary application documents to meet the deadlines.
Is the charging capacity of 135 kW sufficient for a passenger transporter?
Absolutely. A DC charging capacity of 135 kW allows the 96 kWh net battery capacity to be charged from 10% to 80% in about 45 minutes. This is ideal for lunch breaks or short operational breaks and ensures high flexibility in everyday life.
