Ensuring planning security for the next 10 years through the conversion of the diesel fleet.
More than 3,500 e-buses are already benefiting from an 80% government subsidy. In light of rising diesel prices and stricter EU regulations, now is the critical moment to achieve long-term planning security for your fleet and reduce operating costs through a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE).
The topic briefly and concisely
Take advantage of the government subsidy of 80% for converting your diesel fleet and 40% for charging infrastructure before the application deadline on August 31, 2025.
The retrofitting (DTE) ensures compliance with the Clean Vehicles Directive and maintains the value of your existing vehicles and specialized superstructures.
Electrified transporters and buses offer ranges of up to 425 km and are economically more viable in the long term (TCO) due to lower operating costs.
The pressure on fleet operators is increasing: High operating costs, looming diesel vehicle bans, and the legal requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive necessitate prompt action. A strategic retrofitting of your existing vehicles not only secures the value of your special superstructures but also provides a reliable basis for calculations for the next ten years. This article shows you how to pragmatically implement the conversion, take full advantage of the state funding of 80% for vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure, thereby setting the course for an economical and sustainable future. The deadline for applying for these funds ends on August 31, 2025.
Pressure to act by 2025: Why the time for diesel fleets is running out
The legal framework for diesel commercial vehicles is becoming increasingly tight. The EU Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented by the German Clean Vehicles Procurement Law (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), already stipulates fixed quotas for zero-emission vehicles in public contracts. By the end of 2025, 45% of newly procured buses must be "clean"; from 2026, this quota rises to 65%. At the same time, the crucial funding phase from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is underway, providing subsidies for retrofitting of up to 80% of the costs.
The deadline for funding applications is August 31, 2025. Waiting not only jeopardizes access to significant financial resources but also the future operational capability of your fleet in urban areas. Retrofitting is thus no longer an option, but a strategic necessity. The good news: A diesel-to-electric retrofit (DTE) is a pragmatic and economically superior solution. It ensures compliance with all regulations and conserves valuable resources. Learn more about the benefits of a quick retrofit.
The combination of regulatory pressure and expiring funding creates a clear time window for decisions. The next step is a structured plan to turn this challenge into a competitive advantage.
Your 4-point plan for a future-proof fleet
A successful fleet electrification requires a clear, pragmatic process. With the right strategy, you will not only secure the maximum funding but also optimize your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The TCO encompasses all costs over the lifetime of a vehicle – from acquisition through energy and maintenance to residual value. Studies show that electric commercial vehicles are often already cheaper than their diesel equivalents.
Follow this four-point checklist for a smooth transformation:
Needs and funding analysis: Record the current fleet and typical driving profiles. Based on this, we determine your individual savings potential and the maximum funding amount.
Secure funding in time: Submit your application to the BMDV with our support before August 31, 2025. We accompany you through the entire process to guarantee the 80% subsidy.
Plan and carry out the conversion: Choose the appropriate Heero conversion kits for your vehicles. The DTE conversion itself takes only a few days and preserves the value of your expensive special constructions.
Build charging infrastructure: Plan a scalable charging infrastructure, which is also subsidized with 40%. Our experts design a solution that perfectly fits your operational processes.
Especially for vehicles with expensive special constructions, conversion is far superior to new purchase. Let us analyze your total costs. With this plan as a basis, we can now examine the technical and financial details of the conversion.
Performance without compromise: The DTE technology in detail
The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is the heart of a sustainable fleet strategy. Instead of scrapping fully functional vehicles, we replace the diesel drivetrain with a state-of-the-art electric drive. This principle of circular economy not only conserves the environment but also your budget. You retain your proven vehicle, including all special attachments, and benefit from immediate emission-free operation. Our Heero DTE solutions are based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and offer impressive performance data.
A converted Heero DTE Sprinter achieves a practical range of up to 425 kilometers. The battery with a net capacity of 96 kWh can be charged to 80% at DC fast charging stations with up to 135 kW in around 30 minutes. For buses, we offer even more powerful options:
Heero low-floor bus: Up to 300 km range, 115 kWh net capacity, and a charging power of up to 165 kW DC.
Heero Tourer (9-seater): Up to 400 km range, 96 kWh net capacity, and 135 kW DC charging power.
These values prove that no compromises in operational capability are necessary. The conversion is an investment in proven quality combined with pioneering technology. Discover our efficient conversion solutions. Once the technical performance is clear, we focus on the financial benefits and funding opportunities.
Secure 80% funding: Here's how to maximize your grant
The financial attractiveness of fleet retrofitting relies heavily on the use of available funding. The current funding program of the BMDV is the decisive lever here. It supports 80% of the additional costs for a DTE conversion compared to a diesel reference vehicle. Even the necessary charging infrastructure is funded with 40% of the investment costs. It is important to meet the application deadline on August 31, 2025. After this date, the availability of these attractive conditions is no longer guaranteed.
The process to secure funding is clearly structured. Heero proactively supports you at every step, from creating the necessary documents to submitting them on time. We ensure that your application meets all the formal requirements of the funding guidelines to realize the maximum grant rate. This not only provides financial relief but also the necessary planning security for the coming years. Start now to prepare your funding application.
With secured financing, the practical implementation comes into focus: the intelligent planning of your charging infrastructure.
Intelligently plan charging infrastructure and realize it with 40% funding.
A powerful charging infrastructure is the backbone of any e-fleet. Planning must take your operational processes into account to efficiently utilize downtime for charging. Thanks to the high DC charging power of our vehicles of up to 165 kW, for example, lunch breaks or short stops at the depot may be sufficient to secure the range for the rest of the day. The federal government promotes the establishment of non-public charging infrastructure with up to 40% of the costs.
A well-thought-out charging concept considers the following aspects:
Number of vehicles to be charged simultaneously
Required charging power per parking space (e.g. 135 kW)
Intelligent load management to avoid expensive load peaks
Possibility for future expansion
Professional planning prevents misguided investments and ensures smooth operation from day one. We analyze your needs and design a customized and eligible charging infrastructure. Thus, the transition to sustainable investment will take place. Now, let us summarize the key advantages for you.
Conclusion: Act now and benefit twice.
Retrofitting your diesel fleet is the pragmatic response to the challenges of today and tomorrow. This not only ensures compliance with the Clean Vehicles Directive but also provides long-term planning security for the next ten years. By continuing to use your vehicles in the spirit of the circular economy, you conserve valuable resources and protect your investments in expensive special structures. The combination of 80% funding for the DTE retrofit and 40% for charging infrastructure creates an unbeatable business case. Act before the funding deadline on August 31, 2025.
Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your subsidy roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
For a free analysis
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More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of the topic of diesel driving bans in Germany.
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure informs about electromobility in the commercial vehicle sector and the role of charging infrastructure.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides information on commercial vehicles with alternative drives and their funding.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) offers details on the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KSNI), which supports alternative drives and charging infrastructure.
FAQ
Which vehicles can be retrofitted?
We specialize in the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models and related vehicles such as buses. This ensures the highest quality and compatibility.
What is the range after the conversion?
The range is model-specific. A converted Heero DTE Sprinter achieves up to 425 km, our bus models up to 300 km, and the tourer minibus up to 400 km. These values are more than sufficient for most daily usage profiles.
What warranties are there for the conversion?
Heero offers comprehensive warranties on all installed electric components, including the battery. The exact warranty terms are part of our individual offer and secure your investment in the long term.
Does Heero support applying for subsidies?
Yes, absolutely. We offer a free subsidy analysis and actively guide you through the entire application process to ensure you receive the maximum subsidy amount of 80% for the conversion and 40% for the charging infrastructure.
What does the 4-point conversion checklist include?
Our plan includes: 1. A detailed needs and subsidy analysis. 2. Securing the subsidies on time. 3. Professional planning and execution of the conversion. 4. The construction of a customized and also subsidized charging infrastructure.
Why is conversion more sustainable than a new purchase?
The conversion is a prime example of circular economy. It avoids the gray energy that would be consumed in the production of a completely new vehicle. By continuing to use the chassis and the body, significant amounts of CO₂ and resources are saved.
