Flatbed trucks in landscaping: Cost-effective conversion to electric drive
Rising diesel prices and impending driving bans are putting a strain on your landscaping business. Purchasing new electric vehicles means losing expensive setups. Learn how to cost-effectively convert your proven flatbed truck for landscaping operations to a robust electric drive and thus secure your investments.
The topic briefly and concisely
Protect your investment: Upgrade your flatbed truck instead of losing the value of your specialized setup by purchasing a new one.
Reduce the TCO by up to 60% through lower energy and maintenance costs, as well as government grants of up to 80%.
Act future-proof with unrestricted access to environmental zones and a powerful electric drive with a range of up to 425 km.
For GaLaBau companies, the operating costs of the fleet represent a significant factor. The volatility of diesel prices and the CO2 tax lead to an unpredictable financial burden. At the same time, over 50 German cities are tightening their environmental zones, massively restricting the usability of diesel vehicles. Many companies face the dilemma: A costly purchase of a new electric transporter, where the valuable flatbed is lost, or the continued use of diesel with all its disadvantages? Heero offers a third, far more intelligent solution with the D2E conversion. We convert your existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into a powerful electric commercial vehicle in just 10 days, thus securing your future.
Cost trap diesel: The growing burden for landscaping fleets
The overall costs for diesel vehicles are rising relentlessly and putting pressure on landscaping companies. The energy costs for a diesel van are about twice as high as for a comparable electric vehicle on average in Europe. In addition, there are increasing maintenance costs for complex exhaust systems and engine components that are not required for electric drives. These factors drive the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) up and diminish your margin with every mile driven. Especially for vehicles with expensive special equipment, such as a flatbed truck, the continued operation of diesel becomes unprofitable. The investment in the equipment is tied to a base vehicle with rising operating costs and declining residual value. This development poses a direct threat to the profitability and future viability of your company.
Investment protection through retrofitting instead of loss of value through new purchases
The acquisition of a new e-transporter seems like a logical consequence, but it carries significant disadvantages. The investment costs are high, and often the valuable flatbed structure optimized for landscaping is not compatible. This leads to a total loss of your previous investment in the structure, which often has a value of over 20,000 euros. HEERO breaks this cycle with a clear focus on the circular economy. Instead of writing off a proven vehicle with its structure, we retain its value. Our D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) is the pragmatic solution that combines economy and ecology. We convert your existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to a pure electric drive and make it fit for the next 10 years. This way, you protect your capital and invest intelligently in the future.
The HEERO D2E conversion: A technologically leading process
Our patented D2E conversion transforms your diesel flatbed truck into a modern electric commercial vehicle. The process is designed for maximum efficiency and quality and takes only 10 working days. We replace the entire diesel drivetrain with our powerful and low-maintenance electric drive. Your vehicle retains its proven chassis and the essential flatbed structure for you. The centerpiece is our battery system, which enables a range of up to 425 km (WLTP) – more than enough for typical daily operations in landscape construction. The conversion is more than just an engine swap; it is a complete modernization of your vehicle. Learn more about the conversion for your Sprinter with double cab and flatbed. This approach not only secures the continued use of your special structure but also elevates your entire vehicle to a new technological level.
TCO Analysis: How the retrofit drastically reduces your operating costs
A conversion often pays off after just 3 to 5 years due to significant savings in operating costs. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a converted e-flatbed truck is up to 60% lower than that of a diesel. These savings result from several factors, which we will break down for you:
Energy Costs: The electricity costs per 100 km are over 50% lower than diesel costs.
Maintenance: Oil changes, the replacement of exhaust systems and clutches are eliminated, reducing maintenance costs by up to 70%.
Taxes & Fees: Electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax until at least 2030.
CO2 Tax: These costs are completely eliminated for electric vehicles.
THG Rate: You receive annual premiums of several hundred euros for your saved CO2 emissions.
Subsidies: Government programs like KsNI subsidize the conversion costs by up to 80%, significantly lowering the initial investment.
This combined savings makes the decision for a conversion a clear economic necessity. With our TCO calculator, you can analyze your individual savings potential. Thus, the conversion is not only an ecological decision but above all an economic decision for the future of your business.
Practicality in Landscaping: Performance and Reliability Without Compromises
A flatbed truck in landscaping must transport heavy loads and perform well in off-road conditions. Our electric drive delivers a high torque of up to 350 Nm from the start, making it easier to start on inclines with a full load. The range of up to 425 km meets the daily requirements of over 95% of all landscaping businesses. Another often underestimated advantage is the quiet operation. This allows work in noise-sensitive environments such as residential areas or near hospitals without disturbing residents. Our customers, such as landscaping company Putz, confirm the high reliability and practicality of our converted vehicles. The robust construction of the Sprinter chassis is retained, combined with a drive that has fewer wear parts, thus minimizing downtime. Your converted electric flatbed truck is a reliable workhorse for any application.
Acting future-proof: optimally utilizing environmental zones and funding
By converting a flatbed truck to electric drive, you secure unrestricted access to all German environmental zones. While diesel vehicles are increasingly being banned from city centers, with your HEERO E-Transporter, you have free passage. This is a decisive competitive advantage, especially for businesses operating in urban areas. The federal government actively supports this transition. The funding program “Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure” (KsNI) covers up to 80% of the additional cost of a conversion compared to a new diesel vehicle. We actively support you in applying for this funding. This way, the conversion not only becomes a sustainable but also a financially highly attractive measure. Ensure the operational readiness of your fleet for municipal green maintenance and other urban tasks.
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive list of electric commercial vehicles.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides information about the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KsNI).
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides monthly statistics on new registrations of vehicles in Germany.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) offers insights into drive strategies for commercial vehicles.
The Federal Environment Agency publishes analyses of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
The area of Garden and Landscape Construction (GaLaBau) provides specific information on electromobility in the GaLaBau sector.
The Federal Network Agency provides information on the topic of electromobility.
FAQ
How long does the conversion of my flatbed truck take?
The entire conversion process at our plant in Germany is designed for maximum efficiency and usually takes only 10 working days.
Which vehicles does Heero convert?
We specialize in the conversion of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models (from year 2006, series 906 and 907/910), as they provide an excellent and durable basis for a second life as an electric vehicle.
How do the maintenance requirements change after the conversion?
The maintenance costs drop significantly. Regular and expensive tasks like oil changes, replacement of filters, belts, or the exhaust system are completely eliminated. Only safety-related components such as brakes and suspension continue to be checked.
Does Heero also offer charging solutions for my business?
Yes, we see ourselves as a holistic partner. Upon request, we analyze your needs and plan and install the appropriate charging infrastructure for your depot – from the wall box to the fast charging station.
Do I lose payload capacity due to the conversion?
No, the payload capacity remains identical to that of a comparable new electric transporter. Our conversion kits are weight-optimized, so you don't have to compromise on transport capacity.
How can I test the Heero vehicles?
We are convinced of the practicality of our vehicles. That's why we offer prospective customers a free everyday test. Contact us to arrange a test drive and experience the advantages for yourself.
