The new federal funding round has started. Learn how to use HEERO D2E-conversion (diesel-to-electric) use the maximum funding rate for your Sprinter fleet and reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) by over 30%.
The new circular on bus funding 2025 is out and opens the way for massive investment subsidies. Transport companies and municipalities can now be reimbursed up to 80% of the additional costs for electrifying their fleets. This is an opportunity to avoid diesel driving bans and significantly reduce operating costs.
Increasing operating costs, impending diesel driving bans and ambitious climate goals pose enormous challenges for fleet operators. With the new edition of the “Directive on the Promotion of Alternative Drive Systems for Buses in Passenger Transport”, the Federal Government has created a decisive solution for 2025. This funding call enables you to cover up to 80% of additional investment expenditure for the conversion to electric drives.
HEERO is your partner to make the most of this opportunity - whether by purchasing new e-sprinters or the patented D2E-conversion of your existing vehicles. We'll show you how to not only protect the environment, but also take the profitability of your fleet to a new level.
In 2025, the federal government is funding the purchase and conversion of buses to electric drives with 80% of additional investment spending.
Transport companies and municipalities are eligible to apply; project outlines must be submitted by August 31, 2025.
The HEERO D2E-conversion is fully eligible for funding and saves budget and resources thanks to the circular economy principle.
The federal government has launched a new funding call for 2025 to speed up the transition to clean bus fleets. Based on the guideline valid until the end of 2025, transport companies and municipalities can submit project outlines by August 31, 2025. The aim is to reduce CO2-to drastically reduce emissions in the transport sector and improve air quality in cities. Since 2021, around 3,500 buses have already been funded with a volume of 1.2 billion euros.
The funding explicitly covers both the purchase and conversion of existing vehicles, which is an economically attractive option for fleet operators. The award is carried out in a competitive process, in which criteria such as CO2-Avoidance and the rate of electrification play a central role. This paves the way for future-proof and sustainable mobility.
To receive maximum funding, applicants must meet clear conditions. A key requirement is the exclusive use of electricity from renewable sources for subsidized vehicles and charging infrastructure. The funding rates are extremely attractive:
80% additional investment expenditure for the purchase or conversion to battery or fuel cell-based drives.
Up to 40% the costs of the necessary charging, refueling and maintenance infrastructure.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it is possible to increase the funding rate of up to 20 percentage points.
Feasibility studies are also subsidized with up to 50% in order to strategically plan the transition.
HEERO helps you to ensure that your investment is eligible for funding, from vehicle configuration to proof of purchase of green energy. With our expertise in the area alternative drives for buses We ensure that your application meets all criteria for maximum funding.
The funding guideline recognizes the conversion of diesel vehicles as an equivalent option for new purchases. This is an economically superior solution, particularly for fleets with expensive special structures, such as those used by many Mercedes-Benz sprinters. Instead of buying a completely new vehicle for over 150,000 euros, the D2E conversion gives you the value of your existing vehicle. Our patented conversion takes just 10 days and turns your diesel Sprinter into a powerful e-minibus with a range of up to 300 km.
This circular economy approach not only saves your budget, but also valuable resources. Here too, the funding rate of 80% applies to the total conversion costs, which makes the investment unbeatable. Learn more about the benefits of e-bus conversion and funding.
The application process is structured in two stages to ensure efficient and targeted allocation of funds. As a solution-oriented partner, HEERO accompanies you through the entire process. Here are the key steps:
1. Submission of project outline: A project outline must be submitted via the “Easy-online” online portal by August 31, 2025. This outline describes the project, the expected CO2 savings and the funding requirement.
2nd Evaluation and selection: Project Management Agency Jülich (PtJ) evaluates the submitted sketches according to criteria such as funding efficiency and climate protection contribution.
3rd Request for a full proposal: Projects rated positively are invited to submit a formal funding application.
4th Application review and approval: After a final examination, the funding notice is issued, which is the basis for the binding order of the vehicles or the ordering of the conversion.
With our Checklist for the e-bus funding application Let us ensure that no deadline is missed and that no detail is overlooked.
Government funding is the catalyst, but the real strength of electrification lies in reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) over the long term. An E-Sprinter converted by HEERO reduces energy costs per 100 kilometers by up to 70% compared to diesel. In addition, there are no costs for vehicle tax and CO2 duties, while maintenance costs fall by at least 50%.
In combination with 80% funding, the investment in a D2E conversion often pays off after just 4 years. For logistics companies, craft businesses and municipalities, this means a predictable and sustainable budget reduction. Our experts are happy to calculate your individual TCO savings in a personal advice for fleet electrification.
The current bus funding 2025 offers a unique opportunity to make the switch to electric mobility highly profitable. With a funding rate of 80% for new purchases and retrofits, the course is being set for an emission-free future.
As a technology leader, HEERO not only offers you tried-and-tested e-vehicles based on Sprinter, but also an economically and ecologically superior alternative through the D2E-conversion. We combine performance, sustainability in the sense of a circular economy and significant cost advantages. As your innovative partner, we support you from funding advice to integration into your fleet. Take advantage of this opportunity now and shape the future of your fleet with us.
Ask for a personal advice on or book one Everyday test for freeto experience the HEERO performance for yourself.
The funding rate is up to 80% of eligible expenditure. In the case of a conversion, this is the total investment expenditure related to environmental protection, i.e. the total costs of the conversion.
HEERO specializes in the electrification of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter commercial vehicles. Our patented D2E-conversion (diesel-to-electric) is ideal for operators of sprinter fleets, particularly with expensive special structures.
Our highly innovative and standardized process makes it possible to completely convert a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter from diesel to electric within just 10 working days.
Yes, the funding guideline also includes subsidies for the non-public sector necessary for the operation Charging and maintenance infrastructure with a funding rate of up to 40%.
Once submitted in due time by August 31, 2025, the sketches will be evaluated by project promoter Jülich. If the evaluation is positive, you will be asked to submit a formal, detailed funding application.
The official basis is not a classic circular, but the “Guideline for the Promotion of Alternative Drive Systems for Buses in Passenger Transport,” which was published in the Federal Gazette. Current funding calls with deadlines are being communicated by the Ministry and project promoter.
Renewable mobile provides detailed information on the funding program for the purchase of electric buses in public transport.
The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) provides information in a Article on increased support for electric buses in public transport.
The Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) provides the Final report of an accompanying study on e-buses available as a PDF in public transport.
The Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) provides comprehensive information on Funding program to strengthen public transport.
The Heidelberg Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (ifeu) presents Details of his accompanying investigation into the funding of electric buses in public transport.
