Convert sanitation service vehicles: Investment protection modeled after TOI TOI & DIXI
Your plumbing service vehicle has an expensive special conversion, but the diesel engine is becoming a burden? A conversion to electric drive protects your investment and ensures the future viability of your fleet. Discover how Heero, following the example of industry leaders like TOI TOI & DIXI, offers an economically and ecologically superior solution.
The topic briefly and concisely
Converting a sanitary service vehicle to electric drive protects the expensive investment in the specialized expansion and is up to 40% cheaper than buying a new one.
Following the example of TOI TOI & DIXI, service fleets can reduce their operating costs (TCO) by up to 60% and improve service quality through quiet operation with the D2E conversion.
With a range of up to 425 km and the ability to power tools directly from the vehicle battery, converted Sprinters are fully operational and future-proof for all environmental zones.
For operators of special fleets, such as in sanitization services, diesel bans and rising operating costs present a double challenge. The high investments in customized structures, which often exceed the value of the base vehicle, seem tied to the fate of the diesel engine. Purchasing a new electric special-purpose vehicle involves enormous costs and long delivery times. Heero breaks this cycle with the patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric). We convert your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinters into high-performance electric vehicles within just 10 days, preserving the valuable structure and significantly reducing your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Thus, necessity turns into a strategic advantage.
The investment trap: Why a new purchase is uneconomical for special fleets
Operators of service fleets face a dilemma: The drive of their vehicles is outdated, but the setup is highly specialized and valuable. A specialist conversion for a sanitation service vehicle, including pumps, tanks, and shelving systems, can cost over 50,000 euros. With a new purchase of an electric transporter, this amount would need to be completely reinvested while the old setup would be written off. At the same time, environmental zones in cities like Munich, Stuttgart, and Darmstadt are forcing action, as diesel vehicles up to Euro 5 are increasingly being excluded. This scenario destroys tied-up capital and drives up overall operating costs. Continuing to use the proven Mercedes Sprinter chassis is therefore the most economically sensible decision. This challenge requires a solution that protects the value of the existing assets while simultaneously paving the way for an emission-free future.
Value creation through reuse: The D2E retrofitting as a strategic advantage
The solution lies in the consistent application of the circular economy to the fleet. Instead of replacing a fully functional vehicle including its body, HEERO's D2E conversion focuses on replacing the drive unit. Within just ten days, we replace the diesel engine with our powerful electric drive. The chassis, the cab, and especially the expensive special conversion remain untouched and can continue to be used seamlessly. This approach not only conserves valuable resources but also reduces investment costs compared to a new purchase by up to 40%. The lifespan of a Sprinter chassis often exceeds 350,000 kilometers, which easily enables a second usage phase as an electric vehicle. Here are the key advantages of this approach:
Investment Protection: Your expensive and customized special conversion remains fully intact.
Cost Reduction: Significantly lower investment compared to purchasing a new electric special vehicle.
Sustainability: Continued use instead of scrapping avoids CO2 emissions and conserves resources.
Quick Availability: The conversion is completed in just 10 days, while delivery times for new vehicles often take months.
Proven Base: Drivers and mechanics continue to work with the familiar and reliable Sprinter model.
HEERO conversion solutions are therefore more than a technical swap; they are a strategic decision for economic and ecological sustainability. But how does this concept prove itself in the demanding practice of service fleets?
Practical example TOI TOI & DIXI: How service fleets electrify their efficiency
A leading example of successful implementation is the partnership between Heero and the TOI TOI & DIXI Group. The company operates a fleet of over 2,000 service vehicles that cover more than 77 million kilometers annually. The vehicles are equipped with complex pumping and cleaning technology—an investment that would be lost with each vehicle replacement. By converting the existing Mercedes Sprinters to the Heero electric drive system, TOI TOI & DIXI is taking a new, sustainable path. The first converted vehicle represents a world first in the field of mobile sanitary services. The planned routes of the service fleet are ideally within the range of the converted electric transporter. A crucial advantage is that the energy required for the operation of the pumping units is drawn directly from the vehicle battery, eliminating the need for noisy and emission-heavy additional generators. This exemplary project with TOI TOI demonstrates how conversion not only saves costs but also improves service quality through noise reduction. The economic and technical performance data support this strategic decision.
More than just green: The hard economic facts of electrification
The decision to retrofit is based on a clear TCO analysis (Total Cost of Ownership). Although the initial investment for retrofitting is required, it pays off through significantly lower operating costs. Studies show that e-commercial vehicles, depending on the application profile, are already cheaper to operate than comparable diesel models. Operating costs can decrease by up to 60%. The following factors are crucial for the TCO calculation:
Energy costs: Electricity costs per 100 km are significantly lower than the costs for diesel.
Maintenance and Repair: E-drives have fewer wear parts (no exhaust, oil changes, clutch), which reduces maintenance costs by over 50%.
Government subsidies: Programs like KsNI support retrofitting with up to 80% of the additional costs.
Taxes and Tolls: E-vehicles are exempt from truck tolls until the end of 2025 and enjoy tax advantages.
CO2 charges: Elimination of rising costs for CO2 certificates.
With a real range of up to 425 km, a Sprinter retrofitted by Heero easily covers the vast majority of daily operations for service vehicles for technicians. This combination of range and efficiency makes retrofitting the logical choice, especially for vehicles that need power on the go.
Autonomous energy supply: power for tools and equipment directly from the vehicle battery.
A decisive advantage of the HEERO conversion for crafts and service companies is the integrated power supply. The powerful vehicle battery serves not only for propulsion but also as a mobile energy source for tools, machines, and special units. For a plumbing service vehicle, this means that pressure washers and pumps can be operated directly and emission-free. The need for a separate, noisy, and maintenance-intensive diesel generator is completely eliminated. This not only reduces noise pollution during operations in residential areas but also further decreases complexity and operating costs. A mobile workshop with power for tools thus becomes a reality. This technological superiority not only ensures operational advantages but also compliance with future environmental regulations, which is a central criterion especially for public clients.
Future-proof in the environmental zone: Confidently meet legal requirements
For municipalities, cities, and their service providers, complying with emissions limits is not an option but an obligation. With the tightening of environmental zones and the impending complete diesel bans, the pressure to act will continue to rise by 2025. Retrofitting existing municipal utility vehicle fleets is the fastest and most budget-friendly way to ensure operational readiness. Whether for green space maintenance, waste disposal, or technical service – a retrofitted Sprinter guarantees unrestricted access to all city areas. Instead of investing millions in new fleets, municipalities can future-proof their existing vehicles with a fraction of the budget. This not only conserves the budget but also serves as a role model for sustainable procurement. Retrofitting makes municipal utility vehicles future-proof and proves that ecology and economy can go hand in hand. The path to conversion is clearly defined and is accompanied by Heero in partnership.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a general overview of electromobility.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BaLM) informs about the funding program Climate Protection and Mobility (KSNI).
The Federal Environment Agency publishes an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides tables on the vehicle stock in Germany.
The Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) offers information on the drive strategy for commercial vehicles.
The Federal Ministry for the Environment informs about the topic of end-of-life vehicles in the context of circular economy.
The Öko-Institut has published a study on the electrification of heavy commercial vehicles and the establishment of charging infrastructure.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Traffic (BMDV) provides information on the task force for retrofitting alternative drives.
On gesetze-im-internet.de you can find the Wastewater Regulation (AbwV), a relevant German law.
FAQ
Which vehicles can you convert to electric drive?
Heero specializes in the D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. This includes vans, flatbed trucks, and chassis on which individual and expensive special structures, such as those found in sanitary service vehicles, are mounted.
How long does the conversion of a service vehicle take?
The complete conversion of your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter from diesel to a fully electric vehicle takes only 10 working days in our factory. This minimizes downtime and quickly reintegrates your vehicle into your fleet.
Does the payload of my special vehicle remain after the conversion?
Yes, when designing our electric drive, the payload was considered as a central criterion. Your converted service vehicle retains a practical payload that is designed to meet the requirements of sanitary services, craftsmanship, or logistics.
Can I also use the vehicle battery for my tools?
Absolutely. A major advantage of the Heero conversion is the ability to use the vehicle's main battery as a mobile power source. You can connect tools, pumps, or other equipment directly and no longer need a separate generator.
Are there government subsidies for the conversion?
Yes, the conversion of commercial vehicles to electric drive is heavily subsidized in Germany through various programs, such as the KsNI guideline. Companies can receive grants of up to 80% of the additional costs incurred for conversion. We are happy to advise you on the current funding opportunities.
What about the warranty on the converted drive?
Heero provides a comprehensive warranty on the electric drivetrain and battery components. You receive a reliable and durable solution designed for intensive use in everyday commercial operations. For details on warranty terms, please contact our consulting team.
