Economic efficiency meets future security: Converting service vehicles for field technicians to high-range electric drive.
Rising diesel prices, impending driving bans in city centers, and demanding sustainability goals pose significant challenges for fleet operators. The transition of your service vehicles for field technicians to a long-range electric drive is not only an ecological necessity but, above all, a strategic decision for greater efficiency and future security. Discover how intelligent electrification of your existing fleet can significantly reduce total operating costs (TCO) and ensure the long-term availability of your technicians.
The topic briefly and concisely
Converting diesel service vehicles to electric drive reduces total operating costs (TCO) through lower energy and maintenance costs as well as government subsidies of up to 80% of the additional costs.
With a practical range of up to 425 km, the converted vans are more than capable of meeting the daily demands of field service technicians.
The HEERO D2E conversion protects your existing investments in expensive special designs and shelving systems and avoids the depreciation of a new purchase.
For fleet managers in the technical field service, the situation is becoming increasingly complex: The operating costs for diesel vehicles are continuously rising, while more and more German cities like Munich and Stuttgart are enforcing access restrictions for diesel vehicles up to the Euro 5 standard. At the same time, sustainability goals require a drastic reduction in CO2 emissions. Purchasing new e-transporters often involves high costs and the loss of expensive, customized structures. Heero positions itself here as your pragmatic partner: We offer a technologically leading solution to convert your service vehicles for field technicians to a long-range electric drive. With our patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric), you protect your investments, lower your operating costs, and future-proof your fleet in just 10 days.
The dual challenge: operating costs and access restrictions
Fleet operators of service vehicles are under double pressure. On one hand, unpredictable diesel prices and high maintenance costs burden the total operating costs (TCO) by up to 15% annually. On the other hand, municipalities are drastically tightening access regulations. In cities like Darmstadt and Stuttgart, there are already driving bans for diesel commercial vehicles of the Euro 4 and 5 standards. From 2030, the EU limit for nitrogen dioxide will be halved, which is expected to lead to further driving bans. This development jeopardizes the operational capability of craft businesses and service technicians, whose daily routes often lead into these environmental zones. The strategic conversion of the fleet is therefore no longer an option, but a necessity. The question is not whether, but how the conversion can be done in the most economical way. The solution often lies not in new purchases but in the intelligent continued use of proven vehicles.
The HEERO solution: Protect investments by converting to D2E
A complete new purchase of e-vans means losing investments in expensive shelving systems and special fittings, which often account for up to 50% of the vehicle's value. HEERO offers a superior alternative with the D2E conversion. We replace the diesel drivetrain of your proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with our powerful electric drive. This circular economy approach not only conserves valuable resources but also primarily your budget. Your vehicle retains its individual and costly fittings that your technicians know and appreciate. With a practical range of up to 425 kilometers, our converted vehicles far exceed the requirements for daily service use. A test with a craft business showed that an average daily distance of 180 km is easily covered. This way, you protect your existing assets and make them fit for the future. Learn more about how you can convert your workshop vehicle without loss of value.
Economic efficiency analyzed: The TCO benefits of electrification
The higher acquisition costs for electric mobility are often seen as a hurdle, but an analysis of total operating costs (TCO) proves the opposite. Studies show that the conversion to electric drive often pays off within 4 to 6 years due to lower operating and energy costs. State funding programs such as "KsNI" further support the transition and cover up to 80% of the additional investment costs compared to a new diesel vehicle. The combination of subsidies and savings makes the conversion the most economical decision.
Here is a simplified cost comparison per vehicle and year:
Energy costs: Electricity costs for 20,000 km are around €1,600, while diesel costs can exceed €3,000.
Maintenance & Repair: Electric drives have fewer wear parts, reducing maintenance costs by at least 50%.
Vehicle tax: Electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years.
CO2 pricing: These costs are completely eliminated for electric vehicles.
These factors lead to a significant reduction in ongoing costs. Let us prepare a detailed amortization calculation for your fleet. The analysis of the TCO clearly shows the path to a profitable and sustainable future.
Practicality in Focus: Range and Performance for the Technician's Everyday Life
The concern about insufficient range is one of the biggest hurdles in fleet electrification. With a battery capacity that allows a range of up to 425 km, HEERO vehicles are well equipped for the demanding daily operations of field service technicians. Even on highway drives or the use of air conditioning, which can reduce the range by up to 30 km in some models, a high level of operational reliability remains ensured. Our vehicles not only offer a high range but also the necessary performance for transporting material and tools. A decisive advantage for craft businesses is the ability to power tools and machines directly through the vehicle's battery. This makes your service vehicles a mobile and independent workshop. Converting to a HEERO electric drive is the ideal solution to use your Sprinter as a mobile workshop. This proves the superiority of our vehicles in the tough working environment.
Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage: Circular Economy and ESG Goals
The decision to upgrade to D2E is a strong commitment to sustainability and significantly improves your ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) performance. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle, we extend its lifecycle by at least 10 years. This circular economy approach reduces the need for new raw materials like steel and aluminum by several tons per vehicle. Not only do you avoid production emissions, but you also position your company as a responsible partner. Many large clients and public contractors today demand verifiable sustainability efforts from their service providers. With a retrofitted fleet, you not only meet legal requirements but also gain a clear competitive advantage in tenders. The use of your existing fleet is the most consistent step towards a greener future.
Seamless integration: retrofitting process and charging infrastructure from a single source
We understand that the conversion of your fleet must be smooth and without long downtimes. Our standardized conversion process ensures just that. In just 10 working days, your diesel vehicle will become a fully-fledged electric transporter.
The process is very simple for you:
Analysis: We check your existing vehicle and advise you on the optimal configuration.
Conversion: Our experts remove the diesel drive train and integrate the Heero electric drive.
Quality Assurance: Every vehicle undergoes rigorous testing to ensure the highest quality and safety.
Handover: You will receive your converted vehicle back, including all registration papers.
We also don't leave you alone when it comes to the charging infrastructure. We advise you on the suitable charging solutions for your business location and support you in applying for grants, such as the KfW Program 441, which offers up to €45,000 in subsidies per location. This way you avoid long delivery times for new vehicles and receive a turnkey solution. This holistic approach ensures the quick and efficient electrification of your fleet.
More useful links
Statista provides a statistic on the stock of trucks with alternative drives in Germany.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides a product catalog with statistics on vehicles.
Statista presents a survey on the range requirements for electric trucks.
The Federal Ministry of Transport offers information on the vehicle stock in Germany.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) informs about the funding program Climate Protection and Mobility (KSNI).
The Öko-Institut provides a publication on the economic viability of electromobility in commercial applications.
The Fraunhofer ISI provides a press release on the deployment planning of electric trucks, potentials, and costs.
The Federal Environment Agency offers an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
FAQ
Are converted electric vans susceptible to diesel driving bans?
No, after the conversion, your van is an officially approved electric vehicle. It is fully exempt from all existing and future diesel driving bans, as they apply in Stuttgart or Munich, and has free passage in all environmental zones.
What guarantees does Heero provide on the electric drive?
Heero offers comprehensive guarantees on the new electric drivetrain and the battery, which are comparable with the warranties of new vehicles. This ensures your investment in the long term and guarantees the reliability of our technology.
Does Heero assist with applying for funding?
Yes, we actively support our customers in identifying and applying for the appropriate funding programs at federal and state level. Our goal is to achieve the maximum financial relief for your fleet conversion.
Can I also transport heavy loads with the converted vehicle?
Yes, the Heero electric drive is designed to largely retain the payload of your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The vehicles are designed for the tough everyday tasks of craftsmen and can easily transport material and heavy tools.
Do you also offer charging solutions for the depot?
Absolutely. We take a holistic approach and advise you comprehensively on the charging infrastructure that suits the size of your fleet and your operational processes. We assist with planning, installation, and also support in obtaining funding.
Can I test a converted vehicle in advance?
Yes, we are convinced of our technology and offer potential customers the opportunity to trial a converted vehicle in the course of a 'zero-cost everyday test' in their own fleet. This way, you can see for yourself the performance and practicality.
