Economically electrifying refrigerated transport: retaining the special structure and lowering operating costs
Rising diesel costs and impending driving bans for combustion vehicles present fleet operators with enormous challenges. Especially for expensive special vehicles like refrigerated transporters, there is a threat of massive depreciation. Learn how you can not only continue to utilize your valuable refrigeration system by specifically converting to electric drive but also drastically reduce your operating costs.
The topic briefly and concisely
Protect your investment: Retrofit your special vehicle with an electric cooling system instead of replacing it with an expensive new purchase.
Reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 25% through lower energy, maintenance, and tax costs.
Ensure the full performance of your cooling unit and a practical range of up to 250 km for urban delivery traffic.
For companies in logistics, crafts, or municipalities, a fleet with special vehicles is a significant investment. A refrigerated structure can cost up to €40,000 - capital that is often lost when a vehicle is replaced. At the same time, CO₂ taxes and environmental zones in over 80 German cities are making the operation of diesel vehicles increasingly uneconomical. Heero offers a pragmatic and technologically advanced solution with the D2E (Diesel-to-Electric) conversion. We upgrade your proven special vehicle with a refrigerated structure to a powerful electric drive. This way, you secure the value of your structure, meet all environmental requirements, and benefit from the economic advantages of electromobility.
Stop Value Destruction: Why Retrofitting a Refrigerated Vehicle Outperforms Buying New
The acquisition of a new electric refrigerated transporter often costs over €100,000, while your existing, fully functional refrigerated body is depreciated. This destruction of capital is unnecessary. A conversion at Heero takes only 10 days and fully retains the value of your specialized body. This way, you bypass lead times of over 12 months for new specialized vehicles. This is a decisive advantage within the framework of the circular economy, which conserves resources and maximizes investment security for fleets of logistics companies and municipalities. The Heero conversion solutions are specifically developed for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This approach reduces material and energy expenditure by over 70% compared to new production. Thus, a regulatory necessity becomes a strategic advantage for your company.
Performance without compromise: range and cooling performance in real operation.
The concern that an electric drive might compromise the performance of the refrigeration unit or the range is unfounded. Our systems guarantee a practical range of up to 250 kilometers even with the cooling on. This is sufficient for over 90% of all daily delivery routes in urban areas. The HEERO system ensures a constant and reliable power supply for the refrigeration unit, regardless of the driving mode. The full cooling capacity from -18 °C for frozen goods to +7 °C for fresh goods is guaranteed at all times. The electric motor with its high torque also improves driving dynamics in city traffic. Learn more about how we ensure the performance of your refrigeration unit. This conversion is the ideal solution for demanding transports in the food or pharmaceutical sector.
TCO Analysis: How Retrofitting Can Reduce Your Total Operating Costs by Up to 25%
The decision to convert is primarily an economic one. While the investment in a new electric transporter is high, the conversion pays off significantly faster. A detailed TCO analysis (Total Cost of Ownership) shows the clear advantages. You save up to 60% on energy costs compared to diesel. Maintenance costs decrease by up to 50%, as maintenance-intensive components like exhaust systems or transmissions are eliminated. Additionally, there are significant savings from being exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years and revenues from the greenhouse gas quota. Over a holding period of 8 years, total operating costs reduce by up to 25%.
Your cost benefits at a glance:
Lower investment compared to the purchase of a new electric refrigerated vehicle.
Reduced energy costs (electricity vs. diesel) by more than half.
No need for oil changes, AdBlue, and exhaust system maintenance.
Government incentives for the conversion of up to 80% of additional costs.
No vehicle tax for 10 years after the conversion.
These factors make the conversion the most economical option to achieve sustainability goals.
Customized solutions for every cooling need: From fresh service to deep freeze logistics
Every temperature-controlled transport has specific requirements. HEERO offers flexible solutions for different cooling setups based on Sprinter vehicles. Whether you are transporting fresh goods at +5 °C or frozen goods at -20 °C, our systems are designed for this. We seamlessly integrate the refrigeration unit control into the vehicle's battery management system. This ensures an efficient and uninterrupted cold chain, even during long downtimes during delivery. Especially with vehicles using eutectic cooling, we optimize the interaction between drive and cooling. A craft business from the catering sector was able to reduce its cooling energy costs by 15%. With a conversion for eutectic cooling, you ensure your product quality. This flexibility makes the conversion the ideal choice for bakeries, butcheries, pharmaceutical logisticians, and delivery services.
The HEERO process: In 10 days to a future-proof E-Transporter
We have optimized our conversion process for maximum efficiency and minimal downtime for your vehicle. In just 10 working days, we transform your diesel Sprinter into a powerful electric commercial vehicle. The process is clearly structured and transparent.
This is how the conversion works:
Analysis and Planning: We check your base vehicle and plan the integration of the E-drive and the connection of the refrigeration unit.
Dismantling: The entire diesel powertrain, including the tank and exhaust system, is professionally removed.
Installation of the E-drive: We install the HEERO electric motor, the power electronics, and the battery system.
Cooling Integration: The cooling unit is connected to the new high-voltage system and calibrated.
Quality Assurance and TÜV: After intensive tests, the official approval and the re-registration of the vehicle documents take place.
We guarantee that your special vehicle retains its approval. You will receive a fully homologated vehicle back, which is ready for immediate use.
Your advantage with HEERO: Economical, sustainable, and future-proof
Choosing to convert your special-purpose vehicle with refrigeration unit to electric drive is an investment in the future viability of your company. You protect your tied-up capital, significantly reduce operating costs, and actively contribute to climate protection. With Heero as a partner, you are opting for a proven, technologically mature solution based on the robust Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. You secure access to all environmental zones and position yourself as an innovative and responsible company. Experience the advantages for yourself. Request your personal consultation now or book a free everyday test.
More useful links
National Control Centre for Charging Infrastructure deals with commercial vehicles.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides information on commercial vehicles with alternative drives and climate protection in transport.
Statista offers a topic page on electromobility with numerous statistics and data.
Statista presents a statistic on the development of truck prices by type of drive.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) informs about the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KSNI).
Federal Environment Agency (UBA) addresses the future of goods transport and climate neutrality.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides information on the topic of goods transport.
BMDV provides the official goods transport statistics.
FAQ
Can every transporter be retrofitted with a refrigerated body?
Heero specializes in retrofitting Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. These form an ideal and widely used basis for special bodies, including refrigerated boxes. Contact us for an assessment of your specific vehicle model.
How long does it take to retrofit my vehicle?
The entire process from the delivery of your vehicle to the handover of the fully retrofitted and approved E-transporter takes only 10 working days with Heero. This minimizes downtime in your fleet.
What guarantees are there for the conversion and the components?
Heero offers comprehensive guarantees on the electric drivetrain and all installed components. You receive a reliable and durable vehicle designed for demanding commercial use.
Does Heero assist in applying for funding?
Yes, our team advises you on current funding programs from the federal government and states, such as the KsNI guideline, and actively supports you in the application process to secure the maximum financial relief for your retrofit.
Is retrofitting also more environmentally sensible than buying new?
Absolutely. By reusing the chassis and the complete body, enormous amounts of CO₂, energy, and raw materials are saved that would be incurred in the production of a new vehicle. This is an active contribution to the circular economy.
Can I test drive a retrofitted vehicle?
Yes, we are convinced of our technology. Heero offers potential customers the opportunity to experience a retrofitted vehicle in a free everyday test and to convince themselves of the performance and practicality.
