Economically electrifying refrigerated transport: retaining the special structure and lowering operating costs
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, trade, or for municipalities, a fleet with special vehicles represents a significant investment. A refrigerated body can cost up to €40,000 – capital that is often lost when a vehicle is replaced. At the same time, CO₂ taxes and low-emission zones in over 80 German cities are making the operation of diesel vehicles increasingly uneconomical. With the conversion, HEERO offers a pragmatic and technologically leading solution. We convert your proven special vehicle with a refrigerated body to a powerful electric drive. This allows you to secure the value of your body, comply with all environmental regulations, and benefit from the economic advantages of electromobility.
Stop Value Destruction: Why Retrofitting a Refrigerated Vehicle Outperforms Buying New
The purchase of a new electric refrigerated transporter often costs over €100,000, while your existing, fully functional refrigerated body is written off. This destruction of capital is unnecessary. A conversion at HEERO takes only 10 days and fully preserves the value of your special body. This allows you to bypass delivery times of over 12 months for new special vehicles. This is a crucial 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 have been specially developed for Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. This approach significantly reduces the material and energy expenditure compared to new production. In this way, 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 compromises 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 running. 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 remains guaranteed at all times. The electric motor, with its high torque, also improves driving dynamics in city traffic. Learn more about how we secure the performance of your refrigeration unit. This makes the conversion the ideal solution for demanding transport 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 van is high, the conversion amortizes significantly faster. A detailed TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) analysis shows the clear advantages. You save up to 60% on energy costs compared to diesel. Maintenance costs decrease by up to 50% because maintenance-intensive components such as the exhaust system or gearbox are eliminated. Additionally, there are significant savings due to the exemption from vehicle tax for 10 years and income from the GHG quota. Over a holding period of 8 years, the total cost of ownership is reduced by up to 25%.
Your cost advantages at a glance:
Lower investment compared to buying a new electric refrigerated vehicle.
Reduced energy costs (electricity vs. diesel) by more than half.
Elimination of oil changes, AdBlue, and exhaust system maintenance.
Government subsidies covered up to 80% of the additional costs of conversion until 2024.
No vehicle tax for 10 years after conversion.
These factors make 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 various refrigerated bodies based on the Sprinter. Whether you transport fresh goods at +5 °C or deep-frozen products at -20 °C, our systems are designed for this. We seamlessly integrate the control of the refrigeration unit into the vehicle's battery management system. This ensures an efficient and uninterrupted cold chain, even during long idle times during delivery. Particularly for vehicles with eutectic cooling, we optimize the interaction between drive and cooling. A craft business from the catering sector was thus able to reduce its energy costs for cooling by 15%. With a retrofit for eutectic cooling, you secure your product quality. This flexibility makes the retrofit the ideal choice for bakeries, butcher shops, pharmaceutical logistics companies, 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 minimum 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 inspect your base vehicle and plan the integration of the electric drive and the connection of the refrigerated body.
Dismantling: The entire diesel powertrain, including the tank and exhaust system, is professionally removed.
Installation of the Electric Drive: We install the HEERO electric motor, the power electronics, and the battery system.
Integration of the Cooling System: The cooling unit is connected to the new high-voltage system and calibrated.
Quality Assurance and TÜV: Following intensive testing, the official approval and the update of the vehicle registration documents take place.
We guarantee that your special vehicle retains its registration. You will receive a fully homologated vehicle back, ready for immediate use.
Your advantage with HEERO: Economical, sustainable, and future-proof
The decision to retrofit your special-purpose vehicle with a refrigerated body to an electric drive is an investment in the future viability of your company. You protect your tied-up capital, significantly reduce operating costs, and make an active contribution to climate protection. With HEERO as your partner, you rely on a proven, technologically mature solution based on the robust Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. You secure access to all low-emission zones and position yourself as an innovative and responsible company. Experience the benefits for yourself. Request your personal consultation now or book an everyday test free of charge.
More useful links
Nationale Leitstelle Ladeinfrastruktur (National Centre for Charging Infrastructure) deals with commercial vehicles.
Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr (BMDV) (Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport) provides information on commercial vehicles with alternative drivetrains and climate protection in transport.
Statista offers a topic page on electromobility with numerous statistics and data.
Statista presents statistics on the development of truck prices by drivetrain type.
Bundesamt für Logistik und Mobilität (BALM) (Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility) provides information on the Climate Protection and Mobility (KSNI) funding programme.
Umweltbundesamt (UBA) (German Environment Agency) addresses the subject of future freight transport and climate neutrality.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) (Federal Statistical Office) offers information on the topic of freight transport.
BMDV provides the official road freight transport statistics.
