Convert a special vehicle based on Sprinter with a cooling system to electric and secure approval
Is your special vehicle with an expensive cooling system facing the end due to diesel driving bans? Converting to electric not only protects your investment but also ensures continued usage and approval. Discover the pragmatic solution that unites economy and ecology for fleet operators.
The topic briefly and concisely
Protect your investment by converting your sprinter with a refrigerated body to electric and continue using the expensive setup.
The conversion ensures the full approval capability of the vehicle, as HEERO accompanies the entire homologation process with the TÜV.
Reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of your fleet by up to 30% through lower energy and maintenance costs as well as government incentives.
Operators of specialized vehicles, such as refrigerated transporters based on Sprinters, face a double challenge: rising operating costs and impending access restrictions in environmental zones. Purchasing new electric vehicles often means losing significant investments in the specialized body, which can account for up to 50% of the vehicle value. HEERO offers a technologically leading solution with the patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric). We convert your proven specialized vehicle to a powerful electric drive, retain the valuable refrigerated body, and guarantee the vehicle’s full registration capability. This way, you can transform your fleet economically and sustainably.
The challenge: Valuable cooling structures on the verge of extinction?
Many municipalities and logistics companies invest six-figure amounts in their fleets of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with refrigerated bodies. These specialized bodies, often used for the transport of food or pharmaceuticals, can reach costs of over €40,000 per unit. Given that over 80 German cities have environmental zones and impending diesel driving bans, the continued operation of these vehicles becomes an economic uncertainty. The alternative, a new purchase, would render these expensive bodies a complete loss. This destruction of capital is not an option for 9 out of 10 fleet managers. The HEERO solution addresses this by separating the chassis from the body and enabling future-proof continued use. Thus, the question is not whether you need to renew your fleet, but how you can do it most intelligently.
The solution: D2E conversion as protection for your investment
The patented HEERO D2E conversion is the answer to the impending decommissioning of your special fleet. Instead of purchasing a completely new e-vehicle, your existing Sprinter will be transformed into a high-performance electric vehicle within just 10 working days. This process focuses on the replacement of the drivetrain, while your valuable refrigeration build remains untouched. We preserve the core of your investment and prepare it for the emission-free future. This approach to circular economy not only reduces waste but also lowers investment costs by up to 50% compared to buying new. The process is standardized and highly efficient:
Analysis of the base vehicle and the refrigeration build.
Removal of the diesel engine, transmission, and exhaust system.
Installation of the HEERO electric drive with a power of up to 147 kW.
Integration of battery packs for a range of up to 425 km.
Ensuring the energy supply for the refrigeration build without loss of performance.
Quality assurance and preparation for technical approval.
This method ensures the continued use of your special vehicles and makes them more profitable than ever.
Approval safety: A smooth transition to e-mobility
One of the biggest concerns when converting is the question: Can a special vehicle based on the Sprinter with a refrigerated body be converted to electric and keep the approval? The answer is a clear yes. Heero takes over the entire homologation process and ensures smooth approval by recognized testing organizations such as TÜV or DEKRA. Each converted vehicle receives a new operating permit as a fully-fledged electric vehicle. We guarantee the approval capability of each vehicle converted by us. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) remains intact, simplifying the management in your fleet. The entry in the vehicle documents (registration certificate Parts I and II) is fully prepared and accompanied by us. This ensures that your converted Sprinter complies with all technical and legal requirements for road traffic in Germany and the EU.
Performance without compromise: cooling power and range
The performance of the cooling unit is crucial for delivery services in the temperature-controlled sector. Our conversion solutions for special vehicles ensure that the performance of your cooling construction remains 100% intact. The energy supply of the cooling unit is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle's overall electrical system and powered by the main battery, without significantly affecting the range. With a realistic range of up to 425 km, our converted Sprinters easily cover the typical daily routes of logistics and craft businesses. The charging time at a 22 kW wallbox is about 8 hours, enabling a full charge overnight. For faster charging cycles, our systems are also designed for DC fast charging. This proves that ecological responsibility and operational excellence go hand in hand.
Focusing on Economic Efficiency: Optimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The decision to retrofit is mainly an economic one. A TCO analysis shows that retrofitting a Sprinter significantly reduces costs compared to diesel operation. Studies prove that electric commercial vehicles are cheaper in the long run. The amortization of retrofitting costs is accelerated by several factors:
Lower energy costs: The electricity costs per 100 km are significantly below those of diesel.
Reduced maintenance costs: The elimination of oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and clutch wear reduces service costs by over 50%.
Tax advantages and toll exemptions: Electric vehicles are exempt from the truck toll until the end of 2025 and enjoy a 10-year exemption from vehicle tax.
Government subsidies: Programs like KsNI support the certified retrofitting with grants of up to 80% of the additional costs.
By combining these advantages, overall operating costs can be reduced by up to 30%. A TCO comparison clearly shows the superiority of retrofitting over continuing to operate a diesel or purchasing a new one. Thus, sustainability becomes a direct benefit for your company.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO
The conversion of your Sprinter with a refrigeration unit is the most pragmatic and economical solution for a future-proof fleet. You protect your existing investments, sustainably reduce your operating costs, and meet all legal environmental requirements while full registration capability is guaranteed. HEERO acts as your innovative partner, offering a technologically leading solution with the D2E conversion in the spirit of the circular economy. Experience the performance and reliability of our converted vehicles yourself. Request your personal consultation now or book a trial test at no cost and take the decisive step towards electrifying your fleet.
More useful links
Logistra illuminates the changes in the commercial vehicle market and the strong growth of electric trucks and buses.
Statista offers a comprehensive overview of the topic of electromobility with numerous statistics and data.
National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure provides information on the topic of commercial vehicles.
Energy Agency of Rhineland-Palatinate informs about the continuous growth of the stock of electric commercial vehicles in Germany.
Statista shows in a statistic the development of vehicle prices for trucks, broken down by type of drive.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport offers comprehensive information on commercial vehicles with alternative drives and climate protection in transport.
electrive.net discusses in an article the registrations of electric commercial vehicles in Europe and describes a 'Europe of two speeds'.
Wuppertal Institute publishes a publication on sustainable mobility and related topics.
FAQ
How long does it take to retrofit my Sprinter?
The pure retrofitting time in our factory is usually only 10 working days. Including all administrative processes and technical approval, you can expect a total duration of about 3 to 4 weeks.
Will the performance of my refrigeration unit be affected?
No, the performance of your refrigeration unit remains fully intact. We integrate the energy supply of the body seamlessly into the new electrical system, ensuring a constant and reliable cold chain at all times.
What guarantees does HEERO offer on the retrofit?
HEERO offers a comprehensive warranty on all components of the electrical drivetrain we install, including the motor and the battery. We are happy to explain the exact warranty conditions to you in a personal consultation.
Does HEERO handle the application for funding?
We actively support you in applying for all available funding. Our team knows the current funding landscapes like the KsNI program and helps you secure the maximum financial support for your retrofitting project.
Can any Sprinter model be retrofitted?
Our D2E retrofitting solution is available for a wide range of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models from the last generations. Contact us with the data of your specific vehicle, and we will check the compatibility and provide you with a custom offer.
What happens to the removed diesel components?
In the interest of circular economy, the removed engines and transmissions are professionally reconditioned by us and supplied to the spare parts market. This reduces waste and conserves valuable resources.
