Convert a special vehicle based on Sprinter with a cooling system to electric and secure approval
Convert a special vehicle based on Sprinter with a cooling system to electric and secure approval
Is your special-purpose vehicle with an expensive refrigerated body facing the end of its service life due to diesel driving bans? Converting to electric not only protects your investment, but also secures its continued use and registration. Discover the pragmatic solution that combines economic efficiency and emission balance 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; government subsidies were also available until 2024.
Operators of special-purpose vehicles, such as refrigerated sprinters, face a dual challenge: rising operating costs and imminent access restrictions in low-emission zones. Buying new electric vehicles often means losing high investments in the specialized body, which can account for up to 50% of the vehicle's value. HEERO offers a technologically leading solution. We convert your proven special-purpose vehicle to a powerful electric drive, preserve the valuable refrigerated body, and guarantee the full eligibility of the vehicle for registration. This allows you to transform your fleet economically and sustainably.
The challenge: Valuable cooling structures on the verge of extinction?
Many municipalities and logistics companies invest six-figure sums in their fleets of Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with refrigerated bodies. These specialized bodies, often for the transport of food or pharmaceuticals, can reach costs of over €40,000 per unit. In view of more than 80 German cities with environmental zones and impending diesel driving bans, the continued operation of these vehicles is becoming an economic uncertainty. The alternative, a new purchase, would turn these expensive bodies into a total loss. This capital destruction is not an option for 9 out of 10 fleet managers. The HEERO solution starts exactly here by separating the chassis from the body and enabling future-proof continued use. This means the question is not whether you have to renew your fleet, but how to do it in the smartest way.
The solution: D2E conversion as protection for your investment
The patented HEERO conversion is the answer to the imminent decommissioning of your specialized fleet. Instead of purchasing a completely new electric vehicle, your existing Sprinter is transformed into a high-performance electric vehicle within just 10 working days. This process focuses on replacing the drivetrain, while your valuable refrigerated body remains untouched. We preserve the heart of your investment and make it fit for a locally emission-free future. This circular economy approach not only reduces waste but also lowers investment costs by up to 50% compared to a new purchase. The process is standardized and highly efficient:
Analysis of the base vehicle and the refrigerated body.
Removal of the diesel engine, transmission, and exhaust system.
Installation of the HEERO electric drive with an output of up to 147 kW.
Integration of the battery packs for a range of up to 425 km.
Ensuring the energy supply for the refrigerated body without any loss of performance.
Quality assurance and preparation for technical approval.
This method secures the continued use of your specialized vehicles and makes them more profitable than ever.
Approval safety: A smooth transition to e-mobility
One of the biggest concerns during retrofitting is the question: Can a special-purpose vehicle based on a Sprinter with a refrigerated body be converted to electric and retain its registration? The answer is a clear yes. HEERO handles the entire homologation process and ensures smooth approval by recognized testing organizations such as TÜV or DEKRA. Each retrofitted vehicle receives a new operating permit as a fully-fledged electric vehicle. We guarantee the registerability of every vehicle retrofitted by us. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is retained, which simplifies administration in your fleet. The entry in the vehicle documents (registration certificate Part I and II) is fully prepared and accompanied by us. This ensures that your retrofitted Sprinter meets all requirements for road traffic in Germany and the EU, not only technically but also legally.
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 refrigerated body is 100% maintained. The power 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 trade businesses. The charging time at a 22 kW wallbox is approximately 8 hours, enabling a full charge overnight. For faster charging cycles, our systems are also designed for DC fast charging. In this way, we prove that emission reduction and operational excellence go hand in hand.
Focusing on Economic Efficiency: Optimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The decision in favor of conversion is primarily an economic one. A TCO analysis shows that converting a Sprinter significantly reduces costs compared to diesel operation. Studies prove that electric commercial vehicles are more cost-effective in the long term. The amortization of conversion costs is accelerated by several factors:
Lower energy costs: Electricity costs per 100 km are significantly below diesel costs.
Reduced maintenance costs: The elimination of oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and clutch wear reduces service costs by over 50%.
Tax benefits and toll exemption: Electric vehicles were exempt from the truck toll until the end of 2025 and enjoy a 10-year vehicle tax exemption.
Government funding: Programs such as KsNI supported the certified conversion until 2024 with subsidies of up to 80% of the additional costs.
By combining these advantages, the total cost of ownership is reduced by up to 30%. A TCO comparison shows the clear superiority of conversion compared to the continued operation of a diesel vehicle or a new purchase. In this way, sustainability becomes a direct benefit for your company.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO
Retrofitting your Sprinter with a refrigerated body 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 remains guaranteed. HEERO acts as your innovative partner, offering a technologically leading solution in terms of the circular economy. Experience the performance and reliability of our converted vehicles for yourself. Request your personal consultation now or book an everyday test free of charge and take the decisive step toward electrifying your fleet.
More useful links
Logistra highlights the transformation 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.
Nationale Leitstelle Ladeinfrastruktur provides information on the topic of commercial vehicles.
Energieagentur Rheinland-Pfalz informs about the continuous growth of the stock of electric commercial vehicles in Germany.
Statista shows in a statistic the development of vehicle prices of trucks, broken down by drive type.
Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr offers comprehensive information on commercial vehicles with alternative drives and climate protection in transport.
electrive.net addresses the registrations of electric commercial vehicles in Europe in an article and describes a 'Europe of two speeds'.
Wuppertal Institut publishes a publication on sustainable mobility and related topics.
