Convert Sprinter to 20-seater: 80% funding available until August 31, 2025 for the electric fleet.
Up to 425 km range after a diesel-to-electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. The time for the electrification of your 20-seater Sprinter is now, as the current funding round with an 80 percent subsidy ends on August 31, 2025. Act before rising diesel prices and strict CO₂ regulations further burden your operating costs.
The topic briefly and concisely
Take advantage of the government funding of 80% for converting your 20-seater Sprinter; the deadline is August 31, 2025.
Reduce your total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 28% compared to diesel with lower energy and maintenance costs.
Meet the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) pragmatically by retrofitting existing vehicles instead of costly new purchases.
The operation of a 20-seater sprinter presents increasing challenges: High fuel costs, complex bureaucracy, and pressure from climate regulations such as the EU Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) complicate profitability. Many operators shy away from the high investments in new electric vehicles and the associated uncertainty. However, there is a pragmatic solution: The diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE). This process converts your existing vehicles into powerful electric transporters, secures your investments in specialized superstructures, and significantly reduces total operating costs (Total Cost of Ownership, TCO). Use the remaining time until the funding deadline on August 31, 2025, to receive 80 percent of the conversion costs as a subsidy and future-proof your fleet.
Regulatory pressure and cost trap: The urgency of fleet electrification
The regulatory framework for vehicle fleets is noticeably tightening. The EU's Clean Vehicles Directive, implemented in Germany through the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), already mandates fixed quotas for low-emission vehicles in public contracts. By the end of 2025, for example, 45 percent of newly procured buses must be clean, with half of them being completely emission-free. From 2026, these quotas will further increase. At the same time, unpredictable diesel prices and impending city toll expansions are impacting your balance sheet. Holding on to purely diesel fleets is thus becoming an increasing economic risk. Upgrading your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the direct response to these challenges. This development makes it clear that a strategic realignment is unavoidable.
Your 4-point action plan for the supported conversion
A structured process is the key to success in maximizing the deadline of August 31, 2025. We have divided the path to electrifying your 20-seater Sprinter into four clear steps:
Needs Analysis and Fleet Check: We analyze your current driving profiles, range requirements, and downtimes. Based on this, we determine the exact savings potential and the technological needs for your specific application case.
Funding Application Submission: The most important step is the timely submission of the documents. We will guide you through the entire process of the e-bus funding application to secure the maximum funding rate of 80 percent for the conversion and 40 percent for the charging infrastructure.
Professional DTE Conversion: Your vehicle will be converted in our specialized center in just ten days. The proven structure of your Sprinter remains completely intact while we replace the powertrain with our patented E-technology.
Integration and Commissioning: After the conversion, the seamless integration into your fleet takes place. We assist you in planning the charging infrastructure and train your drivers for efficient operation with the new electric drive.
With this clear roadmap, the transition becomes manageable and economically advantageous.
Economics in detail: The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in comparison
The acquisition costs are only part of the truth. Decisive for a profitable fleet are the total operating costs, also called Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). This metric includes all costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. A study shows that e-transporters already have 28 percent lower mileage costs than comparable diesel models. With a DTE retrofit, the high acquisition costs for a new vehicle are eliminated, which further improves the TCO balance. The savings consist of several factors:
Energy costs: Electricity is significantly cheaper per kilometer than diesel.
Maintenance and service: Electric drives have fewer wear parts, which can reduce service costs by over 80 percent.
Taxes and fees: Electric vehicles benefit from a ten-year exemption from vehicle tax.
Subsidies: The grant of 80 percent reduces the initial investment to a minimum.
A detailed Total Cost of Ownership analysis shows how quickly the investment in a retrofit pays off for your fleet. This economic superiority makes the retrofit the logical choice for forward-thinking fleet operators.
Sustainability through circular economy: renovation instead of new purchase
Why scrap a fully functional vehicle with expensive special equipment? The diesel-to-electric conversion is a prime example of living circular economy. Instead of using valuable resources for a complete new build, we retain the vehicle body and upgrade it with the latest E-technology. This approach saves up to two tons of CO₂ per vehicle alone in the manufacturing process. Our Heero DTE-Sprinters offer impressive performance data: With a 110 kWh gross battery (96 kWh net), they achieve a practical range of up to 425 kilometers. Thanks to the DC fast charging capacity of up to 135 kW, the battery is recharged to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. With our conversion solutions, you invest not only in economic but also in ecological sustainability. Thus, your fleet becomes a model for resource-saving economy.
Optimally using funding pots: Your way to 80 percent subsidy
The federal government is massively supporting the transition to clean drives. Through the KsNI regulation of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV), the additional investment expenses for e-commercial vehicles are subsidized by 80 percent. This explicitly also applies to DTE retrofits. In addition, the establishment of the necessary charging infrastructure is supported with 40 percent. However, the current funding period is time-limited: Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025. Given the high demand and the processing times at the authorities, prompt action is required. A modern e-bus in your fleet is therefore no longer a distant dream. Utilizing these programs is crucial for the economic viability of the transition.
Start your funding analysis: 3 steps to 80% funding
Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
For a free analysis
free · non-binding · on time
Note: The content presented here is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
More useful links
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action provides information on funding opportunities for utility and special vehicles with climate-friendly drives.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility provides details on the funding program for climate protection and sustainability in transport (KSNI).
Federal Motor Transport Authority publishes current vehicle registration statistics in Germany.
Federal Environment Agency informs about measures and strategies for climate protection in the transport sector.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on electric vehicles.
Federal Ministry for the Environment explains its strategy for promoting the circular economy.
Transport & Environment Germany presents a study showing electric transporters as overall more cost-effective than diesel models.
German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) informs about the drive strategy for commercial vehicles.
German Energy Agency (dena) offers a background paper on the refueling and charging infrastructure for heavy goods transport.
Federal Ministry for Transport provides information on electromobility in Germany.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the 80% funding?
Eligible to apply for the funding according to the KsNI guidelines are companies in the commercial sector as well as companies with public participation that are active in passenger or freight transport. We are happy to check your individual eligibility as part of our funding analysis.
What happens to my vehicle during the conversion?
Your Sprinter will be brought to our technology center. There, our experts remove the diesel engine, transmission, and tank. Then, we install the E-motor, battery unit, and all power electronics. The vehicle interior and body remain untouched.
What guarantees are there for the conversion and the battery?
HEERO offers comprehensive warranties on all installed components, including the electric drivetrain and high-voltage battery. You will receive exact details of the warranty conditions in your personal offer.
Does HEERO also assist in planning the charging infrastructure?
Yes, we offer a holistic solution. Our consultancy also includes the planning and installation of the appropriate charging infrastructure for your depot. In addition, we inform you about the 40% funding for charging stations.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean exactly?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is a calculation method that considers all costs of a vehicle over its entire lifespan. This includes, in addition to the purchase price, energy, maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and the estimated resale value. It provides a more realistic picture of the true costs than just the purchase price.
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD)?
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) is an EU directive that requires public procurers to comply with minimum quotas for low- and zero-emission vehicles when procuring vehicles and services. The aim is to increase demand for environmentally friendly vehicles and reduce CO₂ emissions in the transport sector.
