Electric Sprinter 20-seater: optimise TCO and reliably meet CVD quotas
The Clean Vehicles Directive calls for a quota for clean buses by then. HEERO midibuses, either as customised new vehicles or as a HEERO Diesel-to-Electric (D2E) conversion for your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (model 907), offer a smooth transition.
Topics on this page
The topic briefly and concisely
The D2E conversion of a Sprinter to an Electric MidiBus takes just 10 days (model series 907 only) and helps ensure compliance with the current CVD quota.
Electrification can reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) by over 30%, primarily through energy and maintenance savings.
HEERO protects investments by preserving expensive specialist bodywork and extending the vehicle lifecycle in line with the circular economy..
For operators of passenger transport fleets, time is running out. The implementation of the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) into German law, the SaubFahrzeugBeschG, mandates binding procurement quotas for zero-emission vehicles. A 20-seater Sprinter as an electric variant is no longer an option, but a necessity. The challenge lies in the high investment costs and the limited availability of new vehicles. HEERO offers several pragmatic solutions: the D2E (Diesel-to-Electric) conversion of existing Sprinter fleets and a portfolio of highly efficient new eBuses. This approach not only ensures CVD compliance, but also sustainably optimises the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
CVD pressure: achieve the bus target
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) sets a clear timetable for electrification. By 31 December 2025, 45% of all newly procured buses must be "clean". At least half of this quota, i.e. 22.5% of new purchases, must be fully zero-emission. This directly affects the operation of vehicles such as a Sprinter 20-seater electric. From 2026, these quotas rise to 65%, which further increases the pressure to act.
These legal requirements force municipal and private fleet operators to act quickly. However, focusing solely on buying new electric buses often leads to two problems: extremely long delivery times of over 12 months and high capital commitment. D2E conversion offers a strategic alternative here. It enables rapid compliance with the quota in just 10 working days (model series 907 only) per vehicle for model 907. This makes the transition predictable and budget-friendly. Learn more about our HEERO eBus solutions.
Continuing to use proven base vehicles such as the Sprinter 313, 316 or 319 conserves valuable resources. This approach to the circular economy is not only ecologically sensible, but also economically advantageous. Instead of writing off a functioning fleet, its lifecycle is significantly extended. This not only protects your budget, but also preserves the value of your specialist bodywork.
TCO analysis: reduce operating costs by over 30%
Total cost of ownership (Total Cost of Ownership) is the decisive factor for the economic viability of a fleet. An electrified Sprinter significantly reduces running costs. Energy costs per 100 kilometres for an electric vehicle are typically 40-60% lower than those of a comparable diesel. In addition, maintenance costs are significantly lower, as many wear parts of the combustion engine are eliminated.
Our TCO analyses show saving potential in operating costs of over 30%. This results from several factors:
Energy costs: Lower costs per kilometre compared with diesel.
Maintenance: No oil changes, exhaust system maintenance and less brake wear thanks to regenerative braking.
Taxes & levies: Savings on vehicle tax and rising CO2 charges on fossil fuels.
Durability: The service life of modern LFP batteries often exceeds 3,500 charge cycles, ensuring many years of reliable operation.
Particularly for vehicles with high annual mileage, investment in a D2E conversion often pays for itself after just 4 to 6 years. Converting an existing Sprinter is significantly cheaper than buying a new electric bus. This makes electrification feasible even for fleets with limited budgets. The WLTP range of our vehicles is optimised for most deployment scenarios.
D2E conversion: to an electric Sprinter in 10 days (Model Series 907 only)
The HEERO D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) is a standardised and highly efficient process. For the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter model 907, we guarantee a conversion time of a maximum of 10 working days (model series 907 only). During this time, the complete diesel drivetrain is replaced by our eDrive. The centrepiece is a 110 kWh battery, which enables a practical range of up to 300 km.
The process fully protects your existing investments. The vehicle frame and, above all, expensive special-purpose bodies remain untouched. This is a decisive advantage over buying new, where bodywork often has to be redesigned and financed from scratch. Our approach is a prime example of the practical application of the circular economy. We preserve value instead of destroying it.
The technical components are designed for demanding commercial use. With a DC charging capacity of 165 kW, the battery can be charged to 80% in 60-90 minutes. For overnight depot charging, a 22-kW AC charger is available. Maintenance of the eDrive is carried out on site by our mobile technicians, the "Flying HEEROs", which minimises downtime.
The HEERO portfolio: New e-buses for every need
In addition to D2E conversion, we offer a complete portfolio of new electric buses based on the Sprinter. These vehicles are ideal when fleet expansion or the replacement of older vehicles is due. Each model is designed for specific passenger transport requirements and offers a range of over 300 km.
Our range of new vehicles comprises three main variants:
HEERO Mid-Door Low-Entry Midibus: Optimised for scheduled services with easy boarding. Equipped with a 137 kWh battery and 165 kW DC charging capacity.
HEERO Rear-Door Low-Entry Midibus: Offers maximum flexibility for mixed operating profiles in urban and regional transport.
HEERO High-Floor Midibus: Designed for comfort on longer routes, ideal for shuttle services or excursion trips.
All our new vehicles are based on the proven technology of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and our more than 10 years of experience in electrification. They not only meet the CVD standards, but also set benchmarks in efficiency and reliability. Compare the performance data of different models and find the perfect solution for your fleet.
More useful links
Fraunhofer ISI offers a press release on e-mobility that provides insights into current developments and research findings.
The Federal Environment Agency provides comprehensive information on e-mobility, including its benefits and challenges for environmentally friendly mobility.
NOW GmbH provides information on funding programmes and ways to support the development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
FAQ
What warranty is offered on the D2E conversion?
HEERO offers a comprehensive warranty on all components of the electric drivetrain installed by us. This includes the battery, electric motor and power electronics. The exact terms are designed for the high demands of commercial use and protect your investment in the long term. The base vehicle manufacturer’s warranty for unmodified parts generally remains in place.
What is the service life of the installed 110 or 137 kWh battery?
We use exclusively high-quality battery cells, typically based on lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC). This technology is known for its high energy density at low weight and strong performance in cold conditions. We calculate a service life of more than 3,500 full charge cycles before capacity drops below 80%. With average use, this corresponds to a service life of well over 10 years in typical fleet operations.
Is a range of more than 300 km realistic even in winter?
The stated range is a WLTP figure. In practice, the range depends on factors such as driving style, topography, payload and outside temperature. In winter, the range may decrease by 20-30% due to the energy required for heating. However, our systems are optimised for these conditions, and the range is also sufficiently dimensioned in winter for most daily routes in regional and urban transport.
What happens to the removed diesel engine and the old components?
In line with a consistent circular economy, the removed components are returned to a recycling process. Serviceable engines and gearboxes are inspected and reintroduced to the market as spare parts. Parts that can no longer be used are professionally dismantled, and raw materials such as steel, aluminium and copper are sent for recycling. In this way, we minimise the environmental footprint of the conversion.
Can other Sprinter models besides the 907 also be converted?
Our standardised D2E conversion process is currently optimised for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Model 907, ensuring a fast conversion time of 10 days (Model Series 907 only). We are continuously expanding our range. For enquiries about other models or base vehicles such as the 313, 316, 319 or 324, please arrange a bespoke fleet analysis with our expert team.
Does HEERO also offer solutions for charging infrastructure at the depot?
Yes, successful electrification goes beyond the vehicle. HEERO offers comprehensive consulting for depot charging. We analyse your energy requirements, plan the optimal charging infrastructure and implement intelligent load management. This ensures that your fleet is ready for operation every morning with full capacity, without overloading the local electricity grid. This is an integral part of our TCO-optimised end-to-end solution.
