Convert hotel shuttle to electric drive: More guest satisfaction and 30% lower operating costs
The first and last impression matter. A loud, vibrating diesel shuttle can significantly disrupt your guests' premium experience. Imagine a shuttle that is so quiet that it extends the tranquility of your home all the way to the airport or train station.
The topic briefly and concisely
A quiet, electric shuttle bus significantly enhances guest satisfaction by seamlessly continuing the hotel's premium experience.
The conversion of an existing Sprinter reduces total operating costs (TCO) by savings on energy and maintenance by up to 30%.
Heeros D2E conversion protects the investment in high-quality vehicle bodies and promotes the circular economy.
For upscale hotels, the seamless continuation of the guest experience outside the establishment is a central challenge. Conventional diesel shuttle buses cause noise and emissions that contradict the premium claim and drive up operating costs. HEERO offers the solution: the patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. This technologically leading transformation creates a Sprinter-based shuttle bus for a smooth and quiet electric conversion for hotels, which not only enhances guest satisfaction but also combines economic and ecological benefits. Protect your existing fleet investment and upgrade to future safety.
The challenge: When the diesel shuttle disrupts the premium atmosphere.
An excellent hotel service does not end at the reception. However, often the first point of contact – the shuttle transfer – is a source of disturbance. A standard diesel sprinter generates a noise level of over 75 decibels in operation, significantly impairing comfort. Particularly during early pickups or late arrivals, the engine noise disturbs not only the passengers but also other hotel guests. Many hotels underestimate how much this noise pollution undermines the carefully curated luxury image. These noise emissions directly contradict the legal requirements for noise protection that apply to quiet areas such as hotels. Thus, the shuttle goes from being a showcase to a burden for the sustainable brand promise. The question is, how can this problem be solved without needing to make an expensive new purchase?
The solution: A whisper-quiet e-shuttle based on the Sprinter.
The answer lies in the conversion. A Sprinter electrified by Heero operates almost silently and without vibrations. The noise level inside the cabin decreases by more than 15 decibels, which corresponds to a reduction in perceived loudness by over 60%. For your guests, this means a relaxed and quiet journey that meets the standards of your establishment. The transfer thus becomes a seamless extension of the premium experience. The gentle, linear acceleration of the electric motor also prevents jerky starts and stops, further enhancing ride comfort. With a retrofitted Heero E-Bus, the luxury stay begins right at the curb. This technological superiority is not just a gain in comfort but also a clear statement for innovation and guest orientation.
Maximize profitability: Reduce Total Cost of Ownership by up to 30%.
An electric drive is not only quiet but also significantly cheaper to maintain. Retrofitting your Sprinter shuttle reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by up to 30% over a period of 5 years. This results from massive savings in energy, maintenance, and taxes. The energy costs per 100 kilometers for an E-Sprinter are around 8 euros, while a diesel counterpart consumes over 15 euros. In addition, expensive maintenance tasks such as oil changes or the replacement of exhaust systems are eliminated, reducing service costs by at least 40%. Government incentives for retrofitting and tax breaks for electric vehicles further improve the balance. Here is an overview of the potential savings:
Energy costs: Reduction of over 50% compared to diesel.
Maintenance & repairs: At least 40% lower costs due to the elimination of wear parts from the combustion engine.
Vehicle tax: 10 years of complete exemption for electric vehicles.
CO2 emissions fees: Complete elimination of the rising costs for CO2 emissions.
Incentive programs: Attractive grants from the federal and state governments for retrofitting.
With a precise ROI calculation, it quickly becomes clear that retrofitting is a strategic investment in the profitability of your fleet.
Investment protection through D2E retrofitting: Easily continue using high-quality structures
Hotels often invest large sums in customized shuttle builds with leather seats, special lighting, and entertainment systems. A new purchase would mean the loss of this investment, often over 20,000 euros. HEEROs patented D2E conversion is the answer. We retain the complete, high-quality build of your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and only replace the diesel powertrain with our state-of-the-art electric drive. This process protects 100% of your investment in the vehicle build. The entire conversion is completed in our factory in Germany within just 10 working days. You get your familiar vehicle back, but with groundbreaking, quiet, and clean technology. This patented conversion solution is at the heart of an intelligent, resource-efficient fleet strategy.
Sustainability as a brand value: Emission-free into a greener future
An electric hotel shuttle is a strong, visible signal of your brand's environmental awareness. It operates 100% locally emission-free and actively contributes to improving air quality in urban centers. This is particularly important as more and more cities are introducing environmental zones and access restrictions for diesel vehicles. Furthermore, retrofitting is a prime example of the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a functioning vehicle, we extend its lifecycle by many years and save over 80% of the CO₂ emissions that would occur in the production of a new vehicle. The benefits for your hotel branding are numerous:
Appeal to a growing target audience of environmentally conscious travelers.
Improve your ESG ratings (Environmental, Social, Governance).
Future-proofing against legal environmental regulations.
Positive media resonance and strengthening of the premium image.
By opting for sustainable retrofitting instead of new purchases, you position your hotel as a responsible pioneer in the industry.
The HEERO Process: In 4 Steps to the Perfect Electric Shuttle
Our conversion process is designed to be as simple and transparent as possible for you. We transform your existing Sprinter into a powerful electric shuttle in just four clearly defined steps. The process usually takes no longer than 10 to 15 working days. This way, you avoid the often months-long delivery times for new e-transporters. Here is the procedure:
Personal consultation and analysis: We analyze your driving profile and requirements to ensure the optimal configuration with a range of up to 425 km.
Delivery and disassembly: You deliver your vehicle. Our team professionally removes the diesel engine, transmission, tank, and exhaust system.
Integration of the HEERO E-drive: We install our patented, low-maintenance direct drive, the battery packs, and all power electronics.
Quality assurance and handover: After intensive testing and TÜV approval, we hand over your converted, whisper-quiet e-shuttle including all documents.
This efficient process guarantees rapid re-availability of your vehicle. Experience for yourself how easy the transition to superior technology can be.
More useful links
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides monthly registration statistics, including relevant data on electric vehicles.
Federal Environment Agency (UBA) provides comprehensive information on electromobility, its environmental impacts, and the associated benefits.
Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI provides a press release on electromobility in Germany (as of 2023).
FAQ
What range does a Sprinter shuttle bus converted by Heero have?
Our converted Sprinter shuttle buses achieve a practical range of up to 425 kilometers depending on configuration, which is more than sufficient for the typical use cases of hotels, such as airport or train station transfers.
What guarantees does Heero provide on the conversion?
Heero offers comprehensive warranties on all installed electric components, including the drive and the battery. For detailed warranty conditions and service packages, please contact our specialists.
Are there government subsidies for converting a hotel shuttle?
Yes, companies can benefit from various subsidy programs at the federal and state levels that provide grants for converting commercial vehicles to electric drive. Our team will be happy to advise you on the current funding opportunities.
Is the electric shuttle powerful enough for hilly regions or when fully loaded?
Absolutely. Our electric direct drive offers high torque right from the start and ensures a confident and powerful performance even when fully loaded and on inclines, comparable to that of a diesel.
What happens to the removed diesel engine?
In the spirit of the circular economy, we ensure the proper reuse of removed components. Functional parts are reconditioned and supplied to the spare parts market, while other materials are handed over to the recycling process.
How can I test the Heero E-Shuttle?
We offer a non-binding and free everyday test. This allows you to experience the quietness, comfort, and performance yourself. Just contact us to schedule an appointment.
