Purchase electric Sprinter: Secure 80% funding until 2025
Secure up to 425 km of range after a Diesel-to-Electric upgrade - without the costs of a new vehicle. Time is of the essence: government subsidies of 80% for the conversion of your Sprinter and 40% for charging infrastructure expire on 31 August 2025. Act now to get ahead of rising diesel prices and stricter environmental regulations.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% subsidy for E-Sprinters (purchase or conversion) and 40% for charging infrastructure ends on 31 August 2025.
The Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion protects investments in expensive special constructions and is a sustainable alternative to buying new.
Thanks to lower energy and maintenance costs, as well as subsidies, an eSprinter often pays for itself in less than four years compared to a diesel vehicle.
The decision to purchase an electric Sprinter or to convert the existing fleet is of strategic importance for companies and municipalities. In view of rising operating costs for diesel vehicles, CO₂ pricing, and regulatory requirements such as the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive, the switch is inevitable. This window of opportunity is further shortened by attractive government subsidies of up to 80% on vehicles and conversions, with the application deadline ending on 31 August 2025. This article offers a pragmatic 4-step plan, explains the benefits of Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion in terms of the circular economy, and shows how you can significantly reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your fleet.
Action imperative by 2025: Why electrifying your Sprinter fleet is indispensable
The pressure on fleet operators is growing from three directions: economic, regulatory, and technological. Diesel prices remain volatile, while the CO₂ tax increases operating costs by several percentage points annually. At the same time, the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) obliges public contractors to meet fixed quotas for zero-emission vehicles by the end of 2025, which directly affects their service providers. The current funding guidelines from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offer a unique opportunity to shape this transformation economically.
The deadline for applying for the grants ends on 31 August 2025. Many companies underestimate that there are only a few months left for a well-founded decision and application. A Heero eTransporter reaches up to 500 km range with its 110 kWh battery, making it a fully viable everyday solution. Electrification is therefore no longer just an ecological but also an economic necessity to remain competitive. The next step is a clear roadmap.
Your 4-step plan to the subsidised eSprinter
A structured approach is crucial to secure funding on time and to make the right technology selection. With over 1,000 vehicles funded through similar programmes, the demand is high. Follow this checklist for a successful transition:
Conduct needs analysis: Analyse your daily driving profiles, required range, and specific requirements for your modifications. A HEERO DTE-Sprinter, for example, achieves up to 425 km, which is sufficient for most regional deployments.
Examine funding opportunities: Secure the 80% funding for vehicle conversion and 40% for charging infrastructure. Our experts support you in the application process until the deadline on 31 August 2025. A detailed funding checklist will assist you.
Choose solution – conversion or new purchase: Compare the conversion of your existing Sprinter (DTE) with purchasing a new E-Van. For expensive special bodies, conversion is often 40-50% cheaper.
Plan implementation: Plan the installation of charging infrastructure (DC fast charging up to 135 kW) and the gradual integration of E-vehicles into your fleet to avoid disruption to operations.
The choice between conversion and new purchase largely depends on your vehicle inventory. Particularly with special vehicles, conversion offers enormous advantages.
Protection of existing assets through retrofitting: The cost-effective alternative to new purchases
Why replace a proven vehicle with an expensive specialised build when only the drive is outdated? The Diesel-to-Electric (D2E) conversion is the core competence of Heero and a prime example of applied circular economy. Instead of consuming resources for a completely new vehicle, your existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is preserved and equipped with a state-of-the-art eDrive train. This approach protects your original investment in the build, which often accounts for more than 50% of the total vehicle value.
A Sprinter converted to electric achieves a practical range of up to 425 kilometres with the 110-kWh battery (96 kWh net). This significantly exceeds many series electric transporters. The conversion of your Sprinter is not only sustainable but also eligible for funding with the full quota of 80%. For fleets dependent on maximum range, there is an alternative.
Maximum Performance: The Heero E-Transporter in Detail
For companies that are considering a new purchase or need maximum range, the HEERO eTransporter is the first choice. This vehicle was designed from the ground up for electric operation and offers a range of up to 500 kilometres. This performance is facilitated by the identical 110 kWh battery as in the Diesel-to-Electric conversions, yet optimised through a native eDrive architecture. This makes the HEERO eTransporter a leader in its class and ideal for long-distance use.
The new electric transporter is also fully eligible for BMDV funding. The decision between conversion and new purchase thus becomes a purely strategic consideration based on the individual needs of your fleet. A decisive factor in both options is the total cost of ownership.
TCO Analysis: When an E-Sprinter Pays Off
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), i.e., the overall operating costs, are the decisive factor for the cost-effectiveness of your fleet. While the acquisition costs for an E-Sprinter or conversion are higher, these are more than compensated by lower running costs. Studies show that E-commercial vehicles can already achieve TCO parity with diesel vehicles today, especially when subsidies are taken into account.
Here are the main potential savings:
Energy Costs: Electricity costs per 100 km are typically 40-60% lower than diesel costs.
Maintenance: An eDrive has significantly fewer wear parts (no exhaust, oil change, clutch), which reduces maintenance costs by up to 50%.
Taxes & Tolls: E-vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax for at least ten years and benefit from toll advantages.
Subsidy: The 80% grant drastically reduces acquisition costs and shortens the amortisation period to often less than four years.
The combination of subsidies and lower operating costs often makes switching to an E-Sprinter profitable from the first year. A solid charging infrastructure is the foundation for smooth operation.
Charging Infrastructure: The Foundation of Your E-Fleet
A powerful charging infrastructure is the key to the success of your electrified fleet. All Heero models, whether converted or new, support standard DC fast charging with up to 135 kW. This means the 96 kWh net battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes. For the Heero Medium Low-Floor Bus, charging power of up to 165 kW is even possible. These rapid charging times enable high vehicle availability, even in demanding multi-shift operations.
The development of the necessary charging infrastructure at your depot is also supported by the government. You can apply for a subsidy covering 40% of the costs for the charging stations and associated installation work. Thoughtful planning, which integrates charging times during operational breaks, maximises efficiency. A personal practical test can help to find the optimal charging concept for your needs. Therefore, all conditions for a successful transformation are set.
More useful links
German Bundestag provides information on current news items that may be relevant to legislation and political framework conditions.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides details on the Climate Protection and Mobility Support Programme (KSNI), which supports the acquisition of climate-friendly commercial vehicles.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers comprehensive information on alternative drives for commercial vehicles and their contribution to climate protection in the transport sector.
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) presents a dossier that highlights the strategies and measures of the Federal Government to promote electromobility.
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV) answers frequently asked questions on the suitability of electromobility for freight transport.
Federal Funding Database provides an overview of federal funding programmes, including those for e-commercial vehicle applications and the associated infrastructure.
Initiative for Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles offers practical advice and information on various charging options for electrically powered commercial vehicles.
ADAC informs and advises on the promotion of electric cars, which can also be relevant for commercial users.
Federal Environment Agency publishes a press release that scientifically confirms the ecological advantages of electric vehicles compared to combustion engines.
FAQ
For whom is it worthwhile to convert a Sprinter to electric drive?
The conversion is particularly worthwhile for companies and municipalities with Mercedes-Benz Sprinters that have expensive and durable special structures (e.g. refrigerated box bodies, workshop vehicles, aerial work platforms). Instead of replacing the entire vehicle, only the drivetrain is modernised, which protects the original investment and saves costs.
How long does a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion take?
The actual conversion process of a Sprinter at Heero is standardised and usually takes only a few weeks. Including planning and logistics, you should expect a total time from order to delivery of several months, depending on the current workload.
What battery and charging power do the Heero E-Sprinters have?
All Heero models (conversion and new vehicles, except for medium-low-floor buses) use a battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net capacity. The standard DC fast-charging power is up to 135 kW, allowing charging from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes.
What is the Clean Vehicles Directive and who does it affect?
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) is an EU directive that requires public authorities (e.g. cities, municipalities) to adhere to fixed minimum quotas for clean and emission-free vehicles when procuring vehicles and services. This indirectly affects all companies operating in the public sector.
Can I have my existing Sprinter converted for a test drive?
A temporary conversion for a test drive is not possible. However, Heero offers the possibility of experiencing a reference vehicle in your own fleet as part of a practical test. This way, you can be convinced of the performance and everyday suitability before making a decision.
Are the information mentioned here a legal or funding advice?
All content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or funding advice. Funding conditions may change. For binding information, we recommend consulting the official guidelines and a personal consultation with our funding experts.
