Efficient conversion: Retrofit your deep-freeze delivery vehicle with eutectic cooling to electric drive
Rising diesel prices and looming driving bans threaten the profitability of your refrigerated fleet. Retrofitting your proven delivery vehicle with eutectic cooling to a powerful electric drive protects your expensive structures and reduces operating costs by up to 50%. Discover the technologically leading solution from Heero.
The topic briefly and concisely
Converting a deep-freeze vehicle to electric drive protects the expensive investment in the eutectic cooling structure and is more economical than purchasing a new one.
Eutectic cooling and electric drive can be ideally combined technologically, as both systems can be charged independently overnight and the cooling does not affect the range.
By upgrading, the total operating costs (TCO) decrease by up to 50% thanks to lower energy and maintenance costs as well as government subsidies.
For operators of frozen food delivery services, the current challenges pose a serious threat: Exploding operating costs and increasingly stringent environmental regulations are making the use of diesel vehicles progressively unprofitable. It becomes particularly critical when expensive special constructions such as eutectic cooling are involved, whose value would be lost in the event of a vehicle change. Heero offers the pragmatic and economically superior solution for this: We make it possible for you to convert your frozen delivery vehicle with eutectic cooling to electric drive. Instead of investing in a completely new and expensive e-transporter, you retain the proven quality of your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and protect your investment in the cooling system. This step not only secures your competitiveness but also positions your company as a pioneer in sustainable logistics.
Cost trap diesel: Why the time for refrigerated vehicles with combustion engines is running out
The operating costs for diesel transporters in refrigerated logistics are rising unstoppable. The CO₂ tax alone could increase the price of a liter of diesel by around 65 cents by 2030. In addition, access restrictions in more and more city centers in Germany will be tightened as part of the Clean Vehicles Directive by 2026, demanding emission-free vehicles. For companies that rely on a functioning supply chain, this means a double burden: rising expenses and decreasing operational capability. Fleet operators with expensive special bodies are particularly affected, with their value of over €20,000 being lost upon a new purchase. This development makes holding on to diesel drive a calculative and operational risk for every logistics company. The necessity for a future-proof alternative is more urgent than ever.
Investment protection through circular economy: The benefits of D2E retrofitting
Instead of scrapping your proven vehicle along with its expensive cooling setup, retrofitting offers an intelligent alternative. With the D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) patented by Heero, we transform your existing vehicle into a modern electric transporter, following the principle of sustainable circular economy. This approach not only conserves valuable resources but also significantly eases your budget. The investment in a retrofit is considerably lower than purchasing a new electric refrigerated vehicle. You retain your specialized setup and benefit from an overall increase in vehicle value. Here are the key advantages:
Retention of the specialized setup: Your investment in the eutectic cooling system remains 100% protected.
Cost savings: Avoid the high acquisition costs of a completely new electric transporter with a cooling setup.
Quick availability: Bypass long delivery times for new vehicles; the conversion takes only about 10 days.
Sustainability: Continuing to use the chassis reduces the carbon footprint by several tons compared to new production.
Thus, the conversion is not only an ecological but, above all, an economically sound decision for the future of your fleet.
Technical synergy: Perfect interplay of electric drive and eutectic cooling
A common concern in the electrification of refrigerated vehicles is the cooling performance. When converting a deep-freeze delivery service vehicle with eutectic cooling to electric drive, this concern does not exist. The system of eutectic plates is technologically ideally suited for electric drive. The plates store the cold energy by being charged overnight via the power grid – parallel to the vehicle battery charging process. During the day, the plates release the cold passively without affecting the vehicle's range. The drive and the cooling act as two independent systems that do not draw energy from each other. Our Heero powertrain offers a practical range of up to 425 kilometers, which is more than sufficient for most daily delivery routes. This ensures that both the performance of the cooling unit and mobility are uncompromisingly guaranteed.
TCO analysis: How to reduce total operating costs by up to 50%
The decision to retrofit is particularly beneficial when considering the total cost of ownership (Total Cost of Ownership, TCO). In comparison to a diesel counterpart, the operating costs of an electrified Sprinter are drastically lower. A TCO analysis shows that the higher initial investments often pay off within 4 to 6 years. The savings arise from several factors, which we will break down for you:
Energy Costs: The electricity costs per 100 kilometers are around €5-6, while a diesel transporter consumes fuel for €12-20 over the same distance.
Maintenance and Repair: The maintenance costs for electric vehicles are up to 50% lower, as typical wear parts like exhaust systems, clutches, or oil filters are eliminated.
Taxes and Fees: Electric transporters are exempt from vehicle tax for 10 years, and the CO₂ levy on diesel is completely waived.
Government Incentives: Programs like KsNI support the purchase and retrofitting with grants of up to 80% of the additional costs, significantly reducing the initial investment.
These factors lead to a significant reduction of the total cost of your fleet and make retrofitting the most economical choice.
Proven implementation: Your way to the e-transporter with HEERO
HEERO has developed a standardized and highly efficient process to convert your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to electric drive within just 10 days. We remove the diesel engine and all associated components and replace them with our patented, powerful electric powertrain. Your special construction with eutectic cooling remains completely untouched. A crucial advantage is that the original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration are retained. This significantly simplifies the administrative effort. Our offer is aimed at all fleet operators, from logistics companies to municipalities to specialized craft businesses like bakeries that rely on a reliable cold chain. We provide a comprehensive solution that ranges from consultation to conversion and service. This makes the transition to electromobility manageable, safe, and pragmatic for you.
Conclusion: Your advantage with HEERO – Economical, sustainable, and future-proof
The conversion of your frozen delivery service vehicle to electric drive with eutectic cooling is the strategically smartest decision for the future of your fleet. You protect your valuable investments, sustainably reduce operating costs, and effortlessly meet all upcoming environmental requirements. With a range that meets daily demands and technology that seamlessly integrates into your existing processes, Heero offers the perfect symbiosis of economy and ecology. As your innovative partner for the electrification of special vehicles, we accompany you on the path to an emission-free and profitable future. Request your personal consultation now or book a daily test at no charge and experience the benefits yourself.
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides a brochure on the promotion of retrofitting vehicles as part of the KsNI program (Climate-Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure).
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides the Federal Government's Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure 2 for the expansion of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The initiative Climate Protection Enterprises offers a presentation on the topic of intelligent cooling logistics in the context of climate protection and transport.
The Funding Database of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) provides information on the funding of e-commercial vehicle applications and infrastructures.
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) supplies data and facts about freight transport in Germany and compares various modes of transport.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) publishes statistics on CO2 emissions from road traffic in Germany.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) offers information on the topic of e-mobility.
FAQ
Can my existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with refrigerated body be retrofitted?
Yes, Heero specializes in D2E retrofitting (Diesel-to-Electric) of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. We can retrofit your existing van, including the special refrigerated body, to a pure electric drive while retaining the existing vehicle registration.
How long does the conversion of my refrigerated delivery vehicle take?
The entire conversion process is highly efficient and typically takes only about 10 working days. This minimizes your vehicle's downtime and quickly integrates it back into your fleet.
What government subsidies are available for the conversion?
There are attractive subsidy programs for converting commercial vehicles to electric drive such as the KsNI directive from the federal government. These can cover up to 80% of the additional investment costs compared to a diesel vehicle. We will gladly advise you on the current opportunities.
How do maintenance costs change after the conversion?
Maintenance costs significantly decrease, often by up to 50%. Service-intensive components of the combustion engine such as oil filters, exhaust systems, clutches, and gearboxes are completely eliminated. This leads to fewer workshop visits and lower operating costs.
Do I keep the registration for my vehicle after the conversion?
Yes, a significant advantage of the Heero conversion is that the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the existing registration of your vehicle are maintained. This greatly simplifies the administrative process.
Does Heero also offer a solution for the charging infrastructure?
Yes, our approach is a comprehensive solution partnership. We will advise you not only on vehicle conversion but also on the planning and implementation of the appropriate charging infrastructure for your premises to ensure smooth and efficient operation.
