Transporter Electric Expert Interview: Secure 80% funding until August 2025
Already over 3,500 E-Buses secure an 80% subsidy – when will you electrify your fleet? Time is pressing, as the current funding period for eTransporters and charging infrastructure ends on 31 August 2025. This expert interview on electric transporters shows you the pragmatic path through regulations and cost traps.
The topic briefly and concisely
The deadline for the 80% subsidy application for e-transporters and DTE conversions ends on 31st August 2025.
A Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) protects investments in expensive specialised bodies and is often more economical than purchasing new vehicles.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of electric transporters is up to 30% lower than diesel vehicles due to reduced energy and maintenance costs.
Rising diesel prices, impending city driving bans, and complex EU regulations such as the Clean Vehicles Directive are putting your fleet under pressure. The switch to electric transporters is not a question of 'if' but of 'how' and 'when'. The answer is: now. With up to 80% government funding for vehicle conversion and 40% for charging infrastructure, the transition is more economical than ever before. We will explain the four crucial steps to reduce your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and protect your investments in special equipment through a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE).
Status Quo 2025: Analyse of pressure to act due to costs and regulation
Operating a commercial vehicle fleet in 2025 is characterised by three central challenges: high operating costs, strict bureaucracy, and ambitious climate targets. Diesel prices burden your balance sheet with an average of over 1.70 Euros per litre. At the same time, the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) requires public-sector clients to achieve a quota of 38.5% for clean vehicles in new purchases by the end of 2025. This situation creates a pressure for action that demands a pragmatic strategy.
Here are the crucial facts for your planning:
Funding deadline 31 August 2025: Applications for the current funding round must be submitted by this deadline.
80% subsidy: The funding guideline from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) subsidises the additional investment costs for electric vehicles or a DTE conversion with up to 80%.
40% for charging infrastructure: The establishment of charging stations on the company premises is subsidised with up to 40% of the costs.
Circular economy as an opportunity: An innovative conversion solution conserves resources and your budget by retaining expensive special structures.
These conditions create a clear timeframe for economically sensible fleet electrification.
Your 4-point action plan for timely fleet electrification
A structured process is the key to applying for funding on time and making the transition efficient. With over 1,000 companies funded in the KsNI programme alone, a clear roadmap has been established. Follow this 4-point checklist to confidently achieve your goals.
Needs Analysis and TCO Forecast: Analyse the driving profiles and areas of use of your fleet with at least 10 vehicles. Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), i.e., the total operating costs, in comparison to diesel. Our calculations show that the operating costs per kilometre can decrease by up to 30%.
Vehicle and Technology Choice: Decide between purchasing new or a Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion. For special constructions, the DTE solution saves up to 50% of the cost of a comparable new vehicle. A Heero DTE-Sprinter, for example, achieves up to 425 kilometres of range.
Funding Application: Gather all necessary documents for the application at the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM). Allow at least four weeks for preparation to not miss the deadline on 31 August 2025. A detailed checklist for funding assists in this.
Planning of Charging Infrastructure: Determine the energy requirement for your fleet of 5, 10 or more vehicles. Plan the installation of DC fast charging stations with up to 165 kW to minimise downtime. The subsidy of 40% significantly reduces the investment hurdle.
With this plan, you turn regulatory pressure into a strategic advantage.
Make targeted use of funding: Save up to 80% of costs
The current funding landscape, particularly the directive on the promotion of commercial vehicles with alternative, climate-friendly drives (KsNI), is the strongest argument for a swift transition. The federal government is providing approximately 1.3 billion euros solely for vehicle purchases until 2025. The decisive lever is the 80% funding of the additional investment costs.
This means specifically: The subsidy covers the difference between a new electric transporter and a comparable diesel model. For a DTE conversion, 80% of the total conversion costs are covered. This makes the continued use of a proven Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with an expensive box body not only sustainable but also economically superior. A detailed look at the Total Cost of Ownership reveals the long-term savings. Thus, a legal obligation becomes a business opportunity.
Cost comparison: Why retrofitting often beats buying new
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the most important key figure in fleet planning and includes all costs over the entire lifetime of a vehicle. While e-Transporters are more expensive to purchase, they score with up to 50% lower maintenance and energy costs. A study shows that the operating costs of an e-Transporter can be as low as 10 cents per kilometre, compared to 15 cents for a diesel.
It becomes particularly advantageous with the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE). Here is an example:
Scenario: A 5-year-old Sprinter with customised construction worth 40,000 Euros.
Option 1 (Purchase of new): Acquisition of a new e-Transporter plus new construction for a total of approximately 120,000 Euros.
Option 2 (DTE Conversion): Conversion of the existing vehicle for approx. 70,000 Euros. The valuable construction is preserved.
After deducting the 80% subsidy on conversion costs, only a personal contribution of 14,000 Euros remains. You protect your original investment and operate in the spirit of the circular economy. This calculation makes the decision easy for many fleet managers.
Technology in Focus: Range and Charging Performance in Practice
The practicality of modern e-transporters is determined by two key figures: range and charging performance. Thanks to advanced battery technology, ranges of up to 500 kilometres, as seen with the Heero eTransporter, are a reality today. Our vehicles use a battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net capacity, which is more than sufficient for most daily routes. Even the Heero low-floor medium bus reaches up to 300 kilometres with its 137 kWh battery.
Charging performance is just as crucial to maximise vehicle utilisation times. With a DC fast charging capacity of up to 135 kW (or 165 kW for the bus), the battery can be recharged to 80% in around 40 minutes. This performance ensures that no compromises are necessary in demanding logistics or craft trades. The combination of high range and fast charging debunks the old prejudices against e-mobility in the commercial vehicle sector. A look at our technical conversion solutions shows the potential.
Sustainability as an Economic Factor: Circular Economy Instead of New Purchases
The decision to convert to DTE is a clear commitment to the circular economy and resource conservation. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle, its lifecycle is extended by at least eight to ten years. This approach reduces the CO₂ footprint, which occurs during the production of a completely new vehicle, by up to 60%. You retain the proven vehicle base and combine it with a future-proof drive.
This process not only conserves valuable raw materials such as steel and aluminium but also protects your original investment. Especially for municipalities, craft businesses, or logistics companies with expensive specialised vehicles, this is the most economically and ecologically intelligent way forward. You not only meet the requirements of the Clean Vehicles Directive but also position your company as a pioneer in sustainable business practices. In this way, ecology becomes a direct economic advantage.
More useful links
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility offers detailed information on the Climate Protection and Innovation Funding Programme in the commercial vehicle sector (KSNI).
The Federal Ministry of Transport provides information on commercial vehicles with alternative drives and climate protection in transport.
The National Charging Infrastructure Agency provides information on commercial vehicles.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority publishes statistics on new vehicle registrations.
The Federal Environment Agency offers an analysis of the environmental impact of motor vehicles.
The KfW Banking Group provides information on the promotion of electromobility for businesses.
The German Energy Agency (dena) provides a dossier on expanding the charging infrastructure for electric lorries.
The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) provides information on the drive strategy for commercial vehicles.
The Platform Future Mobility offers information on charging infrastructure for battery-electric lorries.
FAQ
By when must the funding application for my e-transporter be submitted?
The deadline for submitting applications under the current funding directive is 31 August 2025. It is advisable to start the process early, as preparing the documents may take several weeks.
What does Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) mean?
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) or total operating costs include all expenses incurred over the entire life of a vehicle. This includes acquisition, energy/fuel, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and residual value. For e-transporters, TCO is often lower than for diesel vehicles.
Does the funding also apply to the necessary charging infrastructure?
Yes, the establishment of non-public charging infrastructure on your company premises that is necessary for the operation of the funded vehicles is subsidised by up to 40% of the eligible costs.
What is the main advantage of a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE)?
The greatest advantage is value retention. Existing vehicles, especially those with expensive and individual special equipment (e.g. refrigerated box bodies, workshop fittings, hoisting platforms), do not need to be replaced. They combine a proven base with a future-proof, emission-free drive and save significantly compared to a new purchase.
Which vehicles can be converted?
Heero has specialised in the electrification of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. These form an ideal and widely used basis for DTE conversions in logistics, craft, and municipal services.
Is the range of e-transporters suitable for everyday use?
Yes. Modern e-transporters like the Heero eTransporter achieve ranges of up to 500 km. Converted models like the DTE Sprinter achieve up to 425 km. Combined with DC fast charging (around 40 minutes for 80% charge), everyday usability is ensured for most fleet applications.
