Electric Transporter Interview: Secure 80% funding before the deadline on 31 August 2025
Up to 425 km range after a Diesel-to-Electric upgrade – without the cost of a new vehicle. Time is of the essence: the current funding round for eTransporters and charging infrastructure ends on 31st August 2025. Discover in this Transporter Electric interview how you can now set the course for an economical and sustainable fleet.
The topic briefly and concisely
The application deadline for the 80% funding for eTransporters and D2E conversions by the BMDV ends on 31 August 2025.
A Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) safeguards investments in costly specialised equipment and is a sustainable alternative to purchasing new.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for e-vans is often lower than for diesel vehicles due to reduced energy and maintenance costs, as well as incentives.
Rising diesel prices, strict climate requirements due to the Clean Vehicles Directive, and bureaucratic hurdles are putting fleet managers under pressure. The switch to electromobility is no longer an option, but an economic necessity. This transport electric interview presents you with a clear path to pragmatically mastering the transformation. We explain the advantages of the Diesel-to-Electric conversion (D2E), the significance of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and how to optimally take advantage of the government subsidies of 80% for vehicles and 40% for charging infrastructure before the deadline on 31 August 2025. Act now to make your fleet future-proof and cost-efficient.
Deadline 31 August 2025: Secure 80% funding for your electric transporters
The time for electrifying your fleet of transporters is now. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) supports the transition under the KsNI Directive with attractive grants, but the application deadline for the current funding period ends on 31 August 2025. This date is crucial for fleet operators to set the course for an emission-free future and save significant investment costs. The funding is a key component to achieving the ambitious targets of the EU-wide Clean Vehicles Directive.
Here are the key facts about the current funding round:
80% Grant: You will receive a reimbursement of up to 80% of the additional investment expenses for the purchase of a new e-Transporter or a Diesel-to-Electric (D2E) conversion.
40% for Infrastructure: The establishment of necessary charging infrastructure on your company premises is subsidised with up to 40% of the costs.
Observe the deadline: All applications must be fully submitted to the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) by 31 August 2025.
These regulations create a unique opportunity to significantly lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of your fleet. The pressure from rising CO₂ prices and potential inner-city driving bans makes the transition unavoidable. Government support facilitates the transition and makes it economically feasible immediately, as shown in our current expert interview on electric transporters.
Your 4-point plan for the timely electrification of your fleet
The path to a subsidised eFleet requires a structured approach to reliably meet the deadline of 31 August 2025. With a clear plan, you will avoid bureaucratic pitfalls and ensure that your solution is precisely tailored to operational requirements. Careful preparation is the key to success.
Follow this checklist in four steps:
Conduct needs analysis: Analyse the daily driving profiles of your vehicles. Record the average mileage, downtimes, and payloads to accurately determine the required battery size and range. A Heero eTransporter, for example, achieves up to 500 km.
Secure funding check: Have your eligibility for funding checked free of charge. Experts will help you prepare the application documents correctly and comprehensively to maximise the funding quota of 80%.
Define vehicle solution: Decide between a new vehicle and a Diesel-to-Electric conversion. Especially for expensive special constructions, an efficient conversion solution protects your previous investments and is often the more sustainable choice.
Plan charging infrastructure: Design the charging infrastructure at your company site. Consider the number of vehicles and downtimes to optimise the charging capacity (e.g. up to 165 kW DC) and take advantage of the 40% funding.
This pragmatic approach ensures that you not only meet the funding deadline but also implement a technically and economically optimal solution. A precise analysis of your operating costs is the next logical step.
TCO Analysis: Why E-Vans are surpassing diesel fleets
A purely cost-based view of acquisition costs is misleading. Crucial for making a sound business decision is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), i.e., the total operating costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. Studies show that E-Vans are often cheaper than comparable diesel models, even without subsidies. The current subsidy of 80% makes the difference even clearer.
The TCO calculation for an E-Van includes several financial advantages:
Lower energy costs: The cost per 100 kilometres is significantly lower for electricity than for diesel, often less than half.
Reduced maintenance costs: An electric motor has fewer wearing parts. Oil changes, exhaust system maintenance, and clutch repairs are completely eliminated, reducing workshop costs by up to 50%.
Tax benefits: E-Vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax for ten years.
High subsidy rates: The 80% grant on additional investment expenses drastically cuts acquisition costs.
A converted Heero DTE-Sprinter with a range of 425 km can be several thousand euros cheaper over a five-year holding period than a diesel counterpart. Request a personalised TCO analysis to determine your exact savings potential. This analysis forms the basis for deciding which technological solution is best suited for you.
Conversion Instead of New Purchase: Circular Economy as a Competitive Advantage
Why replace a proven vehicle with an expensive special construction, when only the drive system is outdated? The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is the circular economy's answer to this question. Instead of consuming resources for a completely new vehicle, the existing Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is retained and equipped with a modern electric drive system. This approach not only saves up to 62% of CO₂ emissions compared to new production but also significantly conserves your budget.
The DTE conversion offers tangible benefits for municipalities, craft businesses, and logistics companies:
Investment Protection: Existing constructions such as refrigerated bodies, workshop facilities, or lifting platforms remain fully preserved and usable.
Sustainability: Continued use of the chassis reduces the need for primary raw materials like steel and aluminium, strengthening the sustainable commercial vehicle strategy.
Performance Without Compromise: A converted Sprinter offers up to 425 km range with a 110 kWh battery (96 kWh net) and can fast charge with up to 135 kW.
Full Eligibility for Funding: The DTE conversion is promoted just like a new vehicle with 80% of the additional costs subsidised.
The decision to convert is a clear commitment to resource conservation and economic rationality. It demonstrates that sustainability and cost-effectiveness go hand in hand, which is also reflected in the performance data of the available vehicles.
Performance in practice: Up to 500 km range and 165 kW charging capacity
The practicality of e-commercial vehicles is defined by range and charging performance. Modern electric transporters already cover almost all daily driving profiles today. The Heero vehicle range is specifically tailored to the needs of B2B and B2G customers and offers the right configuration for every application. The stated range is based on real data and not embellished figures.
A look at the current key figures shows the performance capability:
Heero eTransporter: With a range of up to 500 km, it is ideal for regional distribution traffic.
Heero eFlatbed Truck (EK & Double Cab): Up to 400 km range offers flexibility for crafts and municipalities.
Heero Tourer (Electric MiniBus 9 Pax): With a range of up to 400 km, it is perfect for shuttle service.
Heero Mid-Low-Floor Bus: Reaches up to 300 km and charges with its 137 kWh battery (115 kWh net) up to 165 kW DC in under 45 minutes to 80%.
All transporter models use a powerful 110 kWh battery (96 kWh net) and support DC fast charging with up to 135 kW. This means the vehicles are ready for action again after a short lunch break. This technological maturity, combined with the attractive current e-bus subsidy, makes the switch particularly worthwhile now. Take this opportunity and secure your subsidies.
Your Funding Analysis: Achieving 80% Funding in 3 Steps
Start your funding analysis: Answer three questions, receive your grant roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding.
free · non-binding · on time
More useful links
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport offers a press release about a funding call for buses.
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility provides detailed information on the Climate Protection and Mobility funding programme (KSNI).
The Federal Motor Transport Authority publishes statistics about vehicles.
The KfW provides information on the promotion of e-mobility for companies.
The KfW offers information on the funding of charging infrastructure.
FAQ
By when must the application for funding for e-transporters be submitted?
The application for the current funding period of the BMDV must be fully submitted to the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) by no later than 31 August 2025.
Which vehicles can be converted to electric drive?
Heero specialises in the Diesel-to-Electric (DTE) conversion of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models. This is particularly advantageous for existing fleets with bespoke and expensive constructions.
How long does fast charging of an e-transporter take?
With DC charging power of up to 135 kW, the 110 kWh battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 40-45 minutes. This allows for efficient use during legally mandated break times.
Is consultation on funding really free?
Yes, the initial analysis of your funding eligibility and the creation of a grant roadmap are free and non-binding with us. We help you secure the maximum funding amount for your fleet.
What does the Clean Vehicles Directive state?
The Clean Vehicles Directive is an EU directive that requires public procurement authorities to adhere to fixed minimum quotas for clean and zero-emission models when procuring vehicles. This increases the pressure on municipalities and public companies to electrify their fleets.
Are the contents of this article legally binding advice?
No, all contents are for general information purposes and do not constitute legal or funding advice. For binding information and application submission, you should always consult the official guidelines and a specialised advisor.
