Electric Van WLTP vs. Reality: How to Secure 80% Funding
Up to 500 km range in the Heero eTransporter – an impressive figure. But what does the WLTP value mean in daily operational reality? Discover how you can bridge the gap between standard and practice to your advantage and secure high grants.
The topic briefly and concisely
The actual range of an electric transporter often deviates by 20–30% from the WLTP value, depending on load, topography, and temperature.
Until 31 August 2025, companies can have up to 80% of the additional costs for the purchase or conversion of an electric transporter subsidised under the KsNI directive.
The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) not only conserves the budget through lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), but also preserves the value of expensive specialised bodies and promotes the circular economy.
Switching to e-mobility is unavoidable for fleet operators, but the official range specifications according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) often cause confusion. The discrepancy between laboratory values and the harsh reality on the road – influenced by load, weather, and topography – is significant. This article highlights the critical differences between 'Transporter Electric WLTP' and 'Reality' in everyday work life. We provide a clear 4-point plan on how to find not only the right e-solution for your needs but also to apply for the government funding of 80% for vehicles and conversions in a timely manner by 31 August 2025. Act now to optimise your Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and future-proof your fleet.
WLTP Values and Reality: A Critical Analysis for Fleet Managers
The WLTP cycle provides standardized and comparable consumption data, determined under laboratory conditions on a roller test stand. For light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tons, this procedure has been mandatory for all new vehicles since September 2018. In practice, however, the actual range often deviates from these ideal values by 20% to 30%, as factors such as load, outside temperature, and driving style are not fully accounted for. For a logistics operator, a payload of 800 kg and winter temperatures mean a significant reduction in the advertised range.
The key differences between the test cycle and everyday operation are as follows:
Payload: WLTP tests consider optional equipment but not the full payload that is common in commercial use.
Temperature: The tests occur at moderate temperatures; in cold conditions, battery performance decreases, and the energy demand for heating increases, which can reduce range by up to 30%.
Driving profile: The WLTC driving cycle simulates urban, rural, and motorway driving but does not simulate challenging stop-and-go traffic in delivery services or heavy loads uphill.
Tire condition and type: The rolling resistance of the tires has a measurable impact on energy consumption, which is only partially considered in the standard test.
This gap between theory and practice makes an accurate needs analysis crucial before making an investment decision. Learn about the actual operating conditions and the WLTP values in logistics everyday life to avoid misinvestment.
Your 4-Point Plan for Electrification Before the 2025 Funding Deadline
Time is of the essence: Applications for the lucrative funding must be submitted by 31 August 2025. By adopting a pragmatic approach, you ensure that your fleet is electrified in a timely and economically sensible manner. This plan guides you through the four critical steps.
This is how you proceed strategically:
Conduct needs analysis: Analyse the daily travel distances, average payload, and standstill times of your vehicles. A Heero eTransporter with up to 500 km range covers many profiles, while an efficient conversion solution may be the better choice for special bodies.
Define vehicle solution: Assess whether a new vehicle or a Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is more appropriate. DTE conserves resources and retains the value of your expensive special bodies–a core principle of the circular economy.
Ensure eligibility for funding: The KsNI directive of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) offers up to 80% subsidy on purchase or conversion. Ensure all documents are submitted complete and on time.
Plan charging infrastructure: The funding also covers 40% of the costs for the necessary charging infrastructure. Plan charging capacities tailored to your operating and standstill times to maximise efficiency.
Careful planning of these four points is key to realising the full economic and ecological benefits of e-mobility. The right financial positioning is the next logical step.
Funding Pots and TCO: Maximising the Cost-Effectiveness of Your E-Fleet
Investment in electric mobility is significantly facilitated by targeted government incentives. The current BMDV funding directive is a crucial lever for drastically reducing acquisition costs. It covers 80% of the additional costs compared to a comparable diesel vehicle, applicable to both new vehicles and DTE conversions. However, true economic efficiency becomes apparent only when considering the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), i.e., the overall operating costs.
The TCO analysis takes into account all incurred costs over the entire lifespan of a vehicle. Here, eTransporters score highly:
Energy costs: The costs per kilometre are significantly lower with electricity than with diesel, often by more than 50%.
Maintenance: Electric vehicles have fewer wearing parts (no exhaust, oil change, clutch), which reduces maintenance costs by up to 60%.
Taxes and tolls: Electric vehicles benefit from a ten-year vehicle tax exemption and reduced toll rates.
CO₂ levies: The increasing CO₂ pricing for fossil fuels is completely eliminated.
Many companies underestimate that the TCO of an eTransporter can fall below that of a diesel after just three to five years. With the current funding, this break-even point is reached even faster. Therefore, a detailed TCO analysis is essential. But not only finances, technology must also convince.
Focus on Technology: Range, Battery, and Charging Infrastructure
Modern e-vans are designed for demanding commercial use. The HEERO eTransporter offers market-leading performance with a range of up to 500 km. Even the retrofitted HEERO DTE-Sprinter achieves up to 425 km. These figures are based on a powerful battery with gross capacity of 110 kWh and net capacity of 96 kWh. For public transport, such as in the low-floor bus, batteries with 137 kWh gross capacity are used.
Charging performance is also crucial for operational efficiency. With DC fast charging power of up to 135 kW (standard) or 165 kW (low-floor bus), the vehicles are ready for use again quickly. In just about 30 minutes of charging, a range of up to 80% is restored. This enables flexible scheduling even with intensive operation. The battery life is designed for at least eight years and high cycle numbers, ensuring the investment in the long term.
Planning the charging infrastructure is a critical success factor. Whether depot charging overnight or fast charging during breaks – the right strategy depends on the individual usage profile. A well-thought-out charging infrastructure is the foundation for a smooth transition to e-mobility and is subsidised by 40%. A particularly sustainable approach is the electrification of existing diesel vehicles, which protects investments and conserves resources.
Sustainability through circular economy: The advantage of DTE conversion
The electrification of your fleet doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing new vehicles. The Diesel-to-Electric conversion (DTE) is an economically and ecologically superior alternative, especially for vehicles with costly specialised attachments. Instead of replacing a proven vehicle with a refrigerated box, workshop equipment, or tail lift, only the drivetrain is modernised. This principle of the circular economy significantly extends the lifespan of your assets.
The advantages of the DTE conversion are diverse:
Investment protection: The value of your specialised attachments, which often exceeds 50% of the total vehicle value, remains fully preserved.
Resource conservation: Continued use of chassis and structure saves tons of CO₂ and raw materials that would occur with the production of a new vehicle.
Quick implementation: Converting a Sprinter takes only a few weeks and is therefore faster than the delivery times for many new vehicles.
Full eligibility for funding: The DTE conversion is funded at the same rate of 80% as a new purchase.
This approach aligns with the goals of the EU’s Clean Vehicles Directive, which mandates sustainable procurement in the public sector. It offers a pragmatic solution for municipalities and companies seeking to modernise their fleets while reducing costs and environmental impact. Start your analysis now to find the best solution for your fleet.
Act Now: Ensure Your Funding Analysis Before the Deadline
The time until the funding cessation on 31 August 2025 is limited. The electrification of your fleet is a strategic decision that is economically more attractive than ever before due to the current 80% subsidies. Whether through a new Heero eDrive Transporter with up to 500 km range or a resource-conserving D2E conversion – the technology is tried and tested and immediately available. Do not wait for rising diesel prices and stricter environmental regulations to increase the pressure further.
Start your subsidy analysis: Answer three questions, receive your subsidy roadmap, and take advantage of the 80% funding. Secure your free and non-binding analysis now to utilise all the benefits on time and make your fleet future-proof. A click on the button is all it takes.
More useful links
The ADAC presents detailed test results on the power consumption of electric vehicles.
The Federal Environment Agency provides a publication on the energy consumption of electric vehicles.
Statista offers a forecast on the global electrification of trucks, broken down by region.
The VDA informs about the drive strategy for commercial vehicles in the automotive industry.
The KfW provides information on funding for electric mobility for businesses.
FAQ
How long does a Diesel-to-Electric conversion take with Heero?
A D2E conversion of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter usually takes only a few weeks. This is often significantly faster than the current delivery times for comparable new vehicles, allowing for quick integration into your fleet.
What charging power do I need for my fleet of transporters?
The required charging power depends on your operation. For vehicles that are parked overnight, an AC charge of 11 or 22 kW is often sufficient. For vehicles in multi-shift operations or with short idle times, a DC fast charging infrastructure with 135 kW or more is recommended to quickly recharge the vehicles during breaks.
What exactly is included in the 80% funding?
The 80% funding refers to the additional investment costs of the e-vehicle or conversion compared to a conventional diesel vehicle. It thus covers the majority of the additional acquisition costs incurred by the e-technology.
Does my converted transporter retain its payload and loading volume?
Yes, Heero's D2E conversion solutions are designed to largely retain the original payload and loading volume of the base vehicle, such as a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. The structure is not altered.
What happens if I miss the funding deadline on 31 August 2025?
According to the current status, the KsNI funding directive expires on this date. It is unclear whether and in what form there will be a follow-up programme. To secure the currently very high subsidies of 80%, it is strongly recommended to submit an application before the deadline.
Does Heero also offer advice on funding applications?
Yes, Heero fully supports you in the process. We offer a free funding analysis to check your individual grant options and to assist you in submitting your application on time.
