Full 3.5 t trailer load: How HEERO enables e-transporters without compromise
Your operation relies on a high towing capacity, but you need to switch to electric drive? Many electric transporters fail at this hurdle and significantly limit your operational capability. Heero offers the solution that combines performance and sustainability.
The topic briefly and concisely
Full power: HEERO E-Transporters based on Sprinter retain the full towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons, which is crucial for many industries such as crafts and municipalities.
Economic operation: By converting to electric drive, the total operating costs (TCO) can be reduced by up to 70% due to savings in energy, maintenance, taxes, and fees.
Sustainable investment protection: The principle of the circular economy conserves resources by reusing existing vehicles and expensive special structures and protecting them from diesel driving bans.
For municipalities, craft enterprises, and logistics companies, a towing capacity of 3.5 tons is often indispensable. At the same time, rising operating costs and legal requirements such as the Clean Vehicles Directive force a switch to emission-free drives. Standard electric transporters often offer only inadequate solutions with severely limited towing capacity of 1,500 kg. Heero closes this gap. We position ourselves as your partner for practical electrification by maintaining the full towing capacity of your Mercedes-Benz Sprinter through our patented D2E conversion and powerful new vehicles. This way, you protect your investment in expensive special constructions and ensure the unrestricted performance of your fleet.
The challenge: uncompromising towing capacity in the age of e-mobility
Many fleet operators face a dilemma: The necessity to switch to zero-emission vehicles conflicts with the requirement to tow heavy loads. Most electric transporters on the market are designed for a maximum towing capacity of only 1,500 kg to 2,000 kg. For businesses in landscaping and horticulture, for municipalities with special trailers, or for construction logistics, this is a clear obstacle. The legal framework, such as the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act, adds further pressure and demands a quota of 38.5% zero-emission new vehicles in public tenders by 2026. The question is not whether, but how the transition can successfully take place without operational disadvantages. This gap between legal requirements and the technical offerings of many manufacturers leads to significant planning uncertainty. The solution requires a technological approach that retains the robust foundation of proven commercial vehicles. Learn more about our solutions for special vehicles.
This discrepancy makes it clear that a standard solution is often not sufficient to ensure full operational capability.
The HEERO solution: Full towing capacity of 3.5 t through innovative electrification
HEERO breaks with the compromises of conventional e-vans. Our technological core competence lies in the D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, where we retain the full functionality of the base vehicle. This means for you: The certified towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons remains fully intact. We replace the diesel powertrain with our highly efficient electric drive, without altering the proven and stable frame structure of the Sprinter. This not only ensures traction but also the value of your existing special bodies. The immediately available torque of our electric drive ensures smooth starting, even with a heavy trailer on a hill.
The following businesses particularly benefit from this performance:
Municipalities with trailers for green maintenance or waste disposal
Craft businesses transporting heavy machinery and materials
Landscaping companies with excavators or large bulk material trailers
Logistics companies with special transport requirements
Our electric flatbed trucks are a perfect example of this uncompromising performance. They demonstrate that ecological and economic benefits can go hand in hand.
Legal framework: What you need for a 3.5 ton towing capacity
The operation of a combination with a total weight of over 3.5 tons requires clear legal requirements. To tow a trailer with a permissible total weight of up to 3,500 kg, drivers need a class BE driver's license. With this permission, the sum of the permissible total weights of the towing vehicle and trailer can be up to 7,000 kg. Our converted HEERO vehicles meet all the requirements of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) for operation with full trailer load. The relevant data, such as the technically permissible braked trailer load (Field O.1), are entered accordingly in the vehicle documents. We ensure that your vehicle is 100% legally compliant after the conversion. You can rely on the fact that all technical and administrative requirements for legal operation are met. A conversion for construction site logistics takes these aspects into account from the start. This way, you avoid legal gray areas and can fully focus on your core business.
Focus on Cost-Effectiveness: TCO Analysis for Trailer Operations
The decision for an e-transporter is primarily an economic one. Although the acquisition costs may be higher, the total operating costs (Total Cost of Ownership, TCO) are significantly lower than those of a diesel vehicle. A study by the ICCT shows that the extra costs for e-trucks often pay off within 4 to 6 years. This is particularly true in the demanding trailer operation. By retrofitting, you save up to 70% on maintenance and energy costs.
Here is a direct cost comparison:
Energy costs: The costs per 100 km are significantly lower with electricity than with diesel, even with rising electricity prices.
Maintenance: An e-drive has no exhaust system, no oil changes, and fewer wear parts, which reduces service costs by over 50%.
Taxes & fees: You benefit from 10 years of exemption from vehicle tax and earnings through the THG quota.
Value stability: Thanks to the circular economy, the value of your existing vehicle, including the body, is maintained and secured for the future.
Our experts will create an individual TCO analysis for you. Experience the benefits yourself with a zero-cost everyday test. This way, the profitability of your fleet becomes transparent and manageable.
Proven practicality: range and everyday usability with a trailer
The range is a central criterion, especially when towing. It is known that towing heavy loads increases energy consumption and can reduce the range by up to 50%. Our Heero E-Transporters are equipped with battery capacities of up to 126 kWh, enabling a WLTP range of up to 425 km when driving solo. In real-world use with a 3.5-tonne trailer, this means a practical range of over 200 km. This range fully covers the typical daily routes of municipal or craft businesses. Additionally, our intelligent recuperation system ensures that energy is recovered during braking, further increasing efficiency. The charging time at a DC fast charging station is only about 60 minutes from 20% to 80%. This means your vehicle is ready for use again after a lunch break. The re-use of your Sprinter chassis thus ensures practical everyday e-mobility. This makes the switch to electric a reliable solution for your working day.
Sustainability through circular economy: A second life for your Sprinter
Deciding on a HEERO D2E conversion is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping a fully functional vehicle with a valuable special body, we extend its lifecycle by many years. This approach conserves valuable resources and significantly reduces the carbon footprint. The production of a new commercial vehicle is extremely energy-intensive. According to estimates, more than 75% of the energy is saved through conversion compared to new production. You are acting not only ecologically but also economically sustainable by maximizing the value of your existing fleet.
The benefits of this principle are diverse:
Resource conservation: Preserving the body and structure saves steel, plastic, and other materials.
CO2 reduction: Avoiding the emissions that occur when manufacturing a completely new vehicle.
Waste prevention: A functioning vehicle does not become waste, but a modern electric vehicle.
Investment protection: Your expensive special body is protected from decommissioning due to diesel driving bans.
With HEERO you invest in a future-proof and responsible mobility solution. The retention of full payload capacity is a central component of our philosophy.
More useful links
Federal Environment Agency provides comprehensive information on electromobility and environmentally friendly mobility.
FAQ
What is the exact towing capacity of a HEERO electric van?
Our converted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter retains the homologated, braked towing capacity from the original vehicle of up to 3,500 kg. This is officially recorded in the vehicle documents (Field O.1).
How long does the D2E conversion of my Sprinter take?
The pure conversion time in our plant usually takes only 10 working days. Including logistics and administrative processes, you can expect a total duration of about 3 to 4 weeks until your vehicle is ready for use again.
Are converted vehicles state subsidized?
Although the classic environmental bonus does not apply to conversions, there are various funding programs at federal and state level, for example within the framework of the KsNI program, which also support conversions. Additionally, you benefit from the THG premium and 10 years of vehicle tax exemption. We are happy to advise you on the current options.
What happens to the old diesel engine and components?
In the interest of the circular economy, we ensure the professional reutilization of the removed components. Functional parts are supplied to the spare parts market, while other materials are recycled to conserve resources.
Does the payload of the vehicle remain unchanged after the conversion?
Yes, the weight of our electric drive and batteries is compensated by the removal of the heavy diesel engine, gearbox, and exhaust system. This ensures that the original payload of the vehicle is nearly completely retained.
What warranty does HEERO provide on the electric drive train?
HEERO offers a comprehensive warranty on the electric drive train and the battery. We provide a warranty of 8 years on the battery or a corresponding mileage, ensuring you long-term security and reliability.
