Webinar on E-Bus Funding on July 15, 2025: How to secure 80% funding for your fleet
Rising operating costs and strict emission regulations challenge public and private local transport. Electrification is the answer, but investment hurdles are high. A new call for funding from the Federal Ministry of Transport on July 7, 2025 fundamentally changes this and offers up to 80% subsidies – also for innovative conversions.
The topic briefly and concisely
A free webinar on July 15, 2025, will provide information about the new funding call from the BMDV for e-bus procurement.
Up to 80% of the additional costs for new electric buses, and for the first time also for the conversion of existing vehicles (D2E), are being subsidized.
The crucial deadline for submitting project outlines is August 31, 2025.
The transformation to e-mobility in public transport is no longer an option but a necessity. With the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), the quotas for zero-emission vehicles will rise again starting in 2026. At the same time, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) has recognized the immense importance of the transition and is supporting transport companies with a new, attractive funding program. This webinar on July 15, 2025, is your crucial step to optimally utilize the available resources for your fleet and set the course for an economical, sustainable future.
Legal framework and market dynamics: Why action needs to be taken now
The pressure on fleet operators is steadily increasing. The European Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD) already mandates that 45% of all newly procured buses must be "clean", half of which must be completely emissions-free. From January 2026, these quotas will tighten to 65% and 32.5%, making strategic planning for the next 18 months crucial. At the end of 2024, there were only 3,375 electric buses in operation in Germany, which accounts for just over 10% of the total city bus fleet. This gap between the current state and future requirements illustrates the urgent need for action. The federal government has set the goal that by 2030, every second city bus should be electric. The new funding call is the central tool to achieve this goal and to make the transformation economically viable for companies and municipalities. The time for the transition is now, to meet regulatory requirements and remain competitive.
Your knowledge advantage: The exclusive webinar on E-Bus funding on July 15, 2025
To inform you directly and practically about the new opportunities, a crucial online seminar will take place. Mark this date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. In this compact hour, you will learn everything you need to know about the new funding call from BMDV from experts at NOW GmbH. Registration is free of charge and essential for all fleet managers and purchasing decision-makers. Good preparation is crucial. The following core questions will be answered in the webinar:
Which vehicles and measures are specifically eligible for funding?
What are the funding rates for new vehicles and retrofittings?
What steps are necessary for a successful application?
What are the most important deadlines that need to be observed?
Participation in this webinar gives you the critical advantage of preparing your funding application quickly and accurately. Take this opportunity to be informed directly from the source and clarify your specific questions. This way, the path to funding becomes manageable and transparent.
Focus of the promotion: new vehicles, conversions, and infrastructure
The new "Guideline for Promoting Alternative Drives for Buses in Public Transport" is technology-neutral and practically oriented. The focus is on the procurement of buses with battery and fuel cell drives. A crucial innovation is that the retrofitting of existing diesel vehicles is explicitly promoted. This is a recognition of the principle of circular economy and conserves valuable resources. Our patented D2E retrofitting for Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is therefore fully eligible for funding. In addition to the vehicles themselves, the necessary infrastructure is also subsidized. This includes:
The establishment of charging infrastructure at the depot.
The purchase of mobile charging stations.
The installation of hydrogen refueling systems.
Necessary adjustments to the workshop infrastructure.
This broad funding base ensures that not only the vehicles but the entire ecosystem for e-operation is financially supported. The right charging infrastructure is a critical success factor. This will facilitate the transition to a comprehensive and future-proof solution for your business.
Financial advantage: Up to 80% of the additional investment costs are secured.
The financial support is substantial and significantly lowers the investment hurdle. The federal government covers up to 80% of the additional investment costs for purchasing an e-bus or retrofitting compared to a reference diesel vehicle. A grant of up to 40% of the investment costs is provided for the charging and refueling infrastructure. Even higher support rates are possible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A Heero low-floor bus with a net list price of up to €450,000 is eligible for funding under the program. These high grants massively shift the total cost of ownership (TCO) in favor of electromobility. The funding makes the switch not only ecologically sensible but also economically highly attractive. Find out more about the details of the funding rate. This makes the modernization of your fleet predictable and profitable.
The application process: Important deadlines and steps for funding
The path to funding follows a clear, but time-sensitive process. The crucial first step is the submission of a project outline. The deadline for submitting these outlines through the funding portal easy-Online is August 31, 2025. It is therefore essential to begin the necessary preparations immediately after the webinar on July 15. The BMDV has already funded around 3,500 electric buses for about 360 transport companies between 2021 and 2024, highlighting the effectiveness of the program. Early and careful preparation of the application documents is the key to success. With the right information from the webinar and a clear strategy, you can ensure that your project meets all formal requirements. The application process is clearly defined and uncomplicated with the right support. This way, you secure your chance for the attractive grants.
The HEERO solution: How D2E conversion maximizes your funding opportunities
HEERO offers you two paths to electromobility, both benefiting from the current subsidy program. Besides our highly efficient new vehicles with up to 300 km range, our D2E conversion is particularly an economical and environmentally smart alternative. Many municipalities and companies, from logistics firms to craft businesses, have invested in expensive special constructions based on sprinter vehicles. Instead of losing these values with a new purchase, we retain the vehicle and only replace the drivetrain. This approach of the circular economy is now directly supported by the government and protects your previous investments. The conversion is not only sustainable but often also the faster and more cost-efficient solution. With the subsidy for the conversion, this option becomes even more attractive. We are happy to advise you on which solution is best for your specific requirements.
More useful links
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) provides comprehensive information on the funding guidelines for alternative drives in public transport that are relevant for the electrification of bus fleets.
NOW GmbH coordinates and manages various funding programs for sustainable mobility on behalf of the federal government, including those for the acquisition of electric buses and the associated charging infrastructure.
Association of German Transport Companies (VDV) offers information and analyses on the development of public transport in Germany, including relevant funding landscapes for the electrification of bus fleets.
Federal Environment Agency (UBA) informs about the environmental impacts of transport and the advantages of electric mobility in reducing emissions, which underscores the relevance of the funding programs.
FAQ
What do I need to do to participate in the webinar on E-bus funding?
You can register for the online seminar on July 15, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, free of charge. Registration is done via the link provided by NOW GmbH. Timely registration is recommended.
Which vehicles from Heero are eligible for funding?
Both our Heero low-floor E-minibuses (new vehicles) and our patented D2E conversion (Diesel-to-Electric) for existing Sprinter chassis are fully eligible under the new guidelines.
What happens after submitting the project outline?
After timely submission of your project outline by August 31, 2025, the project sponsor will review the documents. If positively evaluated, you will be invited to submit a formal funding application.
Does the program only support city buses?
The focus is on buses in public transport. The Heero e-minibuses of class M3 (A) for scheduled services are explicitly mentioned, for example. The exact vehicle classes are defined in the guidelines.
Does Heero offer support in the application process?
Yes, we support you. As part of a free consultation, we analyze your needs, configure the appropriate vehicle or conversion solution, and provide you with the necessary technical data for your funding application.
What are the advantages of a D2E conversion compared to a new purchase?
The D2E conversion protects your investments in expensive and proven special bodies. It is often more readily available, more cost-effective, and by reusing the chassis, a prime example of a functioning circular economy, which is now also recognized through funding.
