Secure THG-quote for your retrofitted electric fleet: A 4-step plan
Is your fleet already electric? The GHG quota can bring an annual premium for your CO₂ savings. We will show you how to claim the GHG quota for your converted electric fleet. We will clarify which funding programs are currently open on a case-by-case basis.
The topic briefly and concisely
You can apply for a THG premium annually for each retrofitted, fully electric commercial vehicle, which reduces operating costs.
The deadline for applying for the 80% subsidy for the conversion has expired; the KsNI ran until 2024.
A specialized service provider takes care of the entire process of applying for THG credits with the Federal Environment Agency for your fleet.
Rising diesel prices, strict climate regulations, and a high administrative burden weigh heavily on your fleet balance sheet. Retrofitting to electric drive is the first step, but the potential is greater. With the greenhouse gas reduction quota (GHG quota), you convert your CO₂ savings into a recurring source of income. This guide explains the four central steps to claim the premium for your retrofitted fleet. In addition, the following applies: The KsNI funding directive of the BMDV with up to 80% subsidy for the retrofitting ran until 2024, and no new funding calls are planned.
Your 4-point checklist for the THG premium
The process for applying for the GHG quota is straightforward when done in a structured manner. For fleet managers, this means a plannable, additional source of income with minimal effort. Follow these four steps to claim your entitlements.
Analyze vehicle fleet: Check which vehicles in your fleet are eligible. This includes all purely battery-electric commercial vehicles of classes N1, N2, N3 and buses of class M3, including all existing vehicles electrified through a diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE).
Digitize documents: A copy of the registration certificate Part I (vehicle registration document) is required for each individual vehicle. Have these scans or photos ready for a quick upload.
Appoint a service provider: You do not have to submit the application to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) yourself. A specialized service provider bundles the applications for your entire fleet and handles the complete process, from certification to marketing.
Observe deadlines and receive the quota: The service provider must submit the applications to the UBA by November 15 of each year. After a successful audit, which can take up to 16 weeks, the quota is paid out directly to you.
This annual quota directly improves the total cost of ownership of your fleet and accelerates the amortization of your investment.
Regulatory drivers: Why action must be taken now
Two key regulations shape the starting position for fleet operators. The combination of past funding and current legal requirements makes electrification inevitable and economically attractive. Understanding these framework conditions is the key to maximizing your benefits.
BMDV Funding: 80 Percent Subsidy Until 2024
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) actively supported the transformation. Through the KsNI directive, up to 80% of the additional investment expenditure for the purchase or conversion of e-commercial vehicles was funded. Likewise, 40% of the costs for setting up the necessary charging infrastructure were subsidized. The crucial point today: The directive ran until 2024; new funding calls are not planned. A quick amortization calculation shows the enormous potential.
Clean Vehicles Directive: Legal Mandate for Public Fleets
The Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), implemented in Germany by the Clean Vehicles Procurement Act (SaubFahrzeugBeschG), obligates public contracting authorities to fixed quotas. By 2025, for example, 10% of procured heavy commercial vehicles and 45% of buses had to be low-emission. This creates significant pressure on municipalities and their service providers, making conversion a strategic necessity.
Economic efficiency and sustainability through conversion
The decision to electrify must be sound in terms of both economy and emissions. Converting existing diesel vehicles offers clear advantages over buying new and is a central building block of the circular economy. It conserves not only budgets, but also valuable resources.
Optimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes all costs over the lifespan of a vehicle, not just the purchase price. A conversion reduces the TCO significantly. Lower maintenance and energy costs compensate for the initial investment, which was further reduced until 2024 by the 80% subsidy. The annual GHG premium has a positive effect on the TCO balance as direct additional income. This makes sustainable fleet modernization economically measurable as well.
HEERO technology: Performance that convinces
Our converted vehicles are based on proven technology and deliver reliably in day-to-day work. The specifications speak for themselves:
Ranges: Up to 500 km in the eTransporter and up to 425 km in the converted Sprinter enable full operational capability.
Battery capacity: All models use a 110 kWh (gross) battery, which means 96 kWh of usable energy.
Fast charging power: With up to 135 kW DC charging power (even 165 kW for the low-entry bus), the vehicles are back to 80% capacity in around 40 minutes.
These performance data prove that a conversion does not mean compromising on practical suitability.
Mini Case: A municipal fleet calculates retroactively
A municipal depot operates a fleet of 15 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with expensive special bodies. Buying new electric vehicles including new bodies would cost over 1.5 million euros. Instead, the fleet manager decides on the DTE conversion by HEERO.
The investment is reduced by 80% thanks to the BMDV directive. In addition, the fleet manager claims the GHG quota for all 15 converted electric commercial vehicles (class N1). With a premium of, for example, 105 euros per vehicle, this results in an additional annual income of 1,575 euros. This income is recurring and reduces operating costs year after year. The investment in the conversion thus becomes a double win.
Your advantage with HEERO: Partnership for a profitable future
The electrification of your fleet is more than a measure to reduce emissions – it is an economically wise decision. The 80% conversion subsidy, which applies until 2024, and the annual GHG quota form the basis for a sustainable and profitable calculation of your vehicle fleet. HEERO is at your side as an innovative partner who combines the technical excellence of the conversion with a clear strategy for reducing costs. We secure not only your expensive special bodies, but also your competitiveness.
Start your subsidy analysis: Answer three questions and receive your grant roadmap with the status of the subsidy programs.
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More useful links
The Federal Ministry for the Environment offers answers to frequently asked questions about the greenhouse gas reduction quota.
The Federal Ministry for the Environment provides a draft bill for the further development of the greenhouse gas reduction quota.
The Federal Environment Agency provides information on the enforcement of the 38th BImSchV and the crediting of electricity for electromobility.
The Federal Environment Agency provides guidance on submitting applications for the GHG quota.
The National Centre for Charging Infrastructure offers information on the topic of commercial vehicles.
The Federal Ministry of Transport provides information on commercial vehicles with alternative drivetrains and climate protection in transport.
The Federal Environment Agency offers an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
The German Energy Agency (dena) examines the expansion of the charging infrastructure for e-trucks, challenges and solutions.
