Delivery vehicles for zero-emission zones from 2030: A 4-point plan for your fleet
Did you know that over 3,500 e-buses are already benefiting from 80% state funding? Time is running out, as by 2030, zero-emission zones will become a reality in many German cities, and the current funding period ends on August 31, 2025.
The topic briefly and concisely
Starting in 2030, many German cities face driving bans for diesel vehicles due to the introduction of zero-emission zones.
A diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE) can reduce total operating costs (TCO) by over 50% and protect investments in expensive specialty builds.
The current BMDV funding subsidizes the conversion with 80%, but the application deadline ends on August 31, 2025.
The electrification of commercial vehicle fleets is no longer a distant prospect, but an immediate business necessity. Rising diesel prices, strict EU regulations such as the Clean Vehicles Directive, and the establishment of zero-emission zones by 2030 are increasing the pressure on fleet operators. Many fear high investment costs and the loss of expensive specialized superstructures. However, there is a pragmatic solution. This article shows you how to prepare your delivery vehicles for the zero-emission zones by 2030 by opting for intelligent retrofitting. We explain the legal framework, compare the total costs, and present a clear 4-point action plan that will set the course for a future-proof fleet.
Legal pressure to act: Why you need to take action now
From 2030, diesel vehicles will be banned in many city centers. This is based on the planned zero-emission zones (Zero Emission Zones), which will only allow locally emission-free vehicles. This development is being accelerated by the EU's Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), which has already been implemented into German law since August 2021. The CVD requires public buyers to comply with fixed quotas for clean and emission-free vehicles when procuring. In the first reference period until the end of 2025, 38.5 percent of light commercial vehicles must be low-emission. Starting in 2026, the requirement will tighten: Then, 38.5 percent of newly procured light commercial vehicles must be completely emission-free. These regulations affect not only municipalities directly but also their service providers in sectors such as logistics and disposal. The time for a strategic transition of your fleet is precisely now. The legal requirements create a clear framework and make the shift away from diesel unavoidable.
Reduce costs through conversion: The TCO advantage
The acquisition of new electric vehicles is only one side of the coin. An economically and ecologically superior alternative is the diesel-to-electric conversion (DTE). In this process, the combustion engine of your trusted Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is removed and replaced with a powerful electric drive. The decisive advantage lies in the total operating costs, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). A TCO analysis takes into account all costs over the lifespan of a vehicle – from acquisition through energy and maintenance to residual value. Studies show that battery-electric trucks are already achieving or will soon achieve a cost advantage over diesel trucks. By reducing energy and maintenance costs, operating costs can decrease by more than 50%. Another crucial factor: you retain your expensive and specialized vehicle superstructures, which protects an investment of often over 100,000 euros per vehicle. With an intelligent conversion strategy, you thus secure a clear competitive advantage.
Your 4-point action plan for an emissions-free fleet
The path to a future-proof fleet requires a structured approach. With this checklist, you can safely navigate through the process:
Conduct fleet analysis: Capture the current state of your fleet. Which vehicles cover which daily distances? What payloads are required? This data forms the basis for choosing the right e-solution with ranges of up to 500 kilometers.
Check funding opportunities: The current funding guideline from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is a crucial lever. It subsidizes the conversion of diesel vehicles with 80% of the additional investment costs. The associated charging infrastructure is funded by 40%. Note: The application deadline for this attractive funding ends on August 31, 2025.
Choose the right solution: Compare retrofitting your existing vehicles with buying new ones. Consider the Total Cost of Ownership and maintaining your special configurations. A DTE conversion is often completed in just 10 days.
Plan charging infrastructure: Analyze your charging needs. Is overnight AC charging at the depot sufficient, or is DC fast charging necessary for multi-shift operations? Heero vehicles support DC fast charging with up to 165 kW, enabling a recharge to 80% in around 30 minutes.
This pragmatic approach allows a gradual and economically sensible transformation of your fleet.
Technology that convinces: performance and range in detail
The practical suitability determines the success of electrification. Heero relies on proven base vehicles and combines them with the most modern E-technology to ensure maximum reliability and performance. Here is an overview of the available solutions:
Heero eTransporter: With a range of up to 500 kilometers, it is ideal for demanding delivery traffic.
Heero DTE-Sprinter: After conversion, your proven Sprinter reaches a range of up to 425 kilometers.
Heero eFlatbed truck: As a single or double cabin, it offers up to 400 kilometers range for trades and municipalities.
Heero Bus Solutions: The tourer for 9 people achieves up to 400 kilometers, while the low-floor buses with up to 300 kilometers range and a charging power of up to 165 kW revolutionize public transport.
All models (except for the medium-low-floor bus) use a battery with 110 kWh gross and 96 kWh net capacity. This standardized technology simplifies maintenance and service. The decision for a conversion based on this data ensures you a powerful and practical E-fleet.
Sustainability as a business model: The value of the circular economy
Retrofitting your existing fleet is a clear commitment to the circular economy. Instead of scrapping fully functional vehicles with expensive fittings, their lifecycle is significantly extended. This approach conserves valuable resources such as steel and aluminum and greatly reduces the CO₂ footprint compared to new production. The EU Commission estimates that an improved circular economy in the automotive sector can save 12.3 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2035. By continuing to use a vehicle, you avoid the emissions and resource consumption that come with manufacturing a completely new vehicle. You are not only acting environmentally responsible but also positioning your company as a pioneer for sustainable logistics. The decision to retrofit is therefore also an investment in your brand image.
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More useful links
Clean Energy Wire offers a fact sheet on Germany's greenhouse gas emissions and climate goals.
Logistra publishes an article about the changes in the commercial vehicle market and the growth of electric trucks and buses.
Statista provides statistics and data on the topic of electromobility.
National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure offers information on commercial vehicles.
Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) informs about commercial vehicles with alternative drives and climate protection in transport.
Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) provides information on the funding program for climate protection and mobility (KSNI).
German Bundestag offers a brief report.
Federal Environment Agency publishes an analysis of the environmental balance of motor vehicles.
Wikipedia provides an article on the topic of electromobility.
FAQ
What is the range of the retrofitted vehicles?
The range depends on the model. An HEERO DTE-Sprinter converted to electric can reach up to 425 km. New HEERO eTransporter even achieve up to 500 km, while the flatbed trucks and the small tour bus can reach up to 400 km.
How long does a Diesel-to-Electric conversion take?
A professional DTE conversion at HEERO is a standardized process and usually takes about 10 working days. This minimizes the downtime of your vehicle.
What happens to my special build during the conversion?
Your special build remains fully intact. This is one of the biggest advantages of the conversion. We only replace the drivetrain under the vehicle so your expensive equipment remains untouched and can continue to be used.
What grants can I apply for the conversion?
You can benefit from the KsNI funding guideline of the BMDV, which covers 80% of the additional conversion costs and 40% of the costs for the charging infrastructure. The application deadline for this is August 31, 2025. We are happy to assist you with the application process.
What is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)?
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) refers to the total operating costs of a vehicle over its entire useful life. It includes not only the purchase price but also costs for energy, maintenance, insurance, taxes, and the potential resale value. E-vehicles often have a significantly lower TCO than diesel vehicles.
Do I have to advance payment for the grant?
Yes, funding programs usually operate on a reimbursement basis. You make the investment, and after approval and implementation of the project, the grant amount is paid out to you. Our funding analysis helps you to optimally plan the process and financing.
