With the introduction of new Tiger II tanks in late 1944, the unit was renumbered as the 501st Heavy SS Panzer Battalion (German: Schwere SS-Panzerabteilung 501).

With the anticipated Allied invasion of Western Europe approaching, elements of the battalion in the East were ordered to the West in April 1944.

Fighting its first battle on 13 June, Kompanie 2, led by Michael Wittmann inflicted severe damage on the British in Villers-Bocage, resulting in the ending of Operation Perch.

At this time the unit's surplus crews began outfitting with the new Tiger II tanks.

The battalion lost virtually all its remaining Tigers in the Falaise pocket and the subsequent German retreat from France.