UK – UK start-up bus retrofitter, KleanDrive (owned by Kleanbus Ltd* of Scarborough, UK) has won a major contract to retrofit 30 diesel ICE Wrightbus StreetDeck double-decker buses for UK operator First Bus, owned by FirstGroup Plc, which invested GBP1 million into the retrofitter late last year. The company will use its Kleanbus “advanced modular electric platform” (a modular driveline package), which system combines battery-electric powertrain components from Tier 1 suppliers to repower the vehicles. The conversion takes just two weeks once a system has been designed and tested. For the operator, this strategy extends vehicles' lifecycles and dramatically reduces carbon emissions whilst decreasing the total cost of ownership for the bus.

The KleanDrive conversion system is a modular, 'plug-and-play' drivetrain that replaces the diesel engine and transmission in traditional buses. The system includes a 324 kWh LFP battery pack (from CATL), which offers an estimated range of approximately 195 miles (313 km) under typical operating conditions. The system also incorporates a Voith electric motor. This innovative solution aims to provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing new electric buses.