KleanDrive has secured a contract to supply its modular electric drivetrain technology for the repowering of 30 Wrightbus Streetdeck double-decker buses operated by First Bus. The project, delivered in partnership with Ensignbus, will see legacy diesel drivetrains replaced with KleanDrive’s latest plug-and-play e-powertrain system. Ensignbus will handle the removal of diesel components, installation of the new electric drivetrain, and full refurbishment of the chassis and interior.

The KleanDrive system integrates CATL lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery modules, providing a usable capacity of 324 kWh (352 kWh gross), supporting a claimed range of 195 miles at 50% passenger occupancy. The architecture incorporates Voith electric drive units and houses all power electronics within a dedicated framework and skid, enabling rapid installation and removal. The modularity of the system allows for efficient retrofitting and streamlines maintenance, as the entire drivetrain package can be exchanged in the space previously occupied by the diesel engine.

Software developed by KleanDrive manages the interface between the vehicle’s original systems and the new electric drivetrain, optimising operational efficiency and reliability. The repowering programme will commence following acceptance of an initial pilot vehicle, with the remaining conversions to follow under the initial agreement.

First Group, parent company of First Bus, invested £1 million in KleanDrive in 2024 as part of its broader strategy to transition its fleet to zero-emission operation by 2035. Diesel components removed during the conversion process will be returned to First Bus for reuse in the remaining conventional Streetdeck fleet.

The collaboration is positioned as a scalable model for fleet electrification, leveraging KleanDrive’s modular, model-specific e-drivetrain technology and Ensignbus’s expertise in heavy-vehicle refurbishment. The solution is intended to deliver reduced operating costs, lower maintenance requirements, and improved passenger experience through quieter, emission-free operation.

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