KleanDrive to convert 30 Streetdecks for First

Heavy vehicle electric conversion specialist KleanDrive is converting 30 Wrightbus Streetdecks for First Bus.

KleanDrive will provide state-of-the-art e-drivetrain technology for repowering with First-owned Ensignbus carrying out the installation and refurbishment of the bus chassis and interior, before going into service. The diesel-related components removed are returned to First Bus for reuse within the remaining conventional Streetdeck fleet.

Under the initial agreement, the partners will repower the 30 Wrightbus Streetdecks upon acceptance of the first pilot vehicle, before rolling out the programme more widely.

First Group invested £1 million in KleanDrive in 2024, as part of its ongoing programme to repower its diesel bus fleet.

The KleanDrive modular drivetrain features CATL Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery cells and Voith motors in its drivetrain, housed with all power electronics in a unique framework and skid system. KleanDrive’s powertrain has a usable battery capacity of 324 kWh (352 kWh gross), enabling 195 miles of driving range at 50% passenger occupancy.

Fully modular and scalable, KleanDrive’s plug-and-play system is designed to allow the whole drivetrain to be rapidly fitted or removed from where the diesel engine was previously housed, with a layout optimised for efficiency, reliability and ease of routine maintenance, minimising running costs and maximising time on the road. The company develops all of the software to manage the interaction between the original vehicle and the new drivetrain, while operating both with maximum efficiency.

“This deal with First Group and work with Ensignbus and First Bus is how we see the future of repowering buses” – KleanDrive founder, Joe Tighe

KleanDrive founder, Joe Tighe, said: “This deal with First Group and work with Ensignbus and First Bus is how we see the future of repowering buses – with KleanDrive providing a world-leading, model-specific modular e-drivetrain, and the body and chassis work carried out by experienced specialists like Ensign.

“This initial bus previews a run of 30 Wrightbus Streetdecks, which we will convert with Ensign to our latest specification of EV drivetrain, bringing lower running costs, less maintenance burden and a cleaner, quieter and smoother ride for passengers.”

“We are impressed with KleanDrive’s engineering quality and their overall solution” – Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director (B2B) at First Bus

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director (B2B) at First Bus, said: “We are delighted to place this order with Kleandrive. We are impressed with KleanDrive’s engineering quality and their overall solution. They offer a very neat package, making installation and maintenance easier to complete, which is vital for us get the converted buses out on the roads, serving our customers in the shortest time possible.

“For us as an operator having a modular drivetrain, enabling the repowering to be done at our premises saves time, money and carbon emissions, while empowering our technicians to work on the vehicle for routine maintenance after conversion. We are looking forward to getting the first of these repowered Streetdecks back on the road and serving our customers.”