FirstGroup has signalled a close partnership with repowering specialist KleanDrive with a £1 million investment from the transport operator’s energy investment arm.
FirstGroup Energy Ltd, which was incorporated last year, will be represented on the KleanDrive board by its Investment Director, Faizan Muhammad, as part of the move.
KleanDrive, via subsidiary KleanBus, has pioneered converting diesel buses to battery electric.
The investment from FirstGroup is designed to help FirstBus realise its commitment to achieve a full zero-emission fleet by 2035.
Mr Muhammad says: “This transaction represents our first venture investment and is consistent with our focus on accessing new and innovative solutions through targeted investments.
“KleanDrive’s cutting-edge technology offers a complementary option, and greater coverage, to support fleet operators in their decarbonisation efforts.”
KleanDrive uses OEM-agnostic, modular electric drivetrains to combine next-generation technology from suppliers such as CATL, Graysons, and Voith.
Joe Tighe, CEO of KleanDrive, says: “”We are delighted at FirstGroup’s investment and, as part of this we welcome Faizan Muhammad, onto the board as both a strategic investor and a partner in driving the future of zero-emission transport.
“We are offering fleet operators across the UK a real, actionable pathway to decarbonise — without waiting years for new vehicles. Repowering existing fleets with the latest electric technology allows operators to extend vehicle life, reduce emissions, and materially lower costs.”
Kleanbus Ltd was incorporated in 2020 before announcing the completion of its first repowered prototype in January 2023. In December 2023, KleanDrive was launched to incorporate KleanBus Ltd and expand its work to other forms of transport.
First has used Equipmake to repower part of its diesel bus fleet to electric, while 32 of First’s Wrightbus StreetDeck double-deckers are being similarly repowered by the OEM’s new NewPower enterprise.
