AD Repower will initially be available in the UK on the popular MMC-generation Alexander Dennis Enviro400 double decker, with a first pilot bus scheduled to be on the road in the first half of 2026. With sufficient demand, other models and other markets could follow.
Under the partnership, KleanDrive replaces the buses’ existing diesel engine and transmission with its plug and play electric drivetrain system and control software. A unique skid system houses a Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) motor and all power electronics, allowing for easy installation. VEDS is also used in Alexander Dennis’s next-generation electric buses, allowing operators to benefit from familiar and proven technology.
Energy is stored in 352kWh CATL lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, for which KleanDrive expects a driving range on a single charge of 195 miles at 50% passenger occupancy.
The AD Repower conversion maintains the Enviro400’s interior layout, allowing existing buses’ full seating capacity to be retained.
“We believe that offering new electric buses as well as repowering vehicles already on the road is the quickest route to decarbonisation of our customer’s fleets”
Chris Gall, Group Engineering Director at Alexander Dennis, said: “We look forward to delivering the benefits of AD Repower in partnership with KleanDrive. Their drivetrain engineering is in keeping with our reputation for quality and we have been impressed with how well thought out the design is for easy installation and maintenance.
“We believe that offering new electric buses as well as repowering vehicles already on the road is the quickest route to decarbonisation of our customer’s fleets, whilst delivering cleaner, quieter and smoother journeys for passengers.
“The diesel-powered Enviro400 has for many years been Britain’s most popular double deck bus, and we are delighted to offer this repowering solution to extend the life of these vehicles. AD Repower in partnership with KleanDrive is fully backed by Alexander Dennis and supported through our AD24 service, giving our customers peace of mind.”
KleanDrive CEO, Joe Tighe, said: “This is a great solution for operators and the environment. Alexander Dennis buses are renowned for the quality of the body and chassis and by repowering them with an EV drivetrain, we can maximise the lifespan of vehicle, whilst eliminating noxious emissions and slashing running costs and CO2 emissions. By repowering rather than prematurely replacing, we avoid throwing away a perfectly good vehicle and the carbon dioxide that is embedded within that.
“Our solution is a plug and play, modular drivetrain that replaces the existing engine and transmission and interfaces perfectly with the bus controls and instrumentation. It is designed to carry out the conversion at the fleet operator’s premises, which reduces time off the road and empowers the local technicians to carry out maintenance.”
