Alexander Dennis (ADL) has entered into a collaboration with the specialized company KleanDrive for electric repowering solutions for diesel buses. AD Repower will initially be available in the United Kingdom for the Enviro400 of the MMC generation, with the first pilot bus expected to go on the road in the first half of 2026. If demand is sufficient, further models and markets could follow.
Voith provides the propulsion
As part of the partnership, KleanDrive replaces the existing diesel engine and transmission of the buses with its plug-and-play electric drive
system including control software. A skid system comprises the drive within the Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) and the entire power electronics, enabling easy installation. VEDS will also be used in ADL's next generation electric buses, so operators can rely on a familiar technology.
The energy is stored in 352-kWh lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP) from CATL, for which KleanDrive expects a range of up to 315 km. At low temperatures in winter, a driving range of approximately 185 km remains. With the conversion to AD Repower, the Enviro400's
interior fittings are preserved – including the full seating capacity.
Chris Gall, Group Engineering Director at ADL: “The diesel-powered Enviro400 has been the most popular double-decker bus in Great Britain for many years, and we are pleased to be able to offer this repowering solution to extend the life of these vehicles. AD Repower, in collaboration with KleanDrive, will be fully supported by Alexander Dennis and complemented by our AD24 service, so our customers do not have to worry.”
Conversion at the customer site
Joe Tighe, CEO of KleanDrive:
“Alexander Dennis buses are known for the quality of their bodywork and chassis. By converting to an EV drivetrain, we can maximize the lifespan of the vehicles while eliminating harmful emissions and drastically reducing operating costs and CO2 emissions. By converting instead of an early replacement, we avoid that a perfectly good vehicle is basically thrown away.”
The replacement with KleanDrive's modular plug-and-play drivetrain is designed so that the conversion can be carried out at the fleet operator's site, reducing downtime and enabling local technicians to perform the maintenance.
