FirstGroup to speed up bus electrification with £1m investment

FirstGroup Energy Limited, the energy investment arm of the renowned transport operator FirstGroup, has announced a significant investment of £1 million towards converting diesel and petrol vehicles into clean electric ones. This move is aimed at accelerating its mission of achieving a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035.

Being at the forefront of environmental and social sustainability, FirstGroup is dedicated to embracing innovative technologies within the decarbonisation value chain. The focus is to drive down the total cost of ownership for electric buses, making them a viable alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

According to Faizan Muhammad, the Investment Director of FirstGroup Energy Limited, this venture investment marks a pivotal moment for the company. He stated, “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 provides a valuable option for fleet operators looking to accelerate their decarbonisation efforts.”

The strategic decision to repower heavy diesel vehicles like buses, coaches, and trucks into electric vehicles offers a more sustainable solution than replacing them with new EVs. By preserving existing vehicles, the environmental impact of manufacturing new ones is reduced, facilitating the transition to zero-emission fleets at a quicker pace. This approach not only saves the embedded carbon in current vehicles but also enables fleet operators to decarbonize efficiently and cost-effectively.

KleanDrive’s OEM-agnostic and modular electric drivetrains integrate advanced technology from leading suppliers such as CATL, Graysons, and Voith. Their deep engineering expertise ensures a flexible and bespoke solution that can quickly repower any heavy vehicle into an electric one, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership while cutting emissions. This approach offers fleet operators in the UK a swift pathway to achieve zero emissions.

Joe Tighe, the CEO of KleanDrive, expressed his excitement about FirstGroup’s investment, highlighting the value it brings to the partnership. He mentioned, “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 decarbonize—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.”

Introducing sustainable practices in the transportation industry is crucial for combating climate change and achieving a greener future for all. FirstGroup Energy Limited’s investment in converting diesel and petrol vehicles into electric ones is a step in the right direction towards creating a zero-emission fleet by 2035.

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