FirstGroup Energy Limited – the dedicated energy investment arm of leading transport operator FirstGroup – is investing £1 million in its business to supercharge its work in converting existing diesel and petrol vehicles into clean electric vehicles.
FirstGroup is a leader in environmental and social sustainability and has a long-term commitment of achieving a fully zero-emission fleet by 2035. This venture investment aligns with FirstGroup’s focus on supporting innovative technologies within the decarbonisation value chain, aimed at lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electric buses to be equal to, or even lower than internal combustion engine (ICE) alternatives.
Faizan Muhammad, Investment Director of FirstGroup Energy Limited, said:
“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.”
Repowering heavy diesel vehicles—such as buses, coaches, and trucks—into electric vehicles offers a smarter, faster, and more sustainable solution than purchasing new EVs. It preserves existing vehicles, reduces the environmental impact of producing new ones, and speeds up the transition to zero-emission fleets. This innovative approach not only saves the embedded carbon in these vehicles but also allows fleet operators to decarbonise quickly and cost-effectively.
KleanDrive’s OEM-agnostic, modular electric drivetrains combine next-generation technology from top-tier suppliers like CATL, Graysons, and Voith with deep engineering expertise. This flexible, bespoke solution allows any heavy vehicle to be quickly repowered to electric, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership and cutting emissions, all while offering fleet operators a faster route to zero emissions.
Joe Tighe, CEO of KleanDrive, said:
“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.”
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