Alexander Dennis and KleanDrive Launch AD Repower to Convert Diesel Buses into Electric

Larbert, United Kingdom- Alexander Dennis Limited., a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc. a propulsion-agnostic bus and coach mobility solutions, has announced the launch of AD Repower, an electric repowering solution for its diesel buses. Developed in partnership with specialist engineering firm KleanDrive, the initiative aims to cut tailpipe emissions while extending the operational life of existing fleets. The program complements Alexander Dennis’s next-generation electric bus lineup, giving operators a flexible path toward decarbonisation.

The first application of AD Repower will be on the MMC-generation Enviro400 double decker, one of Britain’s most popular buses. A pilot vehicle is expected to hit the road in the first half of 2026, with further models and international rollout possible depending on demand.

The conversion replaces the diesel engine and transmission with KleanDrive’s plug-and-play electric drivetrain system, housed within a skid unit that integrates a Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) motor and all associated power electronics. VEDS is already deployed in Alexander Dennis’s new electric buses, allowing operators to benefit from proven and familiar technology. Power is supplied by 352kWh CATL lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, offering a projected range of up to 195 miles per charge at 50% passenger load. Importantly, the conversion preserves the Enviro400’s interior layout and seating capacity.

Mr. Chris Gall, Group Engineering Director at Alexander Dennis, said, “We believe that offering both solutions is the quickest route to fleet decarbonisation, while ensuring cleaner, quieter, and smoother journeys for passengers,” Gall explained. “The Enviro400 has long been Britain’s most popular double deck bus, and AD Repower will give operators a cost-effective way to extend its life with full backing from Alexander Dennis and our AD24 support service.”

Mr. Joe Tighe, CEO of KleanDrive, said, “This solution maximises the lifespan of vehicles while eliminating harmful emissions and reducing running costs. By repowering instead of replacing, we avoid wasting the embedded carbon in a bus’s structure,” Tighe said. “Our modular drivetrain is designed for efficient installation and can be fitted at the operator’s premises, minimising downtime and enabling local technicians to handle ongoing maintenance.”

With AD Repower, Alexander Dennis and KleanDrive are positioning repowering as a practical and sustainable bridge toward zero-emission public transport — reducing costs for operators and accelerating the transition to cleaner fleets.

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