The energy investment arm of transport operator FirstGroup is investing in KleanDrive, a specialist in the conversion of heavy vehicles to electric power.

Repowering heavy diesel vehicles potentially offers a more sustainable solution than purchasing new EVs. It preserves existing vehicles, reduces the environmental impact of producing new ones, and saves the embedded carbon in these vehicles.

Faizan Muhammad, investment director of FirstGroup Energy, 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.”

FirstGroup includes First Bus with a fleet of around 4,800 buses, and First Rail with a fleet of 3,700 locomotives and rail carriages. It is committed to operating a zero-emission First Bus fleet by 2035, and First Rail will help support the Government’s goal to remove all diesel-only trains from service by 2040.

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