First launched by the British bus manufacturer in August 2025, AD Repower was billed as a partnership with KleanDrive that would offer transport operators an alternative way of electrifying their fleet – namely, by converting existing diesel-powered AD buses to battery-electric powertrains.
Under the partners’ original arrangement, Kleandrive provided the electric drivetrain and control software, replacing diesel engines and transmissions with a plug-and-play system incorporating a Voith Electrical Drive System (VEDS) motor and a power electronics. Conversions deployed a 352 kWh CATL LFP battery, with KleanDrive quoting a range of up to 195 miles at 50 per cent passenger capacity. Initially, the programme targeted the MMC-generation Enviro400 double-decker. (For more information on KleanDrive’s repowering process, check out our interview with CEO Joe Tighe).
However, once KleanDrive entered administration in May 2026, its business and assets were subsequently acquired by Palmer Energy Technology – a British clean-energy and battery tech company co-founded by former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. At the time of the acquisition, AD said it remained committed to delivering AD Repower conversions and would continue discussions with KleanDrive under its new ownership structure. PETL, meanwhile, said the acquisition would provide it with an established position in heavy-duty vehicle electrification and a route into the bus repowering market, although its future operating structure and brand identity were still yet to be determined at the time.
