KleanDrive working with Welch Group to electrify HGVs

KleanDrive and Welch Group have announced the launch of a new partnership to repower Renault D-Series 18-tonne rigid heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) with new electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain technology.

KleanDrive will provide its modular electric drivetrain technology, with Welch Group handling the installation and the optional refurbishment of the truck chassis, body, and interior. Diesel components will be returned following the installation.

Welch Group's managing director, Chris Welch, said: “We’re delighted to work with KleanDrive to convert existing HGVs to electric power and have been impressed with its engineering quality and overall solution.

“KleanDrive offers a very neat package, making installation and maintenance easier to complete – it is really just two boxes to fit to the chassis and then plug-and-play.“

He added: “As one of the first fleets to operate an electric HGV in the UK, this makes total sense for us, and we see this as a scaleable solution to decarbonising the sector in the near-term.”

KleanDrive’s modular drivetrain system offers a usable battery capacity of up to 352kWh.

The drivetrain can be fitted or removed from where the diesel engine was placed, with software to facilitate the interaction between the original HGV and the newly installed drivetrain.

KleanDrive's founder Joe Tighe, commented: “We see this deal as the future of repowering trucks.

“Our modular, plug-and-play drivetrain can be fitted to the vehicle in a day, alongside other refurbishment work if required.

“This means the vehicle is off the road for the minimum time, before returning to work on a fleet with lower running costs, zero tailpipe emissions and a quieter, smoother experience for both drivers and passengers.”