MOVE Special

Kleanbus: Transforming Buses for a Greener Future

In this interview, we'll delve into the insightful interview with Joe, the driving force behind Kleanbus, and explore the remarkable impacts of their eco-friendly mission.

Joe Tighe

CEO & Co Founder
Kleanbus Limited

Chris Kirby

CEO & Co-Founder
Tomorrow's Journey

Felix Page

News & Features Editor
Autocar

Episode Overview

Kleanbus, a pioneering company, has taken the initiative to combat pollution by converting diesel buses into clean electric vehicles. In this blog, we'll delve into the insightful interview with Joe Tighe, the CEO, Co-Founder and driving force behind Kleanbus, and explore the remarkable impacts of their eco-friendly mission.

Cities worldwide face a pressing issue - the colossal consumption of diesel fuel in their public transport systems. London alone burns over 200 million litres of diesel annually in its city center, causing severe health and environmental repercussions. The need to reduce emissions is more critical than ever, and Kleanbus aims to be the solution.

Kleanbus lives up to its name by removing diesel engines from buses and replacing them with clean electric drivetrains. By transitioning to electric technology, they envision a greener, healthier urban environment. This transformation not only reduces harmful emissions but also paves the way for a more sustainable future.

Joe shares insights into the technical process of converting diesel buses into electric ones. The procedure involves meticulously assessing the vehicle's software, messaging architecture, and physical capabilities. The bus is then stripped down, and Kleanbus models the entire vehicle. A customised subframe is designed, tailored to the specific make and model of the bus. The company handpicks components and batteries to create an optimised drivetrain, perfectly suited for the bus's duty cycle. While the initial conversions are complex, subsequent ones become much more manageable, highlighting the scalability of their innovative approach.

Kleanbus prides itself on its efficiency and safety standards. In a remarkable feat, the company converted its first vehicle in just one hour, showcasing the modular nature of their process. Moreover, safety is a top priority, and Kleanbus adheres to stringent functional safety guidelines. Terry Spall, the company's Chairman, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the highest levels of functional safety, underscoring Kleanbus's commitment to reliability and responsible innovation.

As a mission-driven company aligned with B Corp status, Kleanbus is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Their ultimate vision is to revolutionize the public transport industry by transitioning it towards modular drivetrain solutions. They plan to collaborate with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide electric drivetrains for legacy vehicles, making eco-friendly technology more accessible and widespread.

Kleanbus is at the forefront of a green revolution in the transportation industry, transforming buses into cleaner and eco-friendly alternatives. Through their meticulous conversion process, they are addressing the adverse effects of diesel consumption in cities like London and paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Their modular approach ensures efficiency and scalability, while their unwavering commitment to safety reflects their dedication to responsible innovation. With their mission-driven approach and the vision to revolutionise the industry, Kleanbus has embarked on a journey to shape a greener and more sustainable world. As they continue to drive change, we can look forward to a future where electric buses dominate the streets, improving the quality of life for generations to come.

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