Lightning Systems has announced it is accepting pre-orders for its new zero-emissions LightningElectric system for Ford Transit.The LightningElectric battery conversion package is available for Ford Transit as part of Ford Motor Company’s eQVM program. The product will be available first on heavy-duty Transits with a 10,360-lb gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Conversions and service are performed by Ford QVM-certified upfitters and dealers around the world.

In the United States, the electric-vehicle conversion is $69,000 for vehicles with an electric range of 50 miles and $89,000 for vehicles with a range of 100 miles. Deliveries will begin in early 2018. Vouchers and grants are available in some regions for zero-emissions vehicles.

“The new LightningElectric is an excellent choice for commercial and government fleets that would like a zero-emissions product that uses no fuel, but gets the job done with no compromises,” said David Brosky, vice president of sales for Lightning Systems. “The braking and acceleration feels like a gasoline-powered Ford Transit. The vehicle is smooth and quiet with excellent performance and will please both drivers and passengers.”

Featuring a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled Lithium-Ion battery system from a volume-ready world-class battery supplier, LightningElectric will accommodate full charging in six hours with Level 2 charging and less than thirty minutes for DC fast charging. Depending on battery option and drive cycle, LightningElectric will have a payload capacity of up to 4,000 pounds.

Lightning Systems worked with New Eagle on the design of the LightningElectric system for the Ford Transit. New Eagle specializes in mechatronic controls, which are the electronic brains that drive mechanical systems, and is a leader in the application of model-based design into real-time embedded systems in the fields of autonomy, electrification, hydraulics, and engine systems.

Longmont, Colo.-based UQM Technologies has been chosen by Lightning Systems as its strategic electric-vehicle propulsion system supplier for its EV platforms. UQM will provide powertrain components for LightningElectric, including the gearbox, an electric motor and the inverter, as well as software controls for optimum performance and efficiency.

Lightning Systems, formerly known as Lightning Hybrids, is a fast-growing, global fleet solutions company with headquarters in Loveland, Colo. A variety of new Lightning Systems’ efficiency and emissions improvement innovations are being introduced over the next two years to support commercial and government fleets.

Earlier this year, Ford named Lightning Systems one of the first to achieve eQVM status (Advanced Fuel Qualified Vehicle Modifiers) for its LightningHybrid system, a hydraulic hybrid energy recovery system that offers 50% NOx reductions and up to 25% fuel savings for urban drive cycles. Applications include delivery trucks, shuttle and paratransit buses, refuse trucks, and rear-engine transit buses. The system is available now, worldwide on more than 25 platforms.

LightningAnalytics, a new cloud-based analytics system that provides drive, route and predictive vehicle health scoring for maximum range and efficiency, is available as an option on every LightningElectric vehicle. The analytics system provides fleets with real-time information to operate their fleet at peak efficiency. LightningAnalytics also is available with the LightningHybrid system, and is available as a standalone product with a variety of modules to provide efficiency solutions to fleets.

Lightning Systems
www.lightningsystems.com