Lightning Systems, a global developer of zero-emission powertrains for commercial fleets, recently introduced a new all-electric Low Cab Forward model for commercial and government fleets in the Class 6 segment.
The Lightning Electric heavy-duty powertrain will be available in the 19,501- to 26,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), with an all-electric range of 110 miles. The company said it’s currently taking orders, and delivery of the new product will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018.
The first order for 50 units was placed by Zeem Solutions and will be integrated onto the Chevrolet 6500XD Low Cab Forward model, Lightning Systems said.
“The heavy-duty battery-electric model that we’re introducing follows our model of leveraging a high-quality, industry-leading platform that is already embedded in fleets, trusted by commercial customers, and is highly serviceable with nationwide spare parts,” said Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning Systems.
“Just like our Ford Transit and city bus powertrains, the vehicle is elegantly engineered, quick, powerful and quiet. We’re excited to work with Zeem Solutions as they provide unique finance options on the trucks to the commercial market. Our Class 6 powertrain, for both new and repowered vehicles, will eliminate diesel costs, dramatically reduce operating costs and help Zeem and their customers meet their sustainability goals and environmental standards.”
New York-based Zeem is a commercial electric vehicle (CEV) service provider for small, medium and large fleet operators across the US The company assists fleet operators with the formulation and integration of a tailored, comprehensive EV strategy to optimize operating costs when buying or leasing a CEV.
Zeem is product agnostic and focused on vehicle options that meet fleet transportation requirements. Through the utilization of innovative solutions for charging, grid monetization, and their proprietary operating system, they work to meet a total cost of operation on par with or below the cost of a diesel.
“Zeem customers are forward thinking market movers,” said Bruce Shallet, chairman of Zeem Solutions. “In addition to wanting to implement an environmentally responsible fleet management strategy, they need an electric truck that delivers reliable performance at or near the operating cost of existing diesel options.
“We have developed technology in our vehicles that makes it easier for our customers to optimize the economics, performance, and life of battery and vehicle, whether on the road or parked."
The Lightning Electric LEV100 will offer peak motor power of 295 horsepower with a two-speed Eaton automatic transmission, providing 1,821 ft-lb in first gear and a 65-mph governed top speed. Lightning provides a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain, matching the General Motors warranty.
The powertrain is available on new Class 6 trucks as well as repowers of vehicles currently in fleets. Service and maintenance will be performed by trained local service centers and nationwide service partners. Clean vehicle vouchers and incentives are available in many states through the VW Environmental Mitigation Trust and other state and federal funding programs.
The new model will have an electric range of 110 miles depending on route and driver. Regenerative braking adds range while reducing wear and tear on the standard friction brakes. Featuring a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery system, the new Lightning Electric heavy-duty powertrain will accommodate a full charge in three hours using industry-standard CCS DC fast charging.
The Low Cab Forward model will serve as a delivery truck or cargo van and is delivered as a chassis cab, ready to be upfitted with cargo box, refrigeration units and other configurations.
“I have been deeply involved in the electric commercial truck vehicle space for over 10 years, and have driven all the current options available,” said Paul Gioupis, CEO of Zeem Solutions. “We chose the Lightning product because once we drove the electrified Ford Transit we were blown away with the acceleration and overall performance, and it became clear why Ford selected them as their preferred partner.
“We are excited to be working with the Lightning Systems team on the first Zeem vehicles and anticipate we will have strong demand from our customers on this Class 6 offering. The truck is an absolute beast, and there is no other product on the market like it.”