Lightning Systems, which develops zero-emission drivetrains for commercial fleets, recently introduced new battery-electric powertrain options for the Ford E-450 Shuttle Bus and Ford E-450 Cutaway.
The company said its new Lightning Electric models for the Ford E-450 will be available in a 14,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) with an all-electric range of 110 miles. Lightning Systems currently is taking orders and expects to begin delivering the products by the end of 2018.
“We’ve become the only stop you have to make to get zero-emission vehicles for all of your fleet needs,” said Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning Systems. “This follows our strategy of electrifying popular high-quality platforms in the Class 3 to 8 segments. Fleets can get the job done around town or on the worksite, while saving fuel and meeting their sustainability and environmental goals.”
The new Lightning Electric Ford E-450 model will offer peak power of 220 kilowatts, which is the equivalent of 295 horsepower. Torque is rated at 700 Newton meters, equal to 516 pound-feet. There is a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain with maintenance performed by trained local dealers. Clean fleet vouchers and incentives are available in many states through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust.
The new model will have an electric range of 110 miles, depending on route and driver. Full regenerative braking adds range while reducing wear and tear on the friction brakes. Featuring a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery system, the new Lightning Electric Ford E-450 will accommodate a full charge in two hours with DC fast charging, the company said.
In addition to the all-electric E-450, existing vehicles can be repowered to be zero-emission trucks and shuttles with the Lightning powertrain.
“Now we have high-quality zero-emissions vehicles available for commercial and government fleets in the medium-duty and heavy-duty segments, from the Ford Transit all the way to our all-electric repower product for transit buses,” Reeser said.
“Our goal is to be a full-service provider of elegantly-integrated zero-emission solutions, and this new powertrain for shuttle buses and cutaways is yet another option for fleets looking to reduce their environmental footprint with no compromises on the capability and quality of the vehicle.”
Lightning Electric is available for the Ford E-450 as part of Ford’s eQVM (Advanced Fuel Qualified Vehicle Modifiers) program. Ford’s vehicle warranty covers the base chassis for vehicles with the Lightning drivetrain. Ford QVM participants perform installations and service. Earlier this year, Lightning Systems began deliveries of the Lightning Electric upfit for the heavy-duty Ford Transit, which is also covered by Ford’s eQVM program.
QVM is Ford’s quality recognition given to aftermarket adaptive equipment installers that meet manufacturing guidelines and best practices. Ford’s thorough QVM qualification process includes on-site assessments at each location to verify the operation meets manufacturing, assembly, workmanship, customer service, and quality requirements, and that it has processes in place to produce vehicles that meet federal regulations.
Lightning Analytics, a cloud-based analytics system that provides predictive maintenance, route scoring, range analysis, driver behavior and geofencing for maximum range and efficiency, is available as an option on every Lightning Electric vehicle.