Lightning Systems recently announced that its electric Ford Transit product line will expand to include a 150-mile version.
The Colorado-based company currently offers 50- and 100-mile variants.
“The new 150-mile Lightning Electric Ford Transit provides an answer for our customers who need more range for longer cargo and shuttle routes,” said Lightning Systems CEO Tim Reeser. “This longer range, combined with an industry-first 50 kW DC Fast Charge capability, means customers can use the vehicle for 3-shift operations and long-distance routes.”
In April, Lightning announced that testing revealed that the Ford Transit 350HD equipped with the zero-emissions Lightning Electric drivetrain achieved 61 MPGe on EPA City routes and 66 MPGe on EPA Highway routes. This compares to 13 and 15 MPG respectively for the identically configured gasoline Ford Transit 350HD. The testing is a part of the newly released 2018 CARB efficiency and range validation test procedures for medium-duty vehicles.
“We’re receiving terrific feedback about Lightning Electric from customers,” Reeser said. “They love the quiet, smooth, and powerful operation of the vehicle and its flexibility for a variety of fleet configurations. And they’re pleased with the vehicle’s efficiency as well as lower maintenance costs plus all the benefits that fleets expect from a Ford vehicle—interior comfort, warranty and top-class fit and finish.”
Lightning Electric is available for the Ford Transit as part of Ford’s eQVM program. The product, which went on sale earlier this year, is available for heavy-duty Ford Transits with a 10,360-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Ford’s vehicle warranty covers the base chassis for vehicles with the Lightning drivetrain. Ford QVM dealers and upfitters perform installations and service.
The all-electric Lightning product features state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled Lithium-Ion batteries from volume-ready world-class battery suppliers. The batteries can be fast-charged in 30 minutes for the 50-mile version and 90 minutes for the 150-mile version. Depending on battery option and drive cycle, Lightning Electric has a payload capacity of up to 4,000 pounds.
