Lightning Systems Debuts New Electric Chassis

Lightning Systems, a Colorado-based designer and manufacturer of zero-emission powertrains, announced that new all-electric powertrain is now available for the Ford F-550 Chassis Cab. The Lightning Electric Ford F-550 will be available in gross vehicle weight ratings (gvwr) of 17,500 to 19,500 lb. Orders from fleets are being accepted immediately.

“Adding the Ford F-550 to our product lineup is one more arrow in our quiver when helping customers pursue their fleet electrification goals,” said Tim Reeser, CEO, Lightning Systems. “As a result of our modular and flexible battery and powertrain design, the Lightning F-550, like all of our platforms, supports a wide array of aftermarket solutions from leading Ford upfitters, including rear air conditioning for buses, rear heating, wheelchair lifts, cargo lifts, boxes, tow truck accessories, and refrigeration units.”

The new Lightning Electric Ford F-550 model will offer peak power of 180 kW, which is the equivalent of 241 hp. Peak torque is 881 lb. ft. (1100 Nm). The top speed is 65 mph. There is a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain with maintenance performed by certified local service providers, the company said.

The new model has an electric range of more than 100 miles – depending on equipment configuration, payload, route, weather, and driver. Full regenerative braking adds range while reducing wear and tear on the friction brakes. Featuring an advanced liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery system, the new Lightning Electric Ford F-550 will accommodate a full charge in as little as 2.5 hours with dc fast charging, the company said.

In addition to powering new F-550 models, existing trucks and shuttle buses can be repowered as zero-emission vehicles by conversion to the Lightning all-electric powertrain. The system includes Lightning’s in-vehicle dash screen display, providing drivers real-time range, diagnostics, and efficiency data. Lightning Analytics, a cloud-based analytics system that provides predictive maintenance, route scoring, range analysis, driver behavior and geofencing for maximum range and efficiency, also is available.

Like all Lightning Systems vehicles, Lightning Systems said the F-550 is eligible for special funding via the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The voucher program can reduce the upfront cost of advanced zero emissions fleet vehicles by 40 to 70%. Additional incentive programs are available in other states as well, the company said.

“One of the advantages to working with Lightning Systems is our willingness and ability to structure solutions specific to a fleet’s needs,” said Nick Bettis, director of business development, Lightning Systems. “The F-550 is an important addition to our product mix that enables us to offer electric trucks and buses from Class 3 to Class 8. Couple that with our complete suite of charging solutions, and we can address a fleet’s electrification needs from cradle to grave.”