Lightning Systems launches electric powertrain for Chevy 6500XD

[kscarbel2]

Fleet Owner  /  August 27, 2018

Zero-emission commercial powertrains developer Lightning Systems announced a new electric powertrain for Chevrolet's Low-Cab Forward trucks with 19,501-26,000 pound gross vehicle weight rating that offers an all-electric range of 110 miles. Zeem Solutions has placed the first order of 50 of the powertrains, which will be integrated into Chevy 6500XD Low Cab Forward trucks.
Zeem Solutions is a commercial electric vehicle service provider for small to large fleets and helps fleet operators integrate an electric vehicle strategy to meet fleet transportation requirements. The company's CEO, Paul Gioupis, had strong testimony to the electric Class 6 Chevy 6500XD's performance: "The truck is an absolute beast, and there is no other product on the market like it."

"We chose the Lightning product because once we drove the electrified Ford Transit [with Lightning Systems' conversion], we were blown away with the acceleration and overall performance, and it became clear why Ford selected them as their preferred partner," Gioupis added.

The new Lightning Electric LEV100 model will offer peak motor power of 295 hp. with a 2-speed Eaton automatic transmission, providing 1821 lbs.-ft. of torque in first gear and a 65-mph governed top speed.

The electric 6500XD will have a range of 110 miles, depending on route and driver. Regenerative braking adds range while reducing wear and tear on the standard friction brakes.

The Lightning Electric powertrain will accommodate a full charge in three hours with DC fast-charging. Lightning Systems provides a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain, similar to General Motors' vehicle warranty.

The powertrain is available on new Class 6 Low-Cab Forward trucks as well to repower existing fleet vehicles. Service and maintenance will be performed by trained local service centers and nationwide service partners, Lightning Systems noted.

The electric Low-Cab Forward model will serve as a cargo van for delivery and comes as a chassis cab ready to be upfitted with cargo box, refrigeration units, and other configurations.

Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning Systems, noted the electrified 6500XD follows the company's pattern of converting a truck "that is already embedded in fleets, trusted by commercial customers, and is highly serviceable with nationwide spare parts."

"Just like our Ford Transit and city bus powertrains, the vehicle is elegantly engineered, quick, powerful, and quiet," he added.

Orders are being accepted immediately, Lightning Systems said, and delivery of the new product is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2018. The company did not specify whether the conversion will also be available for Isuzu's Class 6 FTR truck, which is the cross-platform sibling to the Isuzu-built Chevy 6500XD, or for other Class 6 cabovers.

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[RoadwayR]

If GM got behind this a little bit, it might be something.  I can see it for certain users.  More range would broaden the appeal, naturally.

Is Spartan building these with no powertrain for conversion?

 

[kscarbel2]

Lightning Debuts All-Electric Ford Delivery Van

Heavy Duty Trucking (HDT)  /  April 30, 2019

Lightning Systems, developer of zero-emission drivetrains for commercial fleets, debuted new battery-electric powertrain options for the Ford F-59 stripped chassis to support customers with delivery fleets and food trucks.

The new Lightning Electric powertrain for the Ford F-59 chassis is available for F-59 variants, which range from 16,000 to 22,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) configurations. Lightning has already received orders for early production units, and deliveries will begin this summer. This is the fifth powertrain available in the Lightning product line.

"We now offer the broadest range of electric powertrain products in the industry, with high-quality zero-emission powertrains available for commercial and government fleets on Class 3 through 7 Ford, GM, and city bus platforms that are readily available and supported by a large number of service partners, upfitters, and accessory lines," said Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning Systems.

The new Lightning Electric Ford F-59 will offer peak power of 180 kilowatts (241 hp) with 790 lb.-ft. of torque. It includes a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain with maintenance performed by trained local dealers. Vehicle vouchers and incentives are available in many states.

The Lightning F-59 offers two range variants — either 80 or 110 miles — with lithium-ion batteries rated at 96 kWh or 128 kWh. The battery system will accommodate a full charge in under two hours for 80 miles of range and a little more than 2 hours for the 110-mile range version with DC Fast Charging.

The powertrain supports full regenerative braking, with industry-leading efficiency that adds range while reducing wear and tear on the friction brakes. The vehicle comes with Lightning Analytics, an electric powertrain telematics-analytics system that provides detailed reporting on vehicle efficiency and operating metrics. 

Lightning Electric is available for the Ford F-59 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. Last 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.

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