Picture: Lightning e Motors
Lightning eMotors designs, engineers, customises, and manufactures a variety of EVs to support a wide array of needs for its fleet customers. The company began in specialized electric conversions of existing platforms developed by other OEMs like Ford and Chevrolet, including a specialty vehicle manufacturer (SVM) contract with GM.
Earlier this year, however, the company began offering customers purpose-built EVs on its own proprietary platform. In addition to building EVs, Lightning eMotors also works with other EV technologies like integrating autonomous capabilities, as well as charging infrastructure under its Lightning Mobile arm.
In terms of electric conversions of transit buses, Lightning eMotors deployed its first generation model in Boulder, Colorado, back in 2018. The bus is still in operation today and has helped provide a proof of concept to fleet customers.
Meanwhile, Lightning has grown and established certified repower programs for motor coaches, school buses, and recreational vehicles with major commercial vehicle manufacturers like Blue Bird, Forest River, and ABC Companies.
Today, Lightning eMotors has shared details of its second-generation conversion program catered specifically to deliver electric versions of 40-foot, low-floor transit buses.
The EV automaker shared details of the second-generation conversion program outlining several of the perks available to fleets that make the switch. Lightning eMotors states that by converting existing transit buses from diesel or CNG internal combustion to battery-electric powertrains, its customers can electrify their fleets at less than half the cost, and with one-third the lead time, compared to purchasing brand new electric buses.
Furthermore, the company states that customers who choose its converted transit buses will qualify for the same federal and state funding as those who purchase new electric buses, which includes the Federal Transit Administration’s Low and No Emission Vehicle Program. The company says it will even advise customers on how to maximize the government incentives currently available to them.
“Lightning’s transit bus repower program provides transit agencies a significantly more affordable and faster way to electrify their bus fleets and ensure clean and quiet operation for passengers and pedestrians alike. With increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and offer clean transportation solutions, we are confident fleet operators will see the sustainability benefits of converting existing diesel-powered vehicles to electric power rather than letting them end up in a landfill.” said Lightning’s director of product management Mac Burns.
Lightning eMotors says it will convert the buses at its Loveland, Colorado, facility or at one of its authorized partners across the United States. For large fleets looking to convert a large quantity of buses toward all-electric, Lightning says it can train the fleet maintenance teams to install the company’s electrification kit on their own.
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