Lightning Systems, a Colorado-based global developer of zero-emission systems for fleets, today announced it is on schedule for delivery this month of its new zero-emission LightningElectric system for the Ford Transit van. It also announced the development of a new zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell range extender for the product.
“We’re excited to deliver the LightningElectric zero-emissions Ford Transit this month as promised. Our road testing validated an industry-leading EV efficiency, and it is smooth, quiet, and fast,” says Tim Reeser, CEO for Lightning Systems.
The product will be on display Wednesday-Friday at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. Additionally, the Colorado-based Lightning Systems is set to host a series of hands-on drive and ride opportunities in April in both California and New York with more specific locations to be announced later.
Available in California beginning in September, the new Lightning Systems zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell range extender for was developed in partnership with several industry partners.
Reeser says the all-electric and the zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell range extender are available for heavy-duty Transits with a 10,360-pound gross vehicle weight rating and with Ford’s vehicle warranty covering the base chassis for vehicles with the Lightning conversions. Installations and service are performed by Ford.
Additionally, he says, the all-electric Lightning product features a state-of-the-art, liquid-cooled Lithium-Ion battery from a volume-ready battery supplier that can be fast-charged in 30-minutes on DC fast charging, and in six hours with Level 2 charging. Depending on battery option and drive cycle, LightningElectric has a payload capacity of up to 4,000 pounds.
“I’m especially thrilled to announce the upcoming zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell range extender for the Ford Transit,” says Reeser. “It is a natural step for Lightning, with our extensive experience with sensor-equipped high-pressure composite vessels, that we pioneered with our hydraulic hybrid offering.”
The LightningElectric fuel cell extender uses hydrogen stored onboard in high-tech carbon fiber-wrapped pressure vessels equipped with sensors. The hydrogen will be delivered to an industry-leading fuel cell to charge a Lithium-Ion battery with up to 30 kW of power. The vehicle has a range of more than 200 miles and top speed of 75 miles per hour.
The LightningElectric battery conversion package for the Ford Transit is part of Ford’s eQVM program, first announced last September.
