Lightning Systems, a developer of electric powertrains for commercial fleets, introduced a new all-electric Low Cab Forward model for commercial and government fleets in the Class 6 segment. The Lightning Electric heavy-duty powertrain will be available in the 19,501-26,000 pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) (Class 6) and will deliver an all-electric range of 110 miles.

Orders are being accepted immediately, and delivery of the new product will begin in the fourth quarter of 2018. The first order for 50 has been placed by Zeem Solutions and will be integrated onto the Chevrolet 6500XD Low Cab Forward model.

The new Lightning Electric LEV100 model will offer peak motor power of 295 horsepower with a 2-speed Eaton automatic transmission, providing 1821 lb-ft (2,469 N·m) in first gear and a 65-mph governed top speed. Lightning provides an industry-leading five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain, matching the General Motors vehicle warranty.

The powertrain is available on new Class 6 trucks as well as for repowers of vehicles currently in fleets. Service and maintenance will be performed by trained local service centers and nationwide service partners. Clean vehicle vouchers and incentives are available in many states through the VW Environmental Mitigation Trust and other state and federal funding programs.

The new model will have an electric range of 110 miles depending on route and driver. Regenerative braking adds range while reducing wear and tear on the standard friction brakes. Featuring a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery system, the new Lightning Electric heavy-duty powertrain will accommodate a full charge in three hours using industry-standard CCS DC fast charging.

The Low Cab Forward model will serve as a delivery truck, cargo van and is delivered as a chassis cab, ready to be upfitted with cargo box, refrigeration units, and other configurations.

Lightning Analytics, a cloud-based analytics system that provides predictive maintenance, route scoring, range analysis, driver behavior and geofencing for maximum range and efficiency, is available as an option on every Lightning Electric vehicle. The analytics system provides fleets with real-time information to operate their fleet at peak efficiency.

Zeem Solutions, based in New York, is a commercial electric vehicle (CEV) service provider for small, medium and large fleet operators across the US. The company assists fleet operators with the formulation and integration of a tailored, comprehensive EV strategy to optimize operating costs when buying or leasing a CEV.

Zeem is product-agnostic and focused on vehicle options that meet fleet transportation requirements. Through the utilization of innovative solutions for charging, grid monetization, and their proprietary operating system, they work to meet a total cost of operation par or below the cost of a diesel.

I have been deeply involved in the electric commercial truck vehicle space for over 10 years, and have driven all the current options available. We chose the Lightning product because once we drove the electrified Ford Transit we were blown away with the acceleration and overall performance, and it became clear why Ford selected them as their preferred partner. We are excited to be working with the Lightning Systems team on the first Zeem vehicles and anticipate we will have strong demand from our customers on this Class 6 offering. The truck is an absolute beast, and there is no other product on the market like it.

—Paul Gioupis, CEO of Zeem Solutions

An assortment of new Lightning Systems' zero-emission powertrains and emissions improvement innovations are being introduced this year and next to support fleets. Earlier this year the company began deliveries of the Lighting Electric Class 3 Ford Transit, which has been approved by the California Air Resources Board.