Lightning Systems Electric Transit Van Gains CARB Approval
The LightningElectric drivetrain for the Transit was one of the first to test under the newly released 2018 CARB efficiency and range validation test procedures for medium-duty vehicles.

The Ford Transit 350HD equipped with the zero-emissions LightningElectric drivetrain achieves 61 MPGe in the city and 66 MPGe on the highway.
Photo courtesy of Lightning Systems.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued an executive order for Lightning Systems’ battery-electric drivetrain package for the Ford Transit 350HD. The executive order is a required document that indicates that a product has met all requirements and can be offered for sale in California.
The LightningElectric drivetrain for the Transit is used by commercial and government fleets, and was one of the first to test under the newly released 2018 CARB efficiency and range validation test procedures for medium-duty vehicles, according to a release from Lightning Systems. CARB gave the order for the 50-mile and 100-mile range versions of the new LightningElectric for Ford Transit.
The Ford Transit 350HD equipped with the zero-emissions LightningElectric drivetrain achieves 61 MPGe in the city and 66 MPGe on the highway, according to Lightning Systems.
The 50-mile range system was rated at 54 miles all-electric range and the 100-mile range vehicle came in at exactly double at 109 miles all-electric range. Lightning Systems also recently introduced a 150-mile range model.
Lightning Electric for the Ford Transit is offered throughout the United States as part of Ford’s eQVM program, according to Lightning Systems. The product is available for Ford Transits with a 10,360-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Ford’s vehicle warranty covers the base chassis for vehicles with the Lightning drivetrain. Ford QVM dealers and upfitters perform installations and service.
The batteries of the all-electric Lightning vans can be fast-charged in 30 minutes for the 50-mile version and 90 minutes for the 150-mile version, the company said. Depending on battery option and drive cycle, LightningElectric has a payload capacity of up to 4,000 pounds.
In California, the first Lightning Electric vehicles will be deployed by XPO Sales, Inc. for the LAX Wingate Hotel in Los Angeles.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Vehicle Research

Ram ProMaster City Fleet Guide Specs Cargo Capacity and 2027 Updates
Work Truck’s Ram ProMaster City Fleet Guide tracks the latest specifications, cargo capability, configurations, fleet technology, pricing, and model-year updates for Ram’s mid-size commercial van.
Read More →
Ford F-150 Fleet Guide Specs Capability and 2026 Model-Year Updates
Explore 2026 Ford F-150 fleet specs, engines, towing and payload capability, configurations, work features, technology, and model-year updates.
Read More →
TCI Now Sells & Supports Battle Motors’ Vocational Trucks
Midwest truck dealer Truck Centers, Inc. (TCI) has expanded its transportation solutions with sales and service support for Battle Motors’ heavy-duty vocational trucks at locations in locations in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri
Read More →
Ram 1500 Fleet Guide Specs, Capability and 2027 Model-Year Updates
Explore always up-to-date Ram 1500 fleet specs, engines, towing and payload capability, configurations, technology, pricing updates, and model-year changes.
Read More →
Peterbilt Trucks Equipped with Paccar TX-18 Pro Boost Efficiency for Maryland Fleet
Patuxent Companies is replacing aging trucks with the Peterbilt Model 567 and Model 589, specified with the Paccar TX-18 Pro 18-speed automated transmissions, and is reporting an 8% to 10% improvement in fuel economy.
Read More →
Stellar Expands into Fire Apparatus Market with Acquisition of Midwest Fire
Stellar Industries has acquired Midwest Fire, a custom fire apparatus manufacturer headquartered in Luverne, Minnesota, with nearly four decades of specialized apparatus experience.
Read More →
Recalls You Need to Know About in August 2026
If you have Altec, Chrysler, Ford, Heil, General Motors, International, Mack Trucks, Paccar, Rivian, Royal Truck, Toyota, US Truck Body, or Volvo Trucks vehicles in your fleet, you should check these important recalls issued by the National Highway Safety Administration.
Read More →
130 Years of Trucks: Mercedes-Benz Trucks Kicks Off the Deutschlandfahrt 2026
As part of the “130 Years of Trucks” anniversary year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is participating in the Deutschlandfahrt 2026 with selected historic vehicles, including the original Daimler Motor Truck from 1899.
Read More →
DTNA Opens Ordering for Detroit Gen 6 Engines
Customers can begin specifying Detroit Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines in Freightliner and Western Star trucks beginning Sept. 1.
Read More →
2027 Ram ProMaster City Van Starting Price Under $40K
The 2027 ProMaster City arrives in the first quarter of 2027 with a starting price, including destination charges, under $40,000, which Ram Professional said is the lowest MSRP in the commercial van segment.
Read More →
