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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.

June 5, 2018
Lightning Systems Electric Transit Van Gains CARB Approval

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.

2 min to read


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.

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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. 

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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.

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Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

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