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.
More Green Fleet

Merchants Fleet Reports 290M EV Miles as Fleets Navigate Changing Electrification Market
From millions in operating savings to hundreds of millions of EV miles, Merchants Fleet’s latest report reveals what’s working and what’s changing in fleet electrification.
Read More →
The EV Breakdown Nobody's Talking About: Why Most Electric Vehicle Roadside Calls Aren't Mechanical Failures
Here's why EV breakdowns are widely misunderstood.
Read More →
ChargePoint Now Available in Energy Pass
ChargePoint and additional planned charging network integrations were added to GM's Energy Pass.
Read More →First Look: Slate Auto's Electric Fleet Pickup
Could an affordable, modular EV pickup make electrification more practical for fleets?
Read More →
Slate Debuts Colorful, Unique EV Models
A recent media and client event, studded with electric vehicles dressed up on platforms, planted a new position for the manufacturer in the wider EV market. Fleets will find cost-saving advantages.
Read More →
Slate Electric SUV, Pickup Switchable Model Aims For Light-Duty Fleets
Everything about this EV is counterintuitive and understated, making it stand out from the crowd.
Read More →
Inspiration Mobility Acquires Key Electrada Assets
Inspiration Mobility Group has acquired select assets of Electrada, adding the fleet electrification provider's team, technology, and charging infrastructure development capabilities to its energy management business.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?
Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.
Read More →
