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Lightning Systems Launches All-Electric Ford F-550

The new Lightning Electric Ford F-550 will be available in gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) of 17,500 to 19,500 pounds, ideal for delivery trucks and shuttle buses.

July 16, 2020
Lightning Systems Launches All-Electric Ford F-550

The new Lightning Electric F-550 includes Lightning’s in-vehicle dash screen display, providing drivers real-time range, diagnostics, and efficiency data.

Photo: Ford

3 min to read


An all-electric powertrain is now available for the Ford F-550 Chassis Cab. The new Lightning Electric Ford F-550 will be available in gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) of 17,500 to 19,500 pounds.

The new Lightning Electric Ford F-550 model will offer peak power of 180 kW, which is the equivalent of 241 horsepower. Torque is rated at 1,100 Nm, equal to 881 pound-feet. The top speed is 65 mph. There is a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain with maintenance performed by certified local service providers.

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“Adding the Ford F-550 to our product lineup is one more arrow in our quiver when helping customers pursue their fleet electrification goals,” said Tim Reeser, CEO, Lightning Systems. “As a result of our modular and flexible battery and powertrain design, the Lightning F-550, like all of our platforms, supports a wide array of aftermarket solutions from leading Ford upfitters, including rear air conditioning for buses, rear heating, wheelchair lifts, cargo lifts, boxes, tow truck accessories, and refrigeration units.”

Orders from fleets are being accepted immediately.

In addition to powering new F-550 models, existing trucks and shuttle buses can be repowered as zero-emission vehicles by conversion to the Lightning all-electric powertrain.

Photo: Lightning Systems

The new model has an electric range of more than 100 miles — depending on equipment configuration, payload, route, weather, and driver. Full regenerative braking adds range while reducing wear-and-tear on the friction brakes. Featuring a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery system, the new Lightning Electric Ford F-550 will accommodate a full charge in as little as two-and-a-half hours with DC fast charging, according to the manufacturer.

In addition to powering new F-550 models, existing trucks and shuttle buses can be repowered as zero-emission vehicles by conversion to the Lightning all-electric powertrain.

The new Lightning Electric F-550 includes Lightning’s in-vehicle dash screen display, providing drivers real-time range, diagnostics, and efficiency data. Lightning Analytics, a cloud-based analytics system that provides predictive maintenance, route scoring, range analysis, driver behavior, and geofencing is also available. The analytics system provides fleets with real-time information to operate their fleet at peak efficiency.

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The F-550, like all Lightning Systems vehicles, is eligible for special funding via the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The voucher program can reduce the upfront cost of advanced zero emissions fleet vehicles by 40 to 70%. Additional incentive programs are available in other states as well.

“One of the advantages to working with Lightning Systems is our willingness and ability to structure solutions specific to a fleet’s needs,” said Nick Bettis, director of business development, Lightning Systems. “The F-550 is an important addition to our product mix that enables us to offer electric trucks and buses from Class 3 to Class 8. Couple that with our complete suite of charging solutions, and we can address a fleet’s electrification needs from cradle to grave.”

Originally posted on Work Truck Online

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