Proterra and Lightning eMotors have announced a new collaboration to power the Generation 4 Lightning Electric Transit commercial van using Proterra’s battery technology.
The Lightning Electric Transit commercial van is a purpose-built Class 3 commercial electric vehicle, that is available in several configurations like last-mile cargo vans, passenger vans, shuttle buses, ambulances, school buses and RVs.
Lightning eMotors anticipates annual production of up to 3,000 vehicles by 2023. The first Lightning Electric Transit vans are expected to be delivered to customers later this year.
“Proterra’s batteries are premium technology for premium vehicles,” says Lightning eMotors CEO Tim Reeser. “We are very pleased to be able offer their batteries on our industry-leading Lightning Electric vehicles. Proterra’s batteries will allow us to give our customers even more range, power and features on our purpose-built vehicles at the price they need to scale up their electric fleets.”
[Related: Lightning eMotors releases update of electric transit van]
Gareth Joyce, president, Powered and Energy business units, says, “Proterra is excited to work with a market leader like Lightning eMotors to help power even more commercial electric vehicles. Together, we’re showcasing how American electric vehicle manufacturers are accelerating the shift to a clean transportation future. We look forward to building our relationship together as we support Lightning eMotors in the development of electric delivery vans, school buses, ambulances and other vehicles.”
Built by Lightning eMotors, the Lightning Electric Transit is the only Class 3 electric van currently available in the U.S. that allows for wheelchair lifts, custom floor rails and custom bus doors. Lightning offers high-voltage integration to support battery operation of refrigeration systems, food-truck equipment, medical equipment, RV gear and other upfitter add-ons. Assembly of the Lightning Electric Transit is performed at Lightning eMotors’ 231,000-sq.-ft. facility in Loveland, Colo.
Engineered and manufactured in the U.S., Proterra battery packs leverage energy density and a customizable design to fit within a variety of vehicles. Proterra’s battery systems have been proven in more than 17 million service miles driven by Proterra transit vehicles and validated through collaborations with commercial vehicle manufacturers to power delivery vans, electric school buses, coach buses, low-floor cutaway shuttle buses and construction equipment.
