“Adding the Ford F-550 to our product lineup is one more arrow in our quiver when helping customers pursue their fleet electrification goals,” says Tim Reeser, CEO, Lightning Systems, a Colorado-based designer and manufacturer of zero-emission powertrains.
“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,” Reeser says.
The 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 ft.-lb. The top speed is 65 miles per hour. There is a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain with maintenance performed by certified local service providers.
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 state-of-the-art, 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, the company says.
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 for maximum range and efficiency, also is available. The analytics system provides fleets with real-time information to operate their fleet at peak efficiency, the company says.
The F-550, like all Lightning Systems vehicles, is eligible for special funding via the California Air Resources Board Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project. The voucher program can reduce the upfront cost of advanced zero emissions fleet vehicles 40 to 70 percent. Additional incentive programs are available in other states.
“One of the advantages to working with Lightning Systems is our willingness and ability to structure solutions specific to a fleet’s needs,” says 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.”
Orders from fleets are being accepted immediately, the company says.
