Lightning eMotors, a maker of medium-duty and specialty commercial EVs, has announced the deployment of two of its Lightning ZEV3 Class 3 passenger vans to transport visitors to Zion National Park in Utah.

EVZion recently deployed the two ZEV3 shuttle buses as part of the Utah Clean Cities East Zion pilot, which is designed to demonstrate the efficiency of electric transportation in rural park gateway communities.

The vans were customized with rear-facing cameras by Lightning’s partner Volition Components, in order to allow the side mirrors to be folded so that the vans can pass each other in a narrow tunnel. Lightning is also demonstrating Lightning Mobile, which provides DC fast charging in a trailer format, in order to charge EVs in off-grid locations.

“As the only electrified vehicle provider delivering customized, fully electric Class 3 shuttles and a robust range of charging solutions, Lightning eMotors is excited to be part of the EVZion project,” said Lightning VP of Marketing and Sales Operations Nick Bettis. “Our ability to customize and deliver vehicles to our customers to meet their specific needs is one of our major differentiators. Lightning has delivered more than 600 fully electric vehicles, and more Lightning vehicles are hitting the streets each week.”

“Introducing right-sized vehicles like these shuttles offers a solution that addresses safety and congestion concerns at the park,” said Tammie Bostick, Utah Clean Cities Executive Director and leader of the EVZion project. “The historic Mt. Carmel Tunnel, an iconic landmark since its inauguration on July 4, 1930, has long struggled with accommodating oversized vehicles and maintaining a safe traffic flow. By adopting these shuttles, tailored to the tunnel’s dimensions, we’re taking an active step towards ensuring a two-way traffic flow that eliminates the frustrating hours and miles of backed-up vehicles.”

“Selecting Lightning eMotors as our electrified shuttle partner was a meticulous and comprehensive process,” Bostick continued. “Their proven technology strongly resonates with our zero-emission objectives. Our aim is to expand this pilot into a nationwide program.”

The EVZion ribbon-cutting follows a recent announcement by Teton Village, Wyoming, about the acquisition of Lightning eMotors vehicles to replace the diesel buses that serve Teton Village resort.

Source: Lightning eMotors