Commercial EV manufacturer Lightning Systems has reduced the prices of its 2021 battery and fuel cell EVs by 10 to 50% for Class 3 to Class 8 vehicles. The lower prices take effect immediately and apply to 2021 and 2022 deliveries.

Lightning has also announced a number of new features for its EVs, including: faster Level 2 and DC fast charging systems; enhanced telematics and new remote software management features; and improved range and payload capacity.

“As we are witnessing in the passenger EV market, higher sales volumes are translating into lower prices,” said Lightning CEO Tim Reeser. “With fewer than 1,000 commercial electric vehicles expected to be built overall during 2020, every commercial vehicle OEM has struggled with high prices due to the low production volumes—but that is now changing for Lightning. With our influx of large orders, we are realizing economies of scale, moving from producing tens of vehicles per month to hundreds of vehicles per month. Our component costs are falling fast, we are constantly introducing new automation and efficiencies in our manufacturing processes, and we are passing these savings on to our customers.”

“When you combine these lower prices with new financing options that we are offering, and subtract the monthly operating savings derived from the electric vehicles, the per-month cost of each vehicle will be lower than vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, so customers will be putting money in their pocket every month,” said Nick Bettis, Director of Business Development.

Lightning’s commercial EV are built on familiar chassis such as the Ford Transit 350HD, Ford E-450, Ford F-550 and Chevrolet 6500XD. “Our products are especially attractive to fleets because these are built on chassis that they are already using in their gasoline or diesel configurations,” said Bettis. “Fleets already know how the vehicles operate; their mechanics are familiar with them; they know where to get spare parts; and they can get liftgates and shelving and other upfit accessories.”

Lightning Systems recently launched a new division, Lightning Energy, to offer turnkey charging services for fleets. “Now you can order integrated and financed zero-emission, all-electric vehicles and customized charging solutions to fit your fleet’s needs,” Reeser said. “We are a one-stop shop for all of your commercial EV requirements.”

Source: Lightning Systems