Lightning eMotors, previously called Lightning Systems, has been electrifying all manner of medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles for years, and now it’s doing so with motorcoaches. It is working with ABC Companies and ABC Companies will be the one selling the electric motorcoach. In particular, they’ve partnered on a motorcoach-diesel-to-electric-repower program.
The duo has a 5 step process for this, which involves Lightning eMotors creating the electric powertrain kits, ABC technicians replacing the diesel systems with these, and the customer happily receiving the end product.
“The program will launch under ABC Companies SVT (Specialty Vehicles and Technologies) division, underscoring the company’s focus on lowering EV market cost of entry barriers for coach operators,” the companies note.
“ABC Companies has a very long history of repower and refurbishment expertise, making conversions to battery electric power a logical next step,” said Roman Cornell, president and chief commercial officer of ABC Companies. By sourcing leading suppliers and manufacturers, we will provide a portfolio of offerings and price points that will enable our customers to accelerate their introduction of zero-emission vehicles into their fleets. Although the pandemic has impacted the motorcoach market, we are working to get traditional vehicles back on the road, while investing now with innovative new solutions that will address customers’ needs for environmentally-friendly vehicles as the industry begins to recover.”
Reportedly, potential customers are eager to cut both emissions and their costs by installing solar power systems to very cheaply power the electric motorcoaches. The upfront costs may look daunting to someone new to the topic, but the operational savings should lead to tremendously competitive total cost of ownership.
“The new partnership between ABC Companies and Lightning eMotors was formed after a global search for a master service provider with the scope, scale, experience and expertise to develop EV Repower kits for a variety of customers and vehicle applications. Lightning eMotors is a leading developer of zero-emission electric powertrains for a wide variety of commercial vehicles and is certified by CARB and multiple OEM chassis certification programs,” a press release notes.
“In addition to providing a full range of motorcoach zero emission vehicle (ZEV) Repower options, ABC will also be an authorized referral agent for repowering many popular shuttle vans and cutaway applications such as the Lightning Ford Transit passenger van, E-450 and F-550 chassis.”
Any bets who Lightning partners with next, and for what type of vehicle?
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