Lightning Systems, a global developer of zero-emission solutions for commercial fleets, is partnering with the City of Boulder and transit provider Via Mobility Services to repower diesel buses with battery-electric systems. The first demonstration vehicle will be on the road this summer and will give the bus more than 200 miles of all-electric range.
Tyler Yadon, director of engineering at Lightning Systems, said that the vehicle will have a 257 kWh battery pack coupled with a 220 kW traction motor with a 2-speed transmission. No further powertrain specs are available at this time.
Upon the success of the first vehicle, additional HOP service buses may be converted, providing an efficient and cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire fleet with new electric buses. Repowering an existing diesel transit bus with the LightningElectric product will cost one-third the price of a new electric bus.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.