METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Lightning Systems, New Eagle debut electric systems for Ford Transit, more

Depending on battery option and drive cycle, LightningElectric will have an electric range of up to 125 miles, and a payload capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Ford Motor Co.’s vehicle warranty covers vehicles with the LightningElectric upfit, and Ford Motor Credit financing is available.

September 14, 2017
Lightning Systems, New Eagle debut electric systems for Ford Transit, more

Lightning Systems worked with New Eagle of Ann Arbor, Mich. on the design of the LightningElectric system for the Ford Transit.

2 min to read


Lightning Systems worked with New Eagle of Ann Arbor, Mich. on the design of the LightningElectric system for the Ford Transit.

Lightning Systems, developer of efficiency and emissions improvement solutions for fleets across the globe, will introduce, in partnership with New Eagle, a zero-emissions full-electric system for Ford Transit passenger wagon, van, cutaway, and chassis cab models.

The LightningElectric zero-emissions package is available for Ford Transit as part of Ford’s eQVM program. The product will be available first on heavy-duty Transits with a 10,360-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and will go on sale in early 2018. Conversions and service are performed by Ford QVM-certified upfitters and dealers around the world.

Ad Loading...

“Our new LightningElectric model provides fleets with a terrific option to save money and achieve sustainability goals on a popular and serviceable Ford platform that is powerful, smooth, and quiet,” said Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning Systems.

Lightning Systems worked with New Eagle of Ann Arbor, Mich. on the design of the LightningElectric system for the Ford Transit. New Eagle specializes in mechatronic controls, which are the electronic brains that drive mechanical systems, and is a leader in the application of model-based design into real-time embedded systems in the fields of autonomy, electrification, hydraulics, and engine systems.

Depending on battery option and drive cycle, LightningElectric will have an electric range of up to 125 miles, and a payload capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Ford Motor Co.’s vehicle warranty covers vehicles with the LightningElectric upfit, and Ford Motor Credit financing is available. Installation can be completed in just hours by certified installers. Featuring a volume-production ready high-voltage lithium battery pack, LightningElectric will accommodate full charging overnight with Level 1 and less than three hours for Level 2 charging.

Lightning Systems, formerly known as Lightning Hybrids, is a fast-growing, global fleet solutions company with headquarters in Loveland, Colo. A variety of new Lightning Systems’ efficiency and emissions improvement innovations are being introduced over the next two years to support commercial and government fleets.

More Technology

Luminator Charts a New Digital Path
Technologyby Alex RomanSeptember 14, 2026

From Hardware to Digital Partner: Luminator Charts Its Next Chapter

CEO Magnus Friberg discusses Luminator’s shift toward becoming a digital partner, the growing importance of software and interoperability, and how AI can help agencies improve operations and passenger experience.

Read More →
From Checklists to Better Outcomes
TechnologySeptember 11, 2026

Beyond the Checklist: A Structured Approach to Transit Maintenance

Reliability-Centered Maintenance helps transit agencies move beyond routine checklists to focus limited resources on the assets and failures that have the greatest impact on safety, reliability, and service.

Read More →
An NJ TRANSIT bus.
Technologyby StaffSeptember 11, 2026

NJ TRANSIT Advances Bus Technology Upgrades Across Statewide Fleet

More than 1,500 buses now feature upgraded technology designed to improve arrival predictions and provide free Wi-Fi, with deployment expected to reach nearly 2,000 buses by the end of 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
How BAE Systems Electrifies Transit Fleets
Zero Emissionsby Alex RomanSeptember 10, 2026

Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification

John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.

Read More →
Rendering of an Alstom train in a VIA Rail Station
Technologyby Alex RomanSeptember 10, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
A computer-generated illustration of a transit bus outlined in blue on a black background with random red spots and blue spots.
SponsoredSeptember 8, 2026

From Legacy Silos to Conversational Intelligence

What if transit leaders could ask any operational question and get a trusted answer in seconds? Conversational AI is transforming how agencies use their data.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Federal Funding Advances rail and autonomous vehicles
Technologyby Alex RomanSeptember 4, 2026

USDOT Announces Rail Vehicle Replacement Grants, Chattanooga AV Shuttle Funding

More than $191 million in federal funding will help three transit agencies replace aging rail vehicles and support a new autonomous shuttle service in Chattanooga.

Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: Transit Tech Training...What's Changed?
Busby Alex RomanSeptember 4, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve

LA Metro’s Obed Mejia discusses technician training, evolving maintenance technology, fleet replacement, and strategies for getting the most out of today’s transit fleets.

Read More →
RIPTA, APTA, and federal officials at the launch of the agency's new Frontrunner vehicles
Technologyby Alex RomanSeptember 4, 2026

Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Designing Stations Around the Passenger
RailSeptember 2, 2026

Why Simulating Pedestrian Movement Has Become Essential for Modern Rail Stations

Pedestrian microsimulation is helping rail planners identify bottlenecks, test station designs, and prepare complex transit hubs for growing passenger volumes.

Read More →