Communities throughout California can now purchase zero-emission, all-electric (ZEB) shuttle buses and ADA-equipped vans from Lightning Systems on a new California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CALACT) cooperative purchasing contract.

City and county governments and transportation agencies, as well as nonprofits, can order all-electric Class 3 to 5 passenger buses under the program. Vehicles eligible include the Ford Transit 350HD Passenger Van and Ford E-450 Shuttle Bus, both of which are offered by Lightning Systems, a Colo.-based developer and manufacturer of zero-emission, Buy America commercial electric vehicles.

CALACT is a purchasing co-op for nearly 200 transit agencies in California, with Morongo Basin Transit Authority as the lead agency. CALACT performs extensive research and subjects manufacturers to onsite production and drivability audits to ensure quality and high-performing solutions for their agencies. CALACT provides oversight for the purchase of more than 800 buses annually and is the largest co-op of its kind in the U.S.

Nonprofits or government agencies can use the new agreement to purchase electric buses once they join CALACT. All sales are made through one of several dealers that offer vehicles equipped with Lightning Systems’ electric powertrains.

Lightning Electric vehicles are built around bodies offered by Lightning Systems-authorized dealers on the contract, including A-Z Bus Sales, Creative Bus Sales, and RO Bus Sales. Custom seating, ADA up-fitting and integration with the Lightning Vehicles on the contract are handled by Nor Cal Vans, MobilityWorks, Fenton Mobility Products, Sunset Vans, and Diamond Coach.  

All vehicles under the contract are eligible for special funding via the California Air Resources Board Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Additional Lightning Systems portfolio vehicles also eligible for HVIP include the Ford F-550 passenger bus and a full suite of Class 3 to Class 7 cargo trucks. The voucher program can reduce the upfront cost of advanced zero emissions fleet vehicles by 40% to 70%.