New Partnership Offers Next Level Sustainability to Fleet Operations.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 21, 2020 – ABC Companies has finalized an agreement with Lightning Systems, a Loveland, Colorado-based global developer of zero-emission drivetrains for commercial vehicle fleets. Under the new agreement, the two companies will launch their first joint project – an electric powertrain repower of off-lease Van Hool models including a T2145 highline touring coach and a TDX high-capacity double-deck coach.

The electric repower option for converting from diesel to electric offers a unique opportunity to fleet operators who are ready to integrate EV vehicles within their fleets. “Adding zero-emission capability to late model coaches is a solution that is good for operations, the environment and the bottom line for many customers,” said Roman Cornell, president and chief commercial officer, ABC Companies. “By converting from diesel to electric, we can extend the operational life of a quality motorcoach, while allowing customers to leverage their current investment in many of the parts, service and training already in place to support their existing fleet. It is a smart way to integrate zero emissions into a motorcoach fleet.”

The ABC/Lightning Systems repower program is currently the only repower option available for coaches in the United States. The partnership was forged by a shared vision to offer a more economic zero-emission option, within a shorter timeframe. “A repower is a cost-effective and timely solution for operators,” said Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning Systems. “It is a dramatically lower cost solution for those looking to integrate an electric coach versus buying new, and can also net significant operational savings associated with fuel and maintenance cost reductions.”

Lightning Systems electric drivetrains are designed to replace a vehicle’s diesel engine and transmission, utilizing a proprietary engineering approach that enables vehicle propulsion through its existing drive shaft – making upfitting quick with less complexity. Moreover, the Lighting Systems integration also ensures that the driver’s environment and driving experience are both familiar and elegant. For example, the dials on the dashboard are updated to reflect the vehicle’s electric operation, and vehicle creep is implemented to make slow-speed maneuvering consistent and familiar. Lightning Systems vehicles implement a sophisticated power regeneration feature which captures braking energy in the form of battery charge, adding increased overall efficiency to the vehicle. “It goes beyond the electric powertrain,” Reeser said. “Lightning Systems and ABC are providing a fully integrated and highly serviceable engineered solution, taking into account changes in weight distribution, a lower center of gravity, and other elements designed to optimize the performance of the repowered motorcoach. Beyond the partnership on the product itself, we also believe that ABC’s nationwide service and support network is key to building confidence with customers that together we can support their electric commercial vehicles and scale at the fast rate the market is projecting.”  

Lightning Systems Repower System Highlights:

• Quiet, clean, powerful
• State-of-the-art NMC battery packs offer additional levels of safety features, with active thermal management and sophisticated electrical management designed for motorcoaches
• Range (up to 200 miles), providing performance and capabilities well-suited to most urban duties, including varying road grades and most weather conditions
• All components are from Tier 1 manufacturers, providing high-quality, U.S. road-proven solutions
• Designed for high-quality integration, reliability and driver confidence
• Supported by ABC’s nationwide parts and service network

“Our shared values, resources, skills and assets mesh quite well,” Cornell said. “ABC and Lightning Systems are invested in the growth and potential this offering can bring to North American coach operations. We look forward to accelerating solutions for our customers looking to integrate zero-emission motorcoaches.”

About Lightning Systems
Lightning Systems designs and manufacturers premium zero emission all-electric powertrains for commercial fleets – from Class 3 Ford Transit vans to Class 6 work trucks and Class 7 and 8 city buses. The Lightning team works with forward-thinking fleets to provide the right electric powertrain on the right chassis in the right drive cycle. Lightning’s products improve a fleet’s operating costs and safety, and leverage advanced telematics and analytics reporting designed to support commercial electric vehicle fleets as they scale. 

ABC Companies is a leading provider to the transportation industry with diverse product and service offerings that cover a full spectrum of operational needs including new and pre-owned full-size highway coach equipment along with transit specialty vehicles.  ABC supports customers with a comprehensive after sale service network for service and repairs, collision services, extensive OEM and quality aftermarket parts needs for transit, motorcoach and heavy-duty equipment from ten strategically placed locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Additionally, private and municipal financing and leasing options are available through the company’s financial services group – one of the largest financial service providers within the industry.  For more information, contact ABC Companies at 800-222-2875 or visit the company web site at www.abc-companies.com