Lightning eMotors announced the Class 3 Lightning ZEV3™ electric passenger van has received Buy America certification. This, combined with its Altoona Testing certification, qualifies the ZEV3 for funding through the Federal Transit Administration's $4 billion Low- and No-Emissions grant program and makes it eligible for incentives like the Federal Aviation Administration's zero emission airport shuttle program (Buy American).
With the availability of these funds, fleets can transition to electric vehicles more rapidly, reducing their carbon footprint. To take advantage of this funding, worth $1 billion in 2023, zero- or low-emission transit vehicles must be both Buy America certified and pass Altoona Testing, making them eligible for purchase or lease using FTA funds.
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“We believe it is important that our high-quality electric vehicles support American jobs. We purposely look for US-based component and subcomponent manufacturers and suppliers and are thrilled to be Buy American Act certified in formal recognition of our largely American supply chain,” said Lightning eMotors' VP of Procurement, Chelsea Ramm. “Additionally, our larger, Class 4 Lightning ZEV4™ passenger models have also passed our internal Buy America audit and we look forward to earning certification through independent verification on this model as well,” added Ms. Ramm.
The Lightning ZEV3 passenger vans, with either two or three batteries, received Buy America Certification, which requires at least 70% of the total cost to manufacture the vehicle to come from components and subcomponents made in the U.S. Verification from both internal and external sources confirmed that more than 80% of the cost of producing ZEV3 models was from American-sourced materials.
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“Achieving Buy America and Altoona testing certification makes the ZEV3 fully eligible for currently available FTA grants and many state-level EV fleet grants, helping existing customers further expand their EV operations and new customers begin their EV transition,” said Lightning eMotors' VP of Marketing Nick Bettis. “Lightning stands out as a commercial EV manufacturer having earned both these certifications and is now uniquely positioned to help transit fleet operators take advantage of FTA funding now and over the next four years.”
The Lightning ZEV3 passenger van is used by fleets in North America for micro-transit and shuttle services. It features an all-electric drivetrain for efficient, quiet, and smooth driving. The van is powered by advanced, thermally managed batteries that provide a long range and efficient performance. With a range of up to 200 miles, the ZEV3 also comes with Level 2 AC charging and DC Fast Charge options. Since its deployment in 2018, over 300 ZEV3 vans have been deployed, accumulating over 1.8 million miles in real-world use.
“Buy America certification is yet another tool Lightning offers its customers to make the transition to electric vehicles both seamless and beneficial to their business,” said Bettis. “Lightning offers a complete package, from purchasing to fleet management, and we are proud to support our customers throughout the entire EV ecosystem.”
