Lightning eMotors has deployed two of its Lightning ZEV3™ Class 3 passenger vans in partnership with the Utah Clean Cities East Zion pilot shuttle program.
As part of a pilot program that began in 2019, EVZion has developed a zero-emission, electric vehicle shuttle system to exemplify the efficiency of electric vehicle transportation in rural gateway communities. The first Lightning eMotors ZEV3 shuttle buses included in the program were deployed on Aug. 22.
“The opportunity to work with the Utah Clean Cities team and our partners to demonstrate the viability and scalability of all-electric, zero-emission passenger systems aligns perfectly with our mission and vision,” said Nick Bettis, vice president of marketing and sales operations at Lightning eMotors. “As the only electrified vehicle provider actively delivering customized, fully electric Class 3 shuttles and a robust range of charging solutions, Lightning eMotors is excited to be part of the EVZion project.”
"Introducing right-sized vehicles like these shuttles offers a solution that addresses safety and congestion concerns at the park head-on,” said Tammie Bostick, Utah Clean Cities executive director and project lead of the EVZion project. “The historic Mt. Carmel Tunnel, an iconic landmark since its inauguration on July 4, 1930, has long struggled with accommodating oversized vehicles and maintaining a safe traffic flow. By adopting these shuttles, tailored to the tunnel's dimensions, we're taking an active step towards ensuring a two-way traffic flow that eliminates the frustrating hours and miles of backed-up vehicles. This approach not only respects the park's history, but also paves the way for a more enjoyable and secure experience for all visitors.”
Lightning’s ZEV3 passenger vans have a long track record of operating in public and private transit and on-demand microtransit contexts across the county.
"Selecting Lightning eMotors as our electrified shuttle partner was a meticulous and comprehensive process," Bostick said. "We've been closely monitoring Lightning's development, and we have high confidence in their ability to become a leader in this domain. Their proven technology strongly resonates with our zero-emission objectives. Our aim is to expand this pilot into a nationwide program. Today, we are forging a partnership with Lightning eMotors, fully confident in their capability to be the ideal collaborator in realizing our vision."
The vans were customized with rear-facing cameras by Lightning’s partner Volition Components in Broomfield, Colo., to allow the side mirrors to be folded so the vans can pass each other in the tunnel. In conjunction with the deployment of the two vans, Lightning is demonstrating Lightning Mobile, which provides DC fast charging in a trailer format.
The EVZion ribbon-cutting follows a recent announcement by Teton Village, Wyo., about the acquisition of Lightning eMotors vehicles to replace the diesel buses that serve nearly half a million people in and around Teton Village resort.
“Our ability to customize and deliver vehicles to our customers to meet their specific needs is one of our major differentiators,” Bettis said. “We aren’t just committed to the idea of deploying 100 percent zero-emission vehicles, we are actually doing it. In fact, Lightning has delivered more than 600 fully electric vehicles that have travelled more than 5 million miles and more Lightning vehicles are hitting the streets each week.”
