Lion Electric has unveiled the Lion5, North America’s first fully electric flatbed tow truck, marking a significant milestone in eco-friendly vehicle innovation. The Lion5, developed in collaboration with XpaK Industries and CAA-Quebec, aims to redefine the industry’s standard for sustainability and efficiency.
The Lion5 is not just another entry in the burgeoning electric vehicle market; it’s a pioneering medium-duty truck equipped with a 210 kWh in-house, 800V battery pack. This robust power source provides a range of up to 310 km (approximately 190 miles), and the high-torque electric motor generates an impressive 315 horsepower. The environmental benefits are noteworthy: each Lion5 truck could potentially cut greenhouse gas emissions by 75 to 100 metric tons annually compared to traditional diesel trucks. On the economic front, the Lion5 is expected to lower energy costs by about 80% and reduce maintenance expenses by nearly 60%, further making the case for its adoption by companies focused on both sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Delivered in July and set to undergo a rigorous year-long testing phase, the Lion5 will be evaluated across various towing scenarios and extreme weather conditions. This testing is crucial to ensure the vehicle’s reliability and performance live up to industry demands. “With this new 100% electric, made-in-Quebec tow truck, we are helping to redefine the future of the towing industry,” emphasized Patrick Gervais, Vice President of Trucks and Public Affairs at Lion Electric. The deployment of the Lion5 represents a critical step in setting new industry standards with a pronounced focus on environmental sustainability.
Marie-Soleil Tremblay, President and CEO of CAA-Quebec, expressed the organization’s pioneering role and commitment to environmental protection. “Roadside assistance has always been in CAA-Quebec’s DNA, and it goes without saying that we are taking the lead in electric towing. We have a responsibility to set an example and take a leadership role in protecting the environment,” she stated.
This launch stands out as a significant event, introducing the first electric tow truck in Canada and setting a new benchmark for organizations like CAA-Quebec. The partnership between Lion Electric, XpaK Industries, and CAA-Quebec underscores a shared mission to drive forward eco-conscious advancements in the towing industry.
Throughout the course of its usage period, CAA-Quebec plans to share the gathered insights and data from the Lion5 trials with partners across Canada and the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States. This dissemination of knowledge aims to foster wider adoption and acceptance of electric tow trucks, potentially leading to more sustainable practices within the industry on a larger scale.
