A Loveland-based manufacturer and seller of electric vehicles for commercial fleets has been certified under the “buy America” program, making its products eligible for federal grants designed to help electrify the nation’s transportation.

Lightning eMotors said its class 3 passenger van, which can accommodate up to 10 passengers and a wheelchair, was also recently certified by the Larson Transportation Institute’s Bus Research and Testing Center in Altoona, Pa., which tests vehicles for safety and durability.

Chelsea Ramm, the company’s vice president of global supply chain, said the certification under the third-party audits means customers can apply for Federal Transit Administration grants for low- and no-emission vehicles.

The company is seeking certification for its class 4 passenger van, which can carry up to 16 passengers.

The move to increase the number of electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks on the road has accelerated with the incentives in the federal Inflation Reduction Act. It includes tax credits for vehicles and charging equipment. Heavy-duty vehicles are eligible for tax credits of up to $40,000.

Nick Bettis, Lightning eMotors’ vice president of marketing and sales operations, said the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to make $1 billion in grants available in April for zero- and low-emission school buses.

Lightning eMotors has teamed up with school-bus manufacturer Collins Bus Corp., to produce electric school buses.