| Cover | Dec. 13, 2023 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 13, 2023 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Lightning eMotors, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-39283 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 84-4605714 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 815 14th Street SW |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite A100 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Loveland |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 80537 |
| City Area Code | 800 |
| Local Phone Number | 223-0740 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001802749 |
| Common Stock | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ZEV |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Warrants and Rights Subject to Mandatory Redemption | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Redeemable Warrants, each full warrant exercisable for one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $230.00 per share |
| Trading Symbol | ZEV.WS |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
