XL Hybrids introduces first hybrid electric Ford transit van, celebrates 10 million miles

May 6, 2015
XL Hybrids, Inc., a provider of fleet electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, announced its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System has now been adapted for the Ford Transit van – the first hybrid electric Transit van for the North American market, the company said. XL Hybrids also announced that 10 million road miles have been collectively driven by globally-recognized brands, municipalities and nonprofits using the XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System in their service, delivery and passenger fleets.According to the company, the XL3 system will allow fleets to increase fuel economy and boost low-end torque, while enhancing sustainability on Ford’s top-selling new van platform.“The Ford Transit is a much-anticipated addition to XL Hybrids’ product lineup as Ford fleet customers take more and more steps to enhance fuel economy and sustainability,” said Edward Lovelace, chief technology officer for XL Hybrids. “The Ford Transit unibody construction poses significant challenges for alternative ‘fueled’ vehicle upfits, but because of the simple compact design of the XL3 technology we were able to integrate our hybrid electric system to the Transit without any impact to cargo or passenger space.”The XL3 Hybrid System is compatible with all transit wheelbases and roof heights, and with both the 3.7 liter and EcoBoost gasoline engines providing 20 percent fuel and CO2 savings, the company said. The system, which the company said adds less than 400 pounds to the vehicle, is installed aft of the transmission in about six hours. The Ford OEM factory warranty stays intact, while the XL3 hybrid powertrain components are covered by a three-year, 75,000 mile warranty, according to the company.“The XL3 hybrid system has had a quick adoption rate for commercial fleets since there is no need for special plugs, charging or fueling infrastructure,” the company explained. “The technology works seamlessly in the background with zero impact on fleet operations or service, and no driver training or infrastructure requirements.”The company also announced that 10 million road miles have been collectively driven using the XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System in service, delivery and passenger fleets. According to the company, road mileage using XL Hybrids’ technology is now being driven at an increasing rate of more than one million miles per month.“In addition to the fast onboarding of new clients, we have loyal customers returning with new orders, including The Coca-Cola Company, ThyssenKrupp Elevator, The City of Boston and more,” said Clay Siegert, vice president and co-founder of XL Hybrids. “This is one of the fastest utilization growth rates of any commercial fleet electrified vehicle solution to-date in the U.S. And almost all of the purchases have been completely incentive-free."Because of this achievement, the company said, XL Hybrids’ customers have so far:·Saved 160,000+ gallons of gas·Reduced 1,400+ tons of carbon dioxide ·Saved 1,500 hours of driver productivity with fewer stops for fuel fill-ups ·Experienced 99.9% vehicle uptime“At the current rate of more than one million miles driven per month, XL Hybrids’ effective savings is equivalent to removing 380 passenger cars from the road, or sequestering the same amount of carbon as 1,460 acres of forest,” according to the company.The company added that the system delivers a 25% increase in miles per gallon and 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. “The cost savings are immediate because the technology does not require any plugs or refueling infrastructure and no special driver training,” the company explained. “There is zero impact on fleet operations, while boosting sustainability efforts.”

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