XL Hybrids Launching Fleet-Ready Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Truck Upfit Solution In 2017
The fleet electrification solutions firm XL Hybrids will next year launch a new product line, the XLP plug-in hybrid vehicle upfit solution, which will be an “industry first” solution allowing fleet operators to easily begin utilizing plug-in technology.
The new “XLP” plug-in hybrid (PHEV) solution will be “offered as a ship-thru upfit on half-ton pickup trucks from leading OEMs, and will provide a 50% improvement in miles driven per gallon for major fleets across the United States,” according to the company.
Notably, a large increase in fuel economy, like the 50% one quoted above, leads directly to a large decrease in carbon emissions and air pollution, while also reducing operating costs.
“Expanding our offering to include plug-in solutions is the next step in our plan to electrify fleet vehicles with technology that saves money while reducing oil consumption and emissions,” stated Tod Hynes, founder and CEO of XL Hybrids. “The XLP system allows fleets to purchase the same, roadworthy OEM pickup trucks they always have — OEM powertrain and warranty fully intact — now with a proven electrified powertrain from XL Hybrids to significantly increase MPG. Fleets will have peace of mind knowing that their work truck will get the job done, with the same access to existing service infrastructure that fleets have always enjoyed.”
There are already a number of major customers interested in the offering, including San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Hawaiian Electric Company, Liberty Utilities, and Montgomery County Maryland.
The press release provides more:
“XL Hybrids surveyed fleet managers to understand their most critical requirements and developed the new technology based on customer demand for hybrid electric plug-in technology on commercial work trucks from the leading OEMs. The new XLP solution will build on the platform product technology used on the company’s award-winning XL3 hybrid-electric powertrain, which has achieved more than 35 million road miles with over 99.9% vehicle uptime on Class 2-6 vehicles for major fleets since 2013. The XLP lithium battery pack will be over 10 kWh, and will accommodate Levels 1 and 2 charging using an industry-standard plug. …
“The XLP PHEV system will be installed in just hours on half-ton pickup trucks as a ship-thru upfit. Installation of the XLP system will leave the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) engine, transmission, fuel system and exhaust system completely intact. Fleets will maintain the complete OEM warranty, and get a 3-year, 75,000 mile warranty from XL Hybrids on the XLP powertrain. The XLP system will have no special maintenance requirements.”
Something interesting to note here is that the XLP solution will include the XL Link cloud-based big data analytics system — measuring, in real time, fuel economy, carbon dioxide emissions reductions, etc.
The press release states that “XLP ship-thru deliveries to fleet customers will begin in the fourth quarter of 2017.”
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