XL Hybrids, Inc., developer of a low-cost hybrid electric powertrain designed for class 1 to 3 commercial fleet vehicles, announced that it has expanded its product line to offer hybrid electric powertrain technology for Ford E-Series vans. The E-Series hybrid powertrain is the first low-cost, commercially available, charge-sustaining hybrid electric powertrain for the E-Series, the best-selling light duty commercial van on the market. It will provide fleet managers flexibility to choose a cost-effective, fuel efficient hybrid powertrain option, without having to commit to an alternative fuel, upfront investment in new refueling or recharging infrastructure, or switch to a completely new vehicle model.
XL Hybrids' technology will initially be available for the 2013 model year E-Series on the E-150 and E-250 cargo van and passenger wagon models. The company will then release compatibility for older model years, as well. The technology design allows for a seamless integration with the existing Ford driveline without major modifications. The hybrid powertrain was also designed for a fast installation process, allowing XL Hybrids' certified upfitters to quickly install the hybrid powertrain as a ship-through option.
The hybrid electric powertrain will also be available as a retrofit on model year 2013 vans already in fleet service, allowing fleet managers to accelerate emissions reductions without waiting for the next vehicle replacement cycle. XL Hybrids will continue to expand the availability of the hybrid powertrain option to the most popular rear-wheel drive vehicles in the class 1 to 3 commercial vehicle categories across existing vehicle manufacturers, even as manufacturers launch new vehicle models.
"By expanding the compatibility of our hybrid powertrain with Ford E-Series, we are now able to offer a compelling return on investment and significant emissions reductions to more than 75 percent of light duty van fleet buyers," said Justin Ashton, vice president of business development and co-founder of XL Hybrids. "By working with top-tier upfitters for installation, XL Hybrids has created a low-cost, seamless ship-through option for fleets without the hurdles of buying a completely unproven chassis or having a tether to a recharging or alt-fuel filling station."
XL Hybrids recently announced that it signed an installation partnership and distribution agreement with Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products (CVP), one of the top commercial vehicle equipment providers. The two companies will display an E-Series van upfitted with XL Hybrids' hybrid powertrain technology at the Leggett & Platt CVP Booth (#1421) at the 2013 NTEA Work Truck Show.
