What Makes XL Hybrids Unique?

When we started XL Hybrids, we wondered why hybrid vehicle technology had not yet been adopted by commercial fleets at any significant scale. Businesses use a lot of fuel and would seem to benefit greatly from HEV technology. We examined the architecture and pricing of the hybrid electric and even hydraulic hybrid options available to commercial fleets and we also spent a lot of time talking to the stakeholders in the commercial fleet industry: fleet managers, finance executives, mechanics, and component suppliers to learn more.

From our conversations we learned that there were almost no alternative fuel or hybrid electric vehicle options that were both cost-effective (without government incentives) and that did not require impactful changes to the fleet operations (such as reduced range) or significant investment in refueling infrastructure. With this in mind, we embarked on a two-year journey to design HEV technology to elegantly integrate with an existing OEM powertrain, which reduces complexity and cost, while still achieving meaningful fuel savings and allowing fleets to continue to use the same vehicle models. Instead of designing the powertrain to get the absolute highest MPG, we designed it to achieve the best customer payback – our goal is to make this an economically attractive solution so that it makes the biggest impact for our customers.

So, what makes XL Hybrids technology and our company unique?

• Focused on Class 1 to 3 commercial vehicles such as vans and pickups.
• Technology is designed and priced to offer a compelling payback for urban based fleets driving 25,000 miles or more per year.
• Powertrain can be installed as an upfit on new vehicles or as a retrofit on late model years through certified installation partners.
• Powertrain will also be available in 2012 through fleet leasing companies to minimize up-front capital outlay.
• XL Hybrids is focused on designing an aftermarket hybrid powertrain that will work across makes and models in these vehicle classes, not designing or manufacturing an entirely new vehicle.

While hybrid technology is widely available in the consumer auto sector, there is much room for growth in the commercial vehicle sector, because businesses use a lot more fuel and will stand to save more money than consumers will from hybrid technology. There is also an unprecedented level of investment in advanced batteries, electric motors, and other components that will lead to additional options for fleets. XL Hybrids is at the forefront of developing this market, striving today to efficiently and economically develop hybrid systems to allow our fleet customers to save money and achieve meaningful emissions reductions .

If you want to learn how to pilot test a hybrid van in your fleet, contact us here for more information.