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 (earlier post), which has achieved more than 35 million road miles with more than 99.9% vehicle uptime on Class 2-6 vehicles for major fleets since 2013.

The electric motor, for example, will be mounted post-transmission, the same as on the successful XL3 system. The XLP lithium battery pack will have a capacity of more than 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 three-year, 75,000 mile warranty from XL Hybrids on the XLP powertrain. The XLP system will have no special maintenance requirements.

XL Hybrids will describe details of the XLP specifications and operating strategy closer to product launch, said Siegert.

Our technology will be the first plug-in solution that is available for tried and true commercial pickup trucks for fleets today. XL Hybrids is committed to providing products that do not impact service, delivery, or field operations. I want to reiterate that there will be no major modifications to the OEM vehicle. This is a key point for fleets. There will be no impact to normal operations. This is a plug-in solution that will be ready at scale from day one.

—Clay Siegert

XLP will also include the XL Link cloud-based big data analytics system, which measures MPG performance and reports carbon dioxide emissions reductions. The proprietary XL Link vehicle connectivity is a continuous data link from every vehicle, collecting millions of operational data points, allowing analysis and reports on key performance indicators.

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. 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.

—Tod Hynes, founder and chief executive officer of XL Hybrids