XL Hybrids Inc., a provider of connected fleet electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, has announced that its XLP plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) upfit solution will roll out on Ford F-150 pickup trucks starting in the fourth quarter of this year.
According to XL Hybrids, Ford was chosen as the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) based on XL Hybrids’ order commitments from major fleet customers. The company says the XLP Fleet-Ready technology is the industry’s first ship-thru upfit on pickup trucks from a leading OEM.
“After securing order commitments from our leading fleet customers, we made the decision to begin production on the popular and versatile Ford F-150,” says Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids’ co-founder and chief operating officer. “Already, major fleets are placing orders to be among the first to get the PHEV on the road to positively impact their sustainability initiatives while saving on fuel costs.”
As reported, NV Energy and DTE Energy are among the newest utility and municipal fleets that say they intend to purchase XL Hybrids’ XLP PHEV system, which delivers a 50% improvement in miles driven per gallon and significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
These two join previously announced fleets San Diego Gas & Electric Co. — which recently signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase 110 units — Liberty Utilities, Hawaiian Electric Co., Montgomery County Maryland, and the City of Newton, Mass., looking forward to accepting XLP ship-thru deliveries beginning in the fourth quarter.
The XLP technology will be installed in MY17 Ford F-150 pickups with the 2.7 L EcoBoost engine and Ford’s Auto Stop-Start technology. The XLP will also be available for the upcoming MY18 Ford F-150 pickup with the 2.7 L EcoBoost engine and the new 3.3 L base engine, both featuring Ford’s Auto Stop-Start technology. XLP will be compatible with a range of wheelbases and cab and bed configurations.
Installation of the XLP PHEV system can be completed in just hours. Featuring a volume-production ready high-voltage lithium battery pack, XLP will accommodate full charging overnight with Level 1 charging and less than three hours for Level 2 charging using an industry-standard J1772 plug interface.
XL Hybrids says that fleets will maintain the complete OEM warranty and get a three-year, 75,000-mile warranty on the XLP powertrain. The XLP system will have no special maintenance requirements.
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