XL Hybrids To Deliver Hybrid Electric Conversion Systems To Fleets

Technology Reduces Fuel Consumption, CO2 Emissions By Up To 20 Percent; Company To Conduct Pilot Trials Of Hybrid Chevy Express 2500 Vans With Major Commercial Fleet Customers

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--XL Hybrids, Inc., a company working to reduce petroleum consumption and emissions in commercial fleet vehicles with cost-effective hybrid vehicle technology, today announced that it is conducting customer pilot tests of its innovative hybrid powertrain technology. The tests will begin with the GM 2500 Series vans, including the popular Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans. The hybrid powertrain can reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20 percent for urban fleets.

“Fleet customers are facing an increased number of new alternative vehicle technologies, many of which require changes to routes, cargo loads, range or fueling infrastructure. We designed our hybrid powertrain to provide an attractive payback from fuel savings while minimizing any disruption or change to company operations”

As oil and fuel prices have continued to rise sharply over the past decade, commercial fleets have not had a cost-effective hybrid electric solution. XL Hybrids is working with equipment upfit companies and with fleet maintenance firms to certify them to install the hybrid powertrain on new and used vehicles. The company is initially targeting sales to fleets that operate the vans at least 25,000 miles per year in urban and suburban routes.

XL Hybrids will also offer the XL Hybrids (XLH) powertrain as an option through fleet leasing partners in 2012. Participating fleets could see operating expenses reduced with minimal or no up-front capital. Additional benefits for fleets that install the XLH powertrain include:

• Savings between $1,500 and $2,500 or more per year from improved fuel economy
• A three- to five-year payback for fleet customers
• Increased low-end torque
• Installation in less than one day

The powertrain is comprised of a 2kWh advanced lithium-ion battery pack, a 40kW (53 horsepower) electric motor and a proprietary hybrid control system that operate seamlessly with the original manufacturer’s 4.8L internal combustion engine and automatic transmission. It provides flexibility for fleets to operate the vehicle in any application, although the maximum fuel savings will be achieved on urban or mixed suburban and urban routes. The system can provide an additional 240 foot-pounds of torque at the driveshaft when the hybrid electric motor assists during acceleration, allowing fleets to have the same or improved performance with increased efficiency.

“Fleet customers are facing an increased number of new alternative vehicle technologies, many of which require changes to routes, cargo loads, range or fueling infrastructure. We designed our hybrid powertrain to provide an attractive payback from fuel savings while minimizing any disruption or change to company operations,” said Justin Ashton, co-founder and vice president of business development of XL Hybrids.

XL Hybrids’ new facility in Boston, Mass. will serve as the company’s headquarters and engineering center. To learn more about the hybrid van specifications and about how to pilot test the hybrid technology, please visit www.xlhybrids.com.

About XL Hybrids

XL Hybrids designs, manufactures and installs hybrid electric powertrains for commercial vans and trucks. The company’s patent-pending hybrid electric powertrain can be installed on existing vehicles or as an upfit on new ones. The hybrid powertrain – working in parallel with the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) engine and transmission – stores energy wasted in braking and reapplies it during acceleration. The result is a vehicle that uses up to 20 percent less fuel and emits up to 20 percent less carbon dioxide on urban routes, while operating with the same durability and reliability of traditional vans and trucks. XL Hybrids was founded by MIT alumni and is based in Boston. For more information, visit www.xlhybrids.com.