XL Hybrids has upgraded its hybrid-electric powertrain with a new motor system design to improve the total cost of ownership equation, the company said.
Designed specifically for Class 1-4 commercial vehicles, the new XL3 powertrain uses a patent-pending inline traction motor system design, the company said. The system is a significant technological advancement that allows for fast installation by XL Hybrids’ certified ship-thru upfitters, Knapheide Manufacturing and Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products.
The system, available on 2014 models, can provide more than $15,000 in total cost of ownership savings, net of the hybrid system purchase price, XL added.
“The XL Hybrids XL3 powertrain is truly a drop-in product for ship-thru upfitters, who are accustomed to rapidly modifying and upfitting tens of thousands of vehicles per year,” said Edward Lovelace, chief technology officer. “Our R&D team is continually focused on delivering technological advancements to reduce installation complexity and time, and to enhance customer experience and value.”
The XL3 design seamlessly integrates with the original equipment manufacturers’ powertrain without major vehicle modifications. It is also rapidly configurable for all rear-wheel-drive light duty vans and trucks, allowing XL Hybrids to release the hybrid conversion for vehicles across manufacturers and powertrain specs.
Over the next 18 months, XL Hybrids said it will release the XL3 system for GM and Ford cutaway vans, shuttle vans and box trucks, as well as select class 4 box truck platforms.
Fleet customers can specify the XL3 system on their ship-thru orders of 2014 GM Express and Ford E-Series vans with dealers or purchase bailment pool vans from upfitters with the XL3 system installed.
