XL Hybrids, named one of the world’s 50 most innovative companies by Fast Company in 2014, has added to its hybrid powertrain offerings by introducing an application for the new Ford Transit van sold in North America. XL Hybrids currently offers versions of its hybrid power systems for Ford Econoline vans and wagons up to E450 models. The Transit has replaced the E-150 already. It is scheduled to replace all Econoline models, which date back to the 1960’s, within a few years.
According to the XL Hybrids website: “Founded by a team from MIT, XL Hybrids is the pioneering developer of hybrid electric powertrains that deliver a 25 percent increase in miles per gallon and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. We engineered the award-winning XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System to increase vehicle efficiency, while generating a positive return-on-investment from the fuel savings.”
The Ford Transit unibody construction poses significant challenges for alternative ‘fueled’ vehicle upfits, but because of the simple compact design of the XL3 technology we were able to integrate our hybrid electric system to the Transit without any impact to cargo or passenger space. — Dr. Edward Lovelace, chief technology officer for XL Hybrids.
The XL Hybrids XL3 system is compatible with both the Ford EcoBoost engines and the 3.7 liter V6 engine. It also fits all wheelbases and roof heights offered in the new Transit line. The system weighs less than 400 lbs and is installed behind the the transmission in about six hours. The original Ford manufacturers warranty is unaffected by the addition of the XL Hybrid system, which itself is separately warrantied for three years or 75,000 miles.
The XL Hybrids XL3 system needs no special plugs or driver training and no charging or fueling infrastructure. The technology works seamlessly in the background with no impact on fleet operations or service. The cost of the system is offset over time by the 20% fuel savings the system makes possible.
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