XL, a provider of connected vehicle electrification solutions for commercial, utility and municipal fleets, unveiled the first plug-in hybrid electric Ford Super Duty F-250 pickup truck at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. According to the company, XL’s newest product expands its successful plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) product family, which also includes the XLP Ford F-150 that the company began shipping in 2018 to municipal, utility and commercial fleets throughout the United States.
According to initial assessment, XL is reporting that the XLP F-250 truck will provide up to a 50 percent improvement in miles driven per gallon (MPG) over conventional factory units, while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 33 percent during normal operation. These numbers are consistent with what the PHEV F-150 has been proven to achieve at EPA-certified testing facilities, the company sas.
The XLP F-250 features a high voltage 15 kWh Li-ion battery pack that is compatible with Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations using an industry-standard J1772 plug interface. The battery is also charged by regenerative braking during driving, which captures and stores energy while slowing the vehicle. The energy is then transferred back into the drivetrain through an electric motor which helps propel the vehicle during acceleration, reducing fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and brake wear. The entire system weighs 750 pounds and is professionally mounted onto existing factory components. The XLP F-250 has no effect on Ford factory warranties, and requires no special maintenance procedures or charging infrastructure enhancements.
“The XLP F-250 is an important addition to the fleet industry, providing the legendary performance of a Ford Super Duty truck with the proven sustainability and fuel economy enhancements of an XL electrification system,” said Tod Hynes, founder and CEO of XL. “The fleet industry is looking for ways to electrify their trucks now, without adding significant infrastructure costs or range concerns for their drivers. This vehicle gives them that power.”
According to XL, the product is scheduled to begin shipping to customers before the end of 2019.
