BOSTON--March 13, 2012: XL Hybrids, Inc., a company that has developed a low-cost hybrid electric powertrain designed specifically for class 1-3 commercial fleet use, will display a Chevrolet Express 2500 cargo van fitted with the company's hybrid technology at the 2012 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Energy Conference Energy Showcase. The MIT conference showcase will take place on Friday, March 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. ET at the Boston Park Plaza Castle. The event is open to the public and participants can view a hybrid van while learning more about XL Hybrids' unique powertrain technology from design engineers.
“Commercial fleet owners are looking for cost-effective solutions to reduce their fuel bills”
Small and large businesses alike are searching for cost-effective technologies to reduce fuel consumption to offset rising and volatile fuel costs. The hybrid powertrain increases the EPA city fuel economy by 25 percent, which can provide a three year payback without government incentives, or immediate savings when combined with vehicle financing.
Benefits of the hybrid powertrain include:
- It is designed for rapid installation -- less than four hours -- in commercial vehicles without modifying or removing the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) engine or transmission.
- There is no additional charging infrastructure or significant impacts to routing or cargo capacity, making XL Hybrids' solution ideal for commercial vehicles that operate under a high daily mileage in urban or suburban areas.
The hybrid powertrain is currently available for the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana 2500 cargo and passenger vans, and the company is expanding the product lineup to include other makes and models of fleet vehicles, including Chevrolet and Ford vans and pickup trucks. XL Hybrids was started by MIT alumni who collectively have founded four alternative energy companies. XL Hybrids president and founder Tod Hynes is also a co-founder of the MIT Clean Energy Prize, and XL Hybrids co-founder Justin Ashton was a finalist in the 2008 MIT Clean Energy Prize for a water desalination startup, Nanopur.
"Commercial fleet owners are looking for cost-effective solutions to reduce their fuel bills," said Tod Hynes, co-founder and president at XL Hybrids. "XL Hybrids provides a solution needed by a large market segment without relying on subsidies. The MIT Energy Conference offers the opportunity to showcase our hybrid platform in front of a mix of thought leaders in the energy industry, government and academia."
For more information on the technology or company, visit XL Hybrids or email info [at] 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. By storing energy wasted in braking and reapplying it during acceleration, the vehicle 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.
