Snow Plow News talks with Eric Foellmer of XL Fleet about turning regular class 2-6 trucks into hybrids to save customers money on fuel and reducing emissions.
September 16, 2021 | Dawn Krueger
XL Fleet turns your plow truck into a hybrid!
We talked with Eric Foellmer of XL Fleet about turning regular class 2-6 trucks into hybrids with their product. That’s right, their customers save about 25% off fuel costs on average with XL Fleet technology, plus they reduce emissions to meet and exceed sustainability mandates. They are a leader in the industry at converting popular trucks like Ford, Chevy, GMC, and Isuzu into hybrids without reducing performance. Without altering the OEM powertrain, Fleet XL improves the truck MPG by about 25% on average with their XLH hybrid-electric system and the XLP plug-in version improves gas mileage by 50% on average! So trucks receive a hybrid electric system upfit without altering the engine, transmission, fuel, or exhaust systems.
In addition to reducing emissions and improving gas mileage, XL Fleet systems add 220 lb-ft of additional torque into the drivetrain. So it gives you additional power in the driveline that you’re used to using.
With XL Fleet, there’s no need for new trucks or driving a truck that you aren’t used to driving. The beauty of this thing is that it can be added to your existing fleet of trucks without nullifying your existing manufacturer warranty. All XL Fleet hybrid systems come with a 3 year/75,000 mile component warranty.
Two Hybrid Electric System Options
XLH Hybrid Electric System
The XLH system improves MPG by 25% and reduces CO₂ by 20% on average through regenerative braking. This helps to slow down and propel the truck while driving. It also has an electric motor assist which operates very smoothly and provides a seamless experience for the driver.
This system is available to be fit to a large variety of trucks, including the Chevy Silverado, Chevy Express and GMC Savana Vans, GMC Sierra 2500 / 3500 HD, GM 3500/4500, Ford F-250, Ford E350/450, Ford Transit Vans, Ford F-59 Super Duty, and the Reach™ Van from Isuzu and Utilimaster.
XLP Plug-in Hybrid Electric System
The XLP system improves MPG by up to 50% and reduces CO₂ by 33% on average by using a 15 kWh lithium battery pack in addition to regenerative braking. The high-voltage lithium battery provides shared propulsion with the OEM powertrain to provide outstanding gas mileage. The system is compatible with Level 1 (<12 hours) and Level 2 (<5 hours) charging.
Which trucks is XLP compatible with? At this time it can be fit to Ford F-150 or Ford F-250 pickups (4×2 and 4×4 drivelines for both are options).
XL Fleet Video
See our interview with Eric Foellmer of XL Fleet where he explains their product below.