BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--XL Hybrids, Inc., the pioneering developer of hybrid electric powertrain technology for commercial and municipal fleets, today announced the successful installation of its award-winning XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System in city-owned vans for The City of Boston. The newly converted vans support the Greenovate Boston goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.
“The City of Boston is leading the way, implementing cutting-edge technology to improve the efficiency of our operations, while reducing our environmental impact,” said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “Utilizing this technology will save tax-payer money and is a win-win for any business or organization.”
Going forward The City of Boston strives to replace ten percent of its fleet each year with alternative fuel vehicles. Currently, all diesel powered vehicles use a B20 bio-diesel blend.
“We have more than 160 full-sized passenger and cargo vans in our fleet,” said Jim McGonagle, director of central fleet management for The City of Boston. “Since XL Hybrids is based in Boston, working with them is simple and smart. The ability to retrofit vans from our existing fleet allowed us to see immediate benefits. There were no driver training or maintenance requirements. I look forward to ordering new vans with the XL Hybrids system in the coming months.”
As a designated Massachusetts Green Community, Boston has been replacing older sedans with alternative fuel vehicles over the past three years. In addition, the city initiated a vehicle sharing pool in 2012 as part of its commitment to lowering greenhouse gas emissions by reducing fuel usage.
The four converted vans are being used by the Boston Transportation Department’s Enforcement Division, the Elderly Affairs Department’s Senior Shuttle Service, and the Central Fleet.
“We’re excited to be working with our own city in supporting its sustainability goals,” said Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids’ co-founder and vice president. “The XL Hybrids charge-sustaining powertrain has a quick adoption rate because it doesn’t need any special plugs, charging or fueling infrastructure. Plus, the system installs in just six hours, allowing commercial and municipal fleets to increase their miles driven-per gallon and effectively reduce operating costs.”
Named in 2014 one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies – #3 in the Energy Sector – by Fast Company, XL Hybrids has also been recognized with an NTEA 2014 Green Award for innovation in improving work truck fuel utilization. The Coca-Cola Company, FedEx, PepsiCo and other national fleets have adopted XL Hybrids’ technology.
For more information on XL Hybrids technology and availability, visit www.xlhybrids.com or email info@xlhybrids.com.
About XL Hybrids
XL Hybrids is the pioneering developer of hybrid electric powertrains that deliver a 25 percent increase in miles driven per gallon and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Recognized as one of the 2014 World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, XL Hybrids supports customers such as The Coca-Cola Company and FedEx. The patent-pending XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System is a revolutionarily simple solution that helps commercial and municipal fleets lower operating costs and meet sustainability goals. For new Class 1 to 4 commercial fleets, as well as vehicles that are already on the road, the system is installed in just five hours, and works seamlessly in the background with zero impact on fleet operations or service, and no driver training or infrastructure requirements. XL Hybrids was founded by MIT alumni and is based in Boston. For more information, visit www.xlhybrids.com or on Twitter @XLHybrids.
About Greenovate Boston
Greenovate Boston is a collective movement to ensure a greener, healthier and more prosperous future for the city by meeting Boston’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. Visit http://greenovateboston.org for more information.
