XL Hybrids Inc. has received approval from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the first California Heavy Duty Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) vehicle eligibility, allowing discounts for aftermarket conversions of gasoline-powered General Motors (GM) 2500 and 3500 passenger and cargo vans into hybrid electric vehicles. Businesses and organizations with fleets in California can receive $2,500 vouchers for each GM van upfitted with XL Hybrids’ XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System for up to 100 vehicles per fleet. The second 100 vehicles per fleet will receive $2,000 vouchers for each upfitted GM van.

In the state of California, where gasoline prices are well above the U.S. national average, the XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System is among the easiest ways for corporate fleets to increase miles per gallon, according to XL Hybrids. In California, there are strict state-wide mandates, like Assembly Bill 32, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020—a reduction of approximately 30%—and then an 80% reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. These mandates are increasing the urgency for fleets to consider alternative fuels and accelerate sustainability efforts. The XL3 system increases miles driven per gallon by approximately 25%, the company says, while working seamlessly in the background with zero impact on fleet operations and no driver training, no special plugs, charging or fueling infrastructure requirements, the company claims.

“It’s easy for fleets to take advantage of the HVIP program with XL Hybrids because we do all the heavy lifting for California fleets converting their GM vans to hybrids,” said Clay Siegert, chief operating officer and co-founder of XL Hybrids. “GM vans can be conveniently and efficiently upfitted with our XL3 system through partner installation facilities across California. Once the conversion is completed, XL Hybrids submits the voucher paperwork on behalf of the fleet.”