XL Hybrids, Inc. announced its XLP plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) upfit solution will roll out on Ford F-150 pickup trucks beginning fourth quarter 2017. The XLP Fleet-Ready technology is the industry’s first ship-through upfit on pickup trucks from a leading OEM, the company noted.
“After securing order commitments from our leading fleet customers, we made the decision to begin production on the popular and versatile Ford F-150,” said Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids’ co-founder and chief operating officer. “Already, major fleets are placing orders to be among the first to get the PHEV on the road to positively impact their sustainability initiatives while saving on fuel costs.”
The XLP technology will be installed in MY17 Ford F-150 pickups with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine and Ford’s Auto Stop-Start technology. The XLP will also be available for the upcoming MY18 Ford F-150 pickup with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine and the new 3.3L base engine, both featuring Ford’s Auto Stop-Start technology. XLP will be compatible with a range of wheelbases, cab and bed configurations.
Installation of the XLP PHEV system can be completed in just hours on half-ton pickup trucks as a ship-through upfit. Featuring a volume-production ready high voltage lithium battery pack, XLP will accommodate full charging overnight with Level 1 and less than three hours for Level 2 charging using an industry-standard J1772 plug interface. The XLP technology leaves the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) engine, transmission, fuel system and exhaust system completely intact. Fleets will maintain the complete OEM warranty, and get a three-year, 75,000 mile warranty from XL Hybrids on the XLP powertrain. The XLP system will have no special maintenance requirements.