Puget Sound Energy (PSE), the Washington state energy provider, announced it has added 40 new utility vehicles equipped with a hybrid electrification solution from XL.

PSE says it selected XL’s fleet electrification technology for its 40 new cleaner and more fuel efficient Ford Transit utility vans, which hit the streets earlier this year. The upgrade is expected to reduce each van’s carbon footprint by up to 20% and increase fuel economy by as much as 25%, according to the companies.

PSE worked with XL to upfit each Ford van with an electric motor and advanced lithium-ion battery pack, as well as the XL Link connected vehicle system. The XL Link software provides actionable intelligence from PSE’s vehicle data, allowing company officials to monitor important metrics such as fuel economy, speed, idling time, vehicle drive cycles and CO2 emission reductions, XL said.

The XL system allows PSE vans to save fuel through regenerative braking, a process by which the XL electric motor helps slow the van when the driver brakes, while simultaneously charging the battery. The energy stored in the battery is then used to help power the vehicle when the driver accelerates.

“We know our customers value the environment, so we were excited for the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint through our fleet vehicles,” said Wayne Gould, director of corporate shared services at Puget Sound Energy. “This is another step for PSE to invest in the development of cleaner alternatives and technologies.”

“Utilities and energy organizations across the country are increasingly adopting the latest green fleet technologies to further their missions for energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction,” said Clay Siegert, chief operating officer of XL. “Puget Sound Energy’s fleet initiative was a natural fit for XL’s unique electrification solution, which is ideal for improving fuel economy in stop-and-go driving conditions, increasing driver efficiency, reducing brake and engine wear, and meeting long-term sustainability goals.”