Lithium-Ion battery to power XL Hybrids’ Class 1 to 3 commercial vehicle hybrid electric powertrain.
XL Hybrids, Inc., developer of a low-cost hybrid electric powertrain designed specifically for class 1 to 3 commercial fleet use, signed a supply agreement with Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI), the global leader in advanced batteries for start-stop, hybrid and electric vehicles. Johnson Controls will provide complete advanced Lithium-Ion battery packs constructed of high-power, spiral wound Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum (NCA) cells to power light duty commercial vehicles, including the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans.
“XL Hybrids has a compelling business model which provides a high value and commercially viable solution for commercial fleet operators,” said David DeGraaf, vice president and general manager of the Americas’ original equipment business at Johnson Controls Power Solutions. “Further, this supports Johnson Controls’ commitment to the domestic supply of advanced battery technologies.”
The battery pack has 1.8 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy storage, a peak discharge power rating of 50 kW and a nominal voltage of 260V. It will be fully developed and launched from Johnson Controls’ state-of-the-art Lithium-Ion manufacturing facility in Holland, Mich. in early 2013.
“Our agreement with Johnson Controls, one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world, gives our team and customers confidence in the performance and quality of such a critical component as the energy storage system,” said Clay Siegert, co-founder and vice president of supply chain at XL Hybrids. “Purchasing a battery pack manufactured in the USA was an additional bonus as we are committed to supporting domestic production.”
XL Hybrids has already sold hybrid Chevrolet Express vans to some of the biggest fleets in the U.S. for fleet pilot testing. The company’s hybrid electric powertrain integrates seamlessly with the original equipment manufacturer’s engine and transmission. By integrating Johnson Controls’ Lithium-Ion battery packs, the system is capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to 21 percent on urban routes, helping fleet managers reduce fuel costs without added infrastructure or changes to operations.
The hybrid Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans featuring the 1.8 kWh battery pack from Johnson Controls will go on sale in 2013.
XL Hybrids will extend its offering to include a full lineup of hybrid makes and models including the most popular pickup trucks and vans.
For more information on XL Hybrids technology and availability, visit www.xlhybrids.com or email info [at] xlhybrids.com.
XL Hybrids designs, manufactures and installs hybrid electric powertrains for commercial vans and trucks. The company’s patent-pending hybrid electric powertrain can be installed on existing vehicles or as an upfit on new ones. By storing energy wasted in braking and reapplying it during acceleration, XL Hybrids’ technology increases fuel economy by up to 27 percent and decreases carbon dioxide emissions by up to 21 percent on urban routes, while operating with the same durability and reliability as traditional vans and trucks. XL Hybrids was founded by MIT alumni and is based in Boston. For more information, visit www.xlhybrids.com.
Johnson Controls Power Solutions is the global leader in lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for start-stop, hybrid and electric vehicles. The company’s 50 manufacturing, recycling and distribution centers supply more than one-third of the world’s lead-acid batteries to major automakers and aftermarket retailers. Through major technical innovations, Johnson Controls is building the advanced battery industry for hybrid and electric vehicles and was the first company in the world to produce complete lithium-ion batteries and systems for mass-production hybrid vehicles. Johnson Controls’ commitment to sustainability is evidenced by our world-class technology, manufacturing and recycling capabilities. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com.
