XL Hybrids Inc., a provider of fleet electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, announced its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System is now available for the GM 3500/4500 Cutaway/Cab Chassis beginning with model year 2011 vehicles.

The new product would allow universities, transit agencies and for-hire transportation companies that use small shuttle buses to easily cut fuel costs while supporting sustainability efforts. For fleets that use FTA funding, the XL3 can be purchased by transit agencies for less than $5,000, and is the lowest cost hybrid system offering a payback in less than two years.

By introducing the GM Cutaway/Cab Chassis into the product lineup, which includes the Ford E350/E450 Cutaway/Cab Chassis and the new Ford Transit passenger van, XL Hybrids is now in production with solutions for the two most popular OEM platforms for shuttle buses and passenger vans, as well as walk-in vans, and utility bodies.

“Adding the new GM Cutaway solidifies our position as the only hybrid electric powertrain provider that offers a single solution to fleets using Class 2-4 vehicles from the major OEMs like Ford and GM,” said Clay Siegert, VP/co-founder of XL Hybrids. “With this new product, XL Hybrids covers more than 75 percent of the shuttle bus market, where fleet vehicles drive high mileage on low MPG routes.”

The XL3 Hybrid System is compatible with all available wheelbases offered by bus manufacturers, including GM Cutaway single and double rear wheels. The XL3 can be installed as a retrofit or a new upfit for 4.8L and 6.0L gas engines providing 20% fuel and CO2 savings, according to the company.

Unlike other alternative fuel systems, the XL3 adds less than 400 pounds to the vehicle and is designed for the added weight to be evenly distributed allowing for better axle loading. The GM OEM factory warranty stays intact, while the XL3 hybrid powertrain components are covered by a three-year, 75,000 mile warranty.

XL Hybrids continues to move ahead of the competition with hybrid-electric powertrain solutions that are in production, achieving more than 10 million customer miles with greater than 99.9% vehicle uptime. The XL3 technology has zero impact on fleet operations and service and requires no special plugs, charging or refueling stations. The hybrid-electric system has a fast adoption rate for commercial fleets since there is no driver training or infrastructure requirements. The vehicles more than pay for themselves without the need for incentives.

Special financing options through Priority One Financial Services Inc. allow XL Hybrids’ customers to retrofit current fleet vehicles and pay for the hybrid system over time. Customers can also refinance their existing vehicles or order new vans and buses with the XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System.