F-150 Hybrid Proving Popular Among Fleet Customers

XL Hybrids XLP upfit solution quickly becoming world’s first viable F-150 hybrid option.

Many out there have openly questioned the viability of an F-150 hybrid option. Heck, even Ford themselves have seemingly seesawed on the idea for quite a few years now. But if the early success of the XL Hybrids built XLP plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) upfit solution for the F-150 is any indication, they clearly have nothing to worry about.

XL Hybrids recently announced that three new fleet customers have signed on to purchase their F-150 hybrid vehicles. The City of Long Beach, Southern California Edison (SCE), and Tampa Electric (TECO) join a growing list of companies.

Those existing customers include NV Energy, DTE Energy, and San Diego Gas & Electric Company. The latter of which recently signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase 110 vehicles. In addition, both Liberty Utilities and Hawaiian Electric Company plan to accept XLP ship-thru deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2017.

According to XL Hybrids, the XLP technology will be installed on MY17 and MY18 F-150s equipped with the 2.7 liter Ecoboost V6 and stop-start technology. XLP will also be available on the upcoming MY18 F-150 with the 3.3 liter base V6. Compatibility spans a wide range of cab, wheelbase, and bed configurations.

Installation of XLP takes mere hours to complete. The high voltage lithium battery pack charges fully overnight at Level 1. Or in as little as three hours with Level 2 charging. The best thing about the package, however, is what doesn’t change. XL’s F-150 hybrid upfit leaves the OEM engine, transmission, exhaust, and fuel system intact. That means XLPs retain their original Ford warranties, plus come with a 3-year, 75,000 mile warranty on the XLP components. And with a claimed 50 percent improvement in gas mileage, it’s easy to see why fleet customers are quickly jumping on board.

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.