The Reach commercial van is the first diesel-powered vehicle with the XL3 powertrain, said Ed Lovelace, chief technology officer for XL Hybrids. The XL3 system provides a 25% increase in miles driven per gallon for the Reach van, the company says.

XL3 hybrid electric drive system for diesel. Click to enlarge.

The hybrid drive system is equipped with a 1.8 kWh Li-ion battery pack, and a motor that delivers 220 lb-ft (298 N·m) of torque. System voltage is 259 V.

The award-winning XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System is a simple solution that helps commercial and municipal fleets lower operating costs and their carbon footprint. XL3 works seamlessly in the background with zero impact on fleet operations or service, and no driver training or infrastructure requirements. The technology has a quick adoption rate for fleets since there’s no need for special plugs, charging or fueling infrastructure.

Reach vans with XL Hybrids’ technology appeal to national delivery service companies, public sector and corporate fleets that are seeking ways to reduce fuel consumption and meet sustainability goals.

Launched by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the Small Business Vouchers Pilot matches select clean energy small businesses with experts from the national labs, and gives the businesses vouchers that they can exchange for national lab technical assistance. A network of advanced science and technology centers, US national laboratories push the boundaries of research to address current and anticipated energy challenges. The labs have developed deep expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and world-class, often unique, resources.

Vouchers range from $50-$300K and focus on nine clean energy technologies.