XL Fleet Corp. was awarded a contract from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Project Manager Transportation Systems (PM TS) of the United States Army to prototype fuel-saving technology for military vehicles. After securing the opportunity through a highly competitive bidding process, XL Fleet is one of two companies to be awarded a contract to develop a pilot technology project within the following year. The pilot program started on October 1, 2021 and will run for 13 months.

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced the contract award for the pilot program on November 22, 2021.

XL Fleet’s contract is part of DoD’s continuing efforts to meet some of the key fuel-saving efforts for its fleet of more than a quarter of a million military tactical vehicles. As these vehicles spend more than half of their operating time idling, they currently require significant amounts of fuel to operate the on-board electrical power systems and maintain the cabin air conditioning. This reduces the range of vehicles, creates significant costs and significantly increases the thermal and acoustic signatures of vehicles, thus exposing them to a greater risk of detection in the field. In addition, by improving fuel efficiency and limiting the amount of fuel consumed by its vehicles, the U.S. military can dramatically reduce the logistics and transportation requirements of its fuel supply chain.

As part of the DoD pilot program, XL Fleet is currently developing idle reduction technology for use in the Medium Tactical Vehicle (FMTV) family, standard US Army trucks from two and a half to 10 tons. The hybrid conversion kits would be delivered to the DoD for installation by the soldiers on the vehicles of the military fleet. The Combat Support and Combat Support Program Executive Office (PEO CS & CSS), which includes PM TS, said the program could be a step towards further hybridization and electrification efforts, as the he US military is moving towards sustainable energy solutions to extend operational lifespan. range of its fleet of tactical vehicles, among other advantages.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to compete for this highly selective US government contract to develop fuel-saving solutions for a wide range of applications for tactical military vehicles,” said Tod Hynes, Founder and President of XL Fleet. “XL Fleet’s proven technology, flexible platform and extensive experience in applying sustainable technologies to fleet vehicles make us the ideal solution for the specialized needs of the US military on this project. We can help extend the operational reach of their tactical vehicles, while supporting the safety of our troops and achieving significant fuel and operating cost savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.