HVAC Vehicle Fleet Converting to Hybrid with Install from XL

XL Hybrids, a leader in fleet electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, has installed its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System in the fleet of Watkins Heating & Cooling, a family-owned and operated HVAC service company headquartered in Springboro, Ohio.

Watkins plans to convert four more General Motors vans this year using XL Hybrids’ technology and plans to replace its entire 15-vehicle fleet with hybrids in the coming years.

“The Watkins Heating and Cooling fleet is a great application for the XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System,” said Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids’ co-founder and vice president.

“Watkins’ service technicians drive in and around neighborhoods carrying heavy equipment. Their service routes involve lots of stop and go driving, which enables the customer to take better advantage of the XL3’s regenerative braking and reduce fuel consumption,” he added.

The advantages are clear: XL3 saves fuel through regenerative braking, a process by which the electric motor helps slow the vehicle when the driver brakes, charging the battery. When the driver accelerates, the battery releases the energy to the electric motor, helping propel the vehicle.

“We anticipate getting a positive return on our investment in the XL3 hybrid system in just over two years because we’re seeing thirty to thirty-five percent improvement in fuel efficiency,” said David Watkins, vice president of Watkins Heating & Cooling.

“Plus,” he continued, “with XL Hybrids’ powertrain, we anticipate saving our service technicians about 20 gas fill-ups a year.”

As a result of the installation, Watkins was recognized with the Green Business of the Year Award by the Springboro Chamber of Commerce due to its investment in hybrid electric technology.

Category: General Update, Green