Berkshire Regional Transit Boosts Fixed Route Bus Sustainability with XL Hybrids

XL Hybrids, Inc., a leader in connected fleet electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, has announced the installation of its XL3® Hybrid Electric Drive System into Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) fixed route buses.

Located in western Massachusetts, with headquarters in Pittsfield, BRTA provides public transit services to its 25 member communities within Berkshire County. BRTA’s new hybrid vehicles fall in line with the September announcement by Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker to establish an integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth.

“Governor Baker’s administration will work with state and regional transportation leaders plus environment and energy agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector,” said Robert Malnati, administrator for Berkshire Regional Transit Authority. “We’ve already been identifying opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint and were impressed by the XL Hybrids technology because of the immediate return on investment, 20 percent reduction in CO2 emissions, and increased fuel economy.”

The new Ford E-450 mini buses up-fitted with XL3 hybrid drive systems are welcome additions to BRTA’s current hybrid fleet including support sedans and sport utility vehicles as well as 35-ft heavy duty fixed route buses. The new XL Hybrids-equipped mini buses are ADA compliant and will be deployed in BRTA’s fixed route service.

The new BRTA mini buses are also equipped with XL Hybrids’ XL Link™ cloud-based fleet vehicle connectivity and analytics system, which measures MPG performance, fuel savings and CO2 reduction. The XL Link reports deliver mobility and easy access to key metrics that are important to fleets’ specific needs and sustainability goals.

Added David Breault, business development manager for XL Hybrids, “The XL3 increases fuel economy with cost savings by as much as 25 percent in miles per gallon. The hybrid system does not impact fleet operations in any way and there’s no need for extra driver training. There are no special plugs or fueling infrastructure required, resulting in a quick adoption rate.”

The XL3 hybrid system is compatible with new and existing Class 2 to 6 commercial fleet vehicles. The XL Hybrids technology can be installed in less than six hours and the vehicles can be driven as normal as soon as they are delivered.

More at www.xlhybrids.com.

Category: General Update, Green