Montgomery County, Md., has converted 10 cargo vans to hybrid vehicles using XL Hybrids’ XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System. The recently retrofitted vans support Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s goal to reduce Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020.

"By converting 10 Ford cargo vans, we are already seeing over 25% increase in miles driven per gallon thanks to the XL Hybrids system, and we are expecting annual operating costs savings of tens of thousands of dollars overall," said Bill Griffiths, fleet division chief of Montgomery County and a finalist for the 2015 Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year award. "We have 149 vans in our fleet and expect to convert at least 10 additional vans with the XL Hybrids system in July of this year."

The current 10 hybrid electric vans are being used at the county maintenance department for plumbers, electricians, and road safety crews.

"We’re happy to be working with a major municipal fleet like Montgomery County," said Clay Siegert, XL Hybrids’ co-founder and vice president. "With the XL Hybrids charge-sustaining powertrain, these vans will see reduced fuel usage, reduced carbon dioxide emissions and a quick return on investment. This technology has greater than 99.9 percent availability with no impact on fleet operations and maintenance schedules."