Photo courtesy of Ford.

Photo courtesy of Ford.

XL Hybrids has begun offering the 2015 and 2016 Ford Transit van and wagon equipped with its XL3 gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the alternative-fuel conversion company announced.

The XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System is the first gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain available for the Transit van in North America, according to XL Hybrids. The XL3 system is compatible with any Transit wheelbase and roof height, and can be paired with the 3.7L or 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 gasoline engines.

XL Hybrids' system, which promises an estimated 20 percent in fuel and carbon-dioxide emissions savings, adds less than 400 pounds to the vehicle and installs in about six hours, the company added.

The XL3 system saves fuel through regenerative braking, a process where the electric motor helps slow the vehicle when the driver brakes and charges the battery. When the driver accelerates, the battery releases the energy to the electric motor to propel the vehicle.

XL3 systems are also offered for Ford Econoline vans and wagons as well as Ford E-350/E-450 cutaways, according to XL Hybrids.

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