The California Air Resources Board has approved XL's hybrid-electric Ford F-250 pickup, which paves the way for the Boston-based vehicle modifier to begin selling the vehicle to commercial and government fleets in the state.

When equipped with XL's gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the F-250 improves fuel economy by an average of 25% and reduces carbon-dioxide emissions by 20%, according to the company. XL has now received 14 certifications from the board for electrified versions of pickups and vans from manufacturers that retain the factory warranties.

XL also offers modified versions of Ford Transit vans, General Motors vans and cutaways, and Ford E-Series cutaways. XL introduced its plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) system for Ford F-150s in 2017 that it claims improves fuel economy by 50% and reduces carbon-dioxide by 33%.

XL sees a business opportunity for fleets with various sustainability initiatives in part because California is pursuing a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030.

"California continues to set a high bar for electrified vehicle technology, and we've seen many states following California's lead," said Clay Siegert, chief operating officer of XL. "As a result of this CARB executive order, XL provides fleets with even more choices for electrified trucks and vans, while ensuring that XL is well-positioned should California and other U.S. states tighten restrictions on conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines."