576 Chevrolet Hybrid Pickups Help Green Verizon’s Commercial Fleet
Verizon is making Spaceship Earth run a little cleaner. As part of an initiative to green its fleet, the famous provider of broadband DSL, Internet services, mobile phones and long distance services purchased 576 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrids, the world’s only two-mode hybrid pickup. The Silverado’s two-mode hybrid system blends an internal combustion engine with battery-powered electric motors to offer customers the advanced technology needed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
“When Verizon first approached us about environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles for their urban drivers, we knew the Silverado Hybrid was the perfect fit because of its outstanding city and highway MPG ratings,” said Brian Small, GM Fleet and Commercial Operation general manager. “Immediately the team went to work to meet Verizon’s ambitious July delivery deadline.”
The 2010 Silverado Hybrid is a full-size, fully-capable, V8-powered truck that delivers up to a 40 percent improvement in city fuel economy. By applying GM’s unique two-mode hybrid technology, the Silverado Hybrid provides fuel efficiency with an EPA estimated 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, the best fuel economy of any full-size pickup, said the company. At 21 mpg city, it delivers the city fuel economy a four-cylinder sedan.
GM’s two-mode system maintains the truck’s dependability, performance and utility, while significantly improving fuel efficiency. GM’s two-mode hybrid technology system not only enables the Silverado to launch and drive up to 30 mph on electricity alone, it allows the Vortec 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical V-4 mode for longer periods. This technology is the only hybrid system capable of being used in full-size trucks, which further emphasizes Chevrolet’s full-size truck leadership.
“A major part of our sustainability strategy is to make smart use of lower-carbon alternatives to power our fleet and the operation of our high-IQ broadband networks,” said James Gowen, chief sustainability officer for Verizon. “By adding 1,600 alternative energy vehicles to our fleet this year we’re conserving fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in communities across the country.”
Committed to finding practical and innovative ways to reduce the carbon footprint of its global operations, Verizon launched a comprehensive sustainability program earlier this year. The program expanded the number of alternative energy vehicles in their fleet — one part of a multi-pronged approach. Additionally, reflecting their commitment to doing business with diverse suppliers, Verizon placed the order for the 576 hybrid pickups, with Fairway Motors, a Chevrolet dealership in Hazelton, Penn.
To further capitalize on the Silverado Hybrid’s fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, Verizon collaborated with BrandFX Body Co. and GM to develop the light-weight fiberglass insert to be installed in the truck’s bed. The composite insert, the lightest weatherproof container on the market, will house Verizon’s service equipment, such as ladders, wiring, connectors and television set boxes.
“We have a long history with Verizon and it’s always our pleasure to work with OEMs to provide the most fuel-efficient composite products for automotive applications,” said Lee Finley, BrandFX Body Company co-owner.
