Verizon Adds 576 Chevrolet Silverado Full-Size Hybrid Pickups for Green Fleet

Telecom giant Verizon, as part of its "green" goals, finalized sales of 576 model year 2010 Chevy Silverado hybrid full-sized pickups from General Motors Fleet and Commercial Operations.

The purchase is part of Verizon's comprehensive sustainability program which it implemented earlier this year. According to 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.”

The Silverado's two-mode hybrid powertrain, which General Motors developed with German automakers BMW and then DaimlerChrysler, improves the truck's fuel economy by 40 percent city and 25 percent overall for an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway while maintaining the truck's up to 6,100-pound towing capacity. The hybrid, whose standard 6.0 liter V-8 engine delivers an impressive 332 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque, can also move up to 30 mph on electric power alone.

Verizon and GM also worked with BrandFX Body Company to develop a custom fiberglass insert to be installed in the truck’s bed. The light weight insert will minimally impact the truck's mileage while securing service equipment such as ladders, wiring, connectors, and television set boxes.

Source: General Motors