As the environmental friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles become the latest fad amongst the auto enthusiasts and automakers, American broadband and telecommunications company, Verizon, is also joining green initiatives with its hybrid service vehicle fleet. The company has purchased 576 Chevrolet Silverado Two-Mode hybrid vehicles that will be used by Verizon technicians for service calls in urban areas around the country.

The 2010 Silverado Hybrid is a full-size, fully-capable, V8-powered two-mode hybrid truck that houses two 60 kW electric motors with a multi-displacement 6.0-liter V-8 gas engine.  The truck delivers up to a 40% improvement in city cycle fuel economy providing fuel efficiency with an EPA estimated 21 MPG city and 22 MPG highway. Silverado can travel with speeds of up to 30 mph on electricity.

As for the pricing, the hybrid truck starts from $38,340, including $995 destination cost.

“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. He added that by adding 1,600 alternative energy vehicles to the fleet this year the company aimed to conserve fuel, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality across the country.

Verizon has also collaborated with BrandFX Body Company and GM to develop the light-weight fiberglass insert which will house Verizon’s service equipment.