Verizon Is First Major Company to Retrofit Vans With Hybrid Power

http://www.autospectator.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=8438

HYATTSVILLE, Md., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- In a precedent-setting move, Verizon will soon begin a pilot project using 13 specially designed service vans with environmentally friendly hybrid-engine systems. Because no domestic motor vehicle manufacturer currently makes hybrid vehicles in the "van" category, Verizon worked closely with a company that specializes in hybrid- power systems, and it retrofitted the new vehicles to Verizon's specifications.

The vans, which have FiOS and green-energy markings on them, will serve some of Verizon's FiOS Internet and TV customers here and in Texas. They were unveiled at a news conference Tuesday (March 6) at the company's Hyattsville work center, and they are being put into service over the next several weeks.

The vans' gasoline- and electricity-powered engines could improve gas mileage by up to 50 percent over traditional internal-combustion engines, and have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent to 90 percent.

Verizon is the first major company to retrofit service vehicles in the "van" class with hybrid-power technology. The retrofitting for the trial was done by hybrid-electric pioneer Enova Systems Inc., located in Torrance, Calif.

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My provider.

As we race towards our destination, will there ever be a time when we can no longer communicate with someone without a "provider"?