Verizon’s New York Van Fleet Goes Hybrid Electric

With the help of fleet electrification leader  XL Hybrids technology, Verizon has replaced over 200 gas-powered vans in New York City with hybrid-electric vans in an attempt to help support the city’s clean energy goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030.

The XL3 hybrid-electric system that is being used on the Chevy vans saves fuel through regenerative braking, a process by which the XL3 electric motor helps slow the vehicle when the driver brakes, charging the battery.

The company purchased the vans using rebates offered through the New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program, which provides point-of -sale rebates to reduce the cost for businesses and municipalities that want to purchase new clean vehicles or retrofit commercial vehicles and buses with hybrid or natural gas power or with zero-emission vehicles.

“The objectives of clean air and efficient transportation systems should go hand-in-hand,” said New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas. “Creative initiatives like this one are incentivizing businesses to buy clean vehicles, helping to prime the market and improve the environment and quality of life for future generations.”

The transition to hybrid-electric vans is expected to provide a 20 to 50% improvement on fleet MPG and CO2 emissions savings, achieving payback from 75,000 to 100,0000 miles.

“Because of the busy stop-and-go traffic in New York City, XL Hybrids’ technology is an ideal solution for Verizon’s 234 hybrid-electric vans,” said Clay Siegert, co-founder and COO of XL Hybrids.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the availability of $2.2 million from the Environmental Protection Fund in rebates for municipalities to purchase or lease electric, (plug-in hybrid or battery) or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for municipal fleet use, and for installation of public charging or fuel cell refueling infrastructure, according to a release.

New York State has also revised regulations to clarify charging station ownership rules, and supported research and demonstration projects on new plug-in electric car technologies and policies.

Category: Featured, General Update, Green, News