New mail trucks electric
Exciting news! The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced plans to transition its fleet of mail trucks to electric vehicles. Here are some key details:
Why the switch?
- Environmental concerns: Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
- Cost savings: EVs are generally cheaper to operate and maintain than traditional gas-powered vehicles.
- Improved performance: Electric motors provide instant torque, making them more efficient and responsive.
The plan:
- USPS aims to replace its entire fleet of 180,000 vehicles with electric or hybrid electric vehicles over the next 10-15 years.
- The initial rollout will focus on urban areas, where electric vehicles are more practical and cost-effective.
- The USPS has partnered with various manufacturers, including Ford, Rivian, and Oshkosh, to develop custom electric mail trucks.
Rivian's electric mail truck:
- Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, has been selected to produce the USPS's first electric mail truck.
- The vehicle, called the "Rivian Postal Service Electric Delivery Vehicle," is designed specifically for USPS operations.
- It features a 314-mile range, a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, and a payload capacity of 4,000 pounds.
Ford's electric mail truck:
- Ford has also been selected to produce an electric mail truck for USPS.
- The vehicle, called the "Ford E-Transit," is a battery-electric version of the popular Transit van.
- It features a 217-mile range, a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, and a payload capacity of 3,600 pounds.
Oshkosh's electric mail truck:
- Oshkosh, a manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks, has been selected to produce an electric mail truck for USPS.
- The vehicle, called the "Oshkosh e-MPV," is designed for long-distance routes and features a 200-mile range.
Timeline:
- The first electric mail trucks are expected to hit the roads in 2023.
- The transition to electric vehicles is expected to take several years, with the goal of having a fully electric fleet by the mid-2030s.
This is a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly postal service.