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U.S. Postal Service starts nationwide electric vehicle fleet, buying 9,250 EVs

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Re: U.S. Postal Service starts nationwide electric vehicle fleet, buying 9,250 EVs

#182
post #59

I wonder what the functionality of that big nose is. I doubt it's all for a crumple zone. That and the flat front windscreen certainly aren't a problem for aerodynamics at the low speeds at which these typically operate. Looks like something out of a kids movie though, which is kinda neat actually.

> I wonder what the functionality of that big nose is. In addition to crumple zone, that's where the wheels and steering gear is. And it's a handy place to stuff things like air conditioning and such. The alternative would be a much higher cab floor, which isn't an ideal choice for a mailman who probably gets in and out quite regularly.

> The alternative would be a much higher cab floor, which isn't an ideal choice for a mailman who probably gets in and out quite regularly.

Ah, that makes a lot of sense. Also, I suspect the snout isn't really that huge, but the vertical windshield exaggerates that look.

Re: U.S. Postal Service starts nationwide electric vehicle fleet, buying 9,250 EVs

#184

Why does this thing look so ugly? Is there a specific reason? The electric postal type vans I have seen look almost identical to the gasoline version. [1] [1] https://www.man.eu/ch/de/transporter/man-tge/elektroantrieb/...

My wife thinks they’re cute.

Re: U.S. Postal Service starts nationwide electric vehicle fleet, buying 9,250 EVs

#185

Why does this thing look so ugly? Is there a specific reason? The electric postal type vans I have seen look almost identical to the gasoline version. [1] [1] https://www.man.eu/ch/de/transporter/man-tge/elektroantrieb/...

Bit misleading but I don't think the image is what was actually purchased. That's a concept car from CES.

What they've purchased are the "Ford E-Transit Battery Electric Vehicle", which AFAICT look pretty much identical to the standard Ford Transit vans that are ubiquitous all over the US.

Re: U.S. Postal Service starts nationwide electric vehicle fleet, buying 9,250 EVs

#186

For comparison, Australia Post went with mostly 3-wheel electric bikes for local deliveries (3100 out of 4100 EVs in the fleet mid 2022). https://auspost.com.au/our-stories/inspiring-stories/sustain... there's a photo in the link. The low noise compared to the previous powered bikes is really nice.

They're Kyburz DXP trikes, specially designed for Australia Post: https://www.kyburz-asia.com/delivery-vehicles/dxp-au 120kg load capacity (270kg with trailer), 50kph max speed, 50-100km range. Curb weight is 315kg, total vehicle weight is 510kg. For comparison, the USPS NGDV requirements were for a vehicle that could carry a loaded Kyburz DKP (minimum payload capacity of 680kg in 155 cubic ft) at twice the top speed…

Yeah they use bikes in Switzerland but the temperature range (at least in The Valley part and not the mountains) is pretty narrow compared to the US. Basically -5C to 30C

Re: U.S. Postal Service starts nationwide electric vehicle fleet, buying 9,250 EVs

#187

Why does this thing look so ugly? Is there a specific reason? The electric postal type vans I have seen look almost identical to the gasoline version. [1] [1] https://www.man.eu/ch/de/transporter/man-tge/elektroantrieb/...

I’m just guessing, but…

Significantly smaller. They are designed to be stopped on small oneway roads while still leaving enough room for a full sized vehicle to pass.

It’s also somewhat reminiscent of the existing fleet of last-mile carrier trucks:

https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/usps-mail-delivery-truck-bac...

Re: U.S. Postal Service starts nationwide electric vehicle fleet, buying 9,250 EVs

#189

For comparison, Australia Post went with mostly 3-wheel electric bikes for local deliveries (3100 out of 4100 EVs in the fleet mid 2022). https://auspost.com.au/our-stories/inspiring-stories/sustain... there's a photo in the link. The low noise compared to the previous powered bikes is really nice.

They're Kyburz DXP trikes, specially designed for Australia Post: https://www.kyburz-asia.com/delivery-vehicles/dxp-au 120kg load capacity (270kg with trailer), 50kph max speed, 50-100km range. Curb weight is 315kg, total vehicle weight is 510kg. For comparison, the USPS NGDV requirements were for a vehicle that could carry a loaded Kyburz DKP (minimum payload capacity of 680kg in 155 cubic ft) at twice the top speed…

> Reliable deliveries with all-weather protection. The roof over the DXP AU provides great visibility and protection against the wind and rain.

Calling BS on this. Anything more than a light drizzle (or any kind of wind + rain combo) and that driver is getting wet.

Re: U.S. Postal Service starts nationwide electric vehicle fleet, buying 9,250 EVs

#190

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They're Kyburz DXP trikes, specially designed for Australia Post: https://www.kyburz-asia.com/delivery-vehicles/dxp-au 120kg load capacity (270kg with trailer), 50kph max speed, 50-100km range. Curb weight is 315kg, total vehicle weight is 510kg. For comparison, the USPS NGDV requirements were for a vehicle that could carry a loaded Kyburz DKP (minimum payload capacity of 680kg in 155 cubic ft) at twice the top speed…

> Reliable deliveries with all-weather protection. The roof over the DXP AU provides great visibility and protection against the wind and rain. Calling BS on this. Anything more than a light drizzle (or any kind of wind + rain combo) and that driver is getting wet.

You know they have to get out to deliver letters and parcels? They have a solution and it's called a rain coat.
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