commune_istDec 20, 2022
mtsw
This is great. Postal delivery vehicles do a relatively small number of miles in a day and then return to a central facility every night. Obvious candidate for electrification https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2022/1220-usps-intends-to-deploy-over-66000-electric-vehicles-by-2028.htm
USPS Intends To Deploy Over 66,000 Electric Vehicles by 2028, Making One of the Largest Electric Vehicle Fleets in the Nation - Newsroom - About.usps.com

WASHINGTON — The United States Postal Service today announced that it expects to acquire at least 66,000 battery electric delivery vehicles as part of its 106,000 vehicle acquisition plan for deliveries between now and 2028. The vehicles purchased as part of this anticipated plan will begin to replace the Postal Service’s aging delivery fleet of over 220,000 vehicles.

Dec 20, 2022 at 5:43pmWeb
Show threadIceviceDec 20, 2022
@mtsw great, but why do I get déjà vu reading this header?
Show threadRichardinBKDec 20, 2022
@mtsw
Show threadmtswDec 20, 2022
@RichardinBK that's right.
Show threadPeteDec 20, 2022

@mtsw
It's ok, but why purpose-built, if not just to feed money to a defense contractor? Why can't they just buy something like Ford Transit EVs from the UK and adapt them for use at a fraction of the cost?

While we're at it, why wait until 2028? The old Grumman LLVs are falling apart, and should be phased out at a much higher rate.

And while I'm airing grievances, why on earth does Louis DeJoy still have a job???

Show threadSecond Chance BikesDec 20, 2022
@mtsw
dejoy was trying to foot-drag, only committed to 40% of the fleet. Dark Brandon said do 'em all!
Show threadDaniel Howard 🌻Dec 20, 2022
@mtsw Postal vehicles can do a lot of idling, too. Worst use of an internal combustion engine.
Show threadsxpertDec 20, 2022
@mtsw they'll be replacing 1960's era electric vehicles with new electric vehicles (instead of whatever crap the trump administration was attempting to ram through). good
Show threadAmersDec 20, 2022
@mtsw I hope there is a plan to make EVs available at a major discount for USPS workers who use their own vehicles for their delivery routes.
Show threadRussDec 20, 2022
@mtsw Sounds like a good start! I wonder how much of a part the state lawsuits, IRA earmark, etc. each played in this.
Show threadA cool crab wearing shadesDec 20, 2022
@mtsw Been saying this for years, since I trained as a letter carrier. city routes are IDEAL for a BEV fleet and rural routes would be well served by going PHEV. Installing chargers on the lots and making plugging your truck in part of your daily duties is actually an improvement over having to get gas in the LLV or FFV.
Show threadJon BakosDec 20, 2022
@mtsw I'm surprised it's taken them so long (thought I know there's LeJoy to deal with) - fleet vehicles make total sense for this
Show threadThomas H Jones IIDec 21, 2022
@mtsw Urban USPS vehicles do a relatively small number of daily miles, but rural and even exurb ones do considerably more than urban ones do.
Show threadAdil SadikDec 21, 2022
@mtsw @neckspike i came here to tell you about this but you already know! thanks for all the info the other day btw, i learned a ton
Show threadJocelynephiliac Dec 21, 2022
@mtsw @parkermolloy thye is what they can accomplish since congress removed that pension shackle. You love to see it.
Show threadMelissa HellmanDec 21, 2022
@mtsw Would cargo bikes (electric-assist or otherwise) also be useful in really dense city environments?
Show threadShawn WilsherDec 22, 2022
@hellmanmd @mtsw the University of Washington does this in Seattle: https://green.uw.edu/blog/2018-11/delivering-difference-mailing-services-uses-e-bikes-move-mail-uw
Delivering difference: Mailing Services uses e-bikes to move mail at UW

With over 80,000 students, faculty, and staff on campus, it’s difficult to comprehend the sheer number of packages, textbooks, course packets and dorm mail UW Mailing Services delivers on a daily basis. Thankfully, those deliveries are now a lot more efficient and environmentally friendly. Sporting neon rain jackets and sturdy helmets, you may have seen Mailing Services drivers cruising around campus on electric assist cargo bicycles.

In Our Nature
Show threadMelissa HellmanDec 22, 2022
@sdwilsh @mtsw In the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, we’ve seen postal service workers using cargo bikes to deliver their routes. We haven’t been across the pond since the advent of electric assist bikes, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re in use now. Even in flat areas, there can be wind, and anything that reduces fatigue is a plus.