The US Postal Service (USPS) has announced plans to expand its fleet of EVs as part of wider efforts to modernise its operations.
Others proposed changes include improved infrastructure and route optimisations, as well as changes to the network to support the deployment of next-generation delivery vehicles (NGDVs) and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) vehicles, as well as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
In February 2022, USPS issued a Record of Decision to obtain up to 165,000 NGDVs, alongside a commitment for at least 10% BEVs.
The service then announced a purchase of 50,000 NGDVs from Oshkosh Defense in March this year, which included 20% BEVs.
According to an adjusted Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), the service has confined its decision to the 50,000 NGDVs already purchased, in addition to raising the minimum NGDV and BEV percentage to at least 50%.
The fleet requires further electrification in order to meet the criteria of its Delivering for America plan.
The service is also proposing to purchase, over a two-year period, 34,500 COTS vehicles.
Of the above 84,500 NGDV and COTS vehicles, USPS expects a minimum of 40% BEVs on its whole fleet.
New NGDVs should be deployed for delivery in late 2023.
