US Postal Service reveals impressive new acquisitions despite criticism from government: 'Expected to be cost-effective'

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is embracing electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a major transformation of its fleet, despite facing resistance from some political circles. According to a letter dated November 17, significant progress has been made in electrifying the agency's delivery operations.

Currently, USPS has acquired 8,700 Ford E-Transit electric vans, with 2,010 already in use across 65 delivery sites. The number of EVs on the road is steadily increasing. In addition, 612 all-electric Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDVs), designed by Oshkosh Defense, are in service at 15 locations. To ensure these vehicles are fully operational, the agency has installed 6,650 charging stations across 75 sites, providing necessary power to support the expanding fleet.

Peter Pastre, the USPS government relations lead, stated that the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is part of the agency's strategy to cut costs. He emphasized that EVs are being deployed to routes where they offer better financial efficiency compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

The USPS received a $3 billion allocation under the 2023 Inflation Reduction Act, specifically aimed at facilitating the transition to electric vehicles and upgrading infrastructure. Despite this funding, the proposal faced opposition from Senate Republicans, who tried to strip it from the legislation this past June. However, this attempt was unsuccessful, with USPS warning that altering its plans would result in an additional $1.5 billion in costs due to delays in fleet and infrastructure upgrades.

While the USPS is making strides towards electrification, it is not fully abandoning traditional vehicles just yet. The letter also revealed that the agency continues to purchase internal combustion vehicles, including 26,000 to replace its aging fleet. However, the shift toward EVs is gaining momentum, offering promising cost savings and environmental benefits.

Older USPS vehicles, such as the Grumman Long Life Vehicle (LLV), which have been in service since the 1980s, are costly to maintain, averaging over $8,000 annually. Electric vehicles, in contrast, have fewer moving parts, eliminating the need for oil changes and reducing maintenance expenses. Additionally, the environmental impact is noteworthy, as EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, contributing to cleaner air and less pollution. The reduction in fuel costs is another key advantage, alongside the quieter operation of electric vehicles, which is appreciated by both employees and consumers alike.

Despite the ongoing political debates surrounding EVs and clean energy initiatives, the USPS's shift to electric vehicles marks a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint while also providing financial and operational benefits. This transition can help mitigate the growing climate crisis while serving the needs of the public and the postal service itself.