This Is USPS 'Next Generation Mail Truck | Gadget theory

When you think of the latest and greatest technology, we typically do not associate this advancement with institutions like USPS. However, the US Postal Service has now released its new mail van.

After years of competition, the winner will be built by a Wisconsin-based defense agreement called Oshkosh.

Next generation USPS Mail Truck

The truck can be equipped with electric and gasoline drives. The first truck will be on the road in 2023. Oshkosh defeated startups of electric cars Workhorse, which was one of the other three bidders. After the winner was announced, Workhorse’s share price dropped completely.

For years, USPS has been interested in updating its existing mail vans. It started looking for new designs back in 2015. However, over time, the need for new trucks continued to grow.

The existing trucks are extremely outdated (they do not even have air conditioning!) And pose a very dangerous fire risk.

The trucks will be rolled out in 2023

The original release date for the new trucks was set for 2018, but the road to the new trucks was paved with setbacks. Deadlines were repeatedly pushed back and many initial prototypes failed, according to a report by the Inspector General.

Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, things kept getting worse.

The new and improved truck will have more cargo space, improved ergonomics, and of course air conditioning – it’s time.

The truck will be equipped with 360-degree views that will help with a front and rear collision avoidance system. This will also include audio and visual alerts, as well as automatic breaking.

Oshkosh is still working on the final design of the new mail van, so it will take a few more years until it is actually on the road. The defense contractor receives an investment of $ 482 million in advance.

The New Electric USPS Truck

The company promises to have 50,000 to 165,000 trucks ready on the road in the next 10 years. Oshkosh joined forces with Ford during the bidding war, but it is still unclear whether Ford will be involved in the end product.

President Joe Biden has announced that he wants the entire fleet of government cars to be replaced by electric motors. That would not be possible without replacing the USPS trucks, as they account for about a third of all these cars.

CEO of Securing America’s Future Energy said in a statement: “It is disappointing that today’s announcement does not directly address the electrification of one of our nation’s largest cars. This contract is a golden opportunity for the domestic EV market and to stimulate supply chain, and a commitment to the [postal fleet] would provide a clear incentive for further domestic EV industry development along the entire supply chain, from minerals to markets. ”