Summary
- Amazon is the industry leader in electric delivery vans, with 20,000 out of the 100,000 vans ordered from Rivian already in operation
- UPS, FedEx, and USPS still primarily use old gas vans for deliveries, but USPS has announced a $9.6 billion investment in electrifying its delivery fleet
- USPS has contracted with Oshkosh Defense Inc. to replace its current gas vans with a custom-designed electric vehicle
- The new Oshkosh electric vans have advantages over the current USPS vans, such as being easier to maintain, having air conditioning, and being more efficient
- Procurements of electric vans are at risk with the change in administration, and delays in deliveries could affect climate goals
Article
Amazon Prime and Rivian are leading the way in the conversion to electric delivery vans, with Amazon ordering 100,000 vans from Rivian. These vans are already in operation in various locations across the US, including American Fork, Utah, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Amazon’s electric vans are seen as a significant improvement over traditional gas vans, especially in terms of sustainability and efficiency. The USPS has also announced plans to electrify its delivery fleet, with an investment of $9.6 billion over the next five years to transition to electric vehicles.
The current state of delivery van technology in the US shows that companies like UPS, FedEx, and USPS are still primarily using old gas vans for their delivery operations. These gas vans are outdated, inefficient, and increasingly difficult to maintain. The USPS, in particular, has faced challenges with its aging fleet of Grumman “Long Life” vehicles introduced in 1987, many of which are well beyond their projected service life. The lack of air conditioning in these vehicles makes it particularly challenging for postal employees in hot climates.
Despite the push towards electric delivery vans, there have been challenges with the procurement process and delivery of new vehicles. The USPS has faced delays in receiving electric vehicles, including Ford E-Transit vans and the new Oshkosh Defense Electric Vans. The slow pace of deliveries is putting the Biden administration’s climate goals at risk and raising concerns about the future of EV adoption in the postal service. The transition to electric vans is crucial for reducing emissions and improving efficiency in delivery operations.
The advantages of the new Oshkosh Defense Electric Vans over current gas vans are numerous. These new electric vehicles are easier and cheaper to maintain, have air conditioning, four-wheel drive for northern climates, and improved safety features such as airbags and collision sensors. They are also much more efficient, with the ability to capture energy on deceleration and start each day with enough range to complete the entire delivery route. The transition to electric vans represents a significant step forward in the modernization of delivery vehicle technology.
As the demand for electric delivery vans continues to grow, companies like Amazon and Rivian are leading the way in showcasing the benefits of electric fleets. The shift towards electrification is not only crucial for reducing emissions and improving sustainability but also for advancing technology and enhancing efficiency in delivery operations. The USPS and other delivery companies are facing challenges in the transition to electric vehicles, but with continued investment and innovation, the future of electric delivery vans looks promising.
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