Summary
- Gas-guzzling vehicles like the Ram 1500 TRX and Ferrari Daytona are well-known, but the Grumman Long Life Vehicle used by mail carriers also gets poor mileage at 9 mpg.
- The Postal Service has introduced a new electric vehicle, the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV), to replace the old gas-guzzling trucks, with most of them being electric.
- The NGDV has an unusual appearance, likened to a duck or a vehicle from a children’s book, which may make it iconic and help advance vehicle electrification.
- The new electric vehicles address issues with the old trucks, including lack of air conditioning and uncomfortable driving conditions, and have modern safety features.
- The NGDV’s unique design is expected to become familiar as they are deployed, and people’s positive feelings about the Postal Service will be associated with these vehicles, which will help normalize and promote EV adoption.
Article
The article discusses the replacement of the Grumman Long Life Vehicle (LLV) used by local mail carriers with the new Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDV) by the Postal Service. The LLV, in service since the mid-80s, had poor fuel efficiency at 9 miles per gallon and lacked modern features like air conditioning, making it uncomfortable for the mail carriers. The NGDV, most of which will be electric, addresses these issues and is equipped with safety features like airbags and backup cameras. The new truck’s unique design allows for improved ergonomics for the carriers, making their job more comfortable.
Despite its unconventional appearance, the NGDV is expected to become iconic due to its distinctive design, often likened to a duck or a character from a children’s book. The shift to electric vehicles for postal delivery makes sense given the vehicles’ frequent stops and starts, fixed routes for easy charging, and significant reduction in emissions compared to gas-powered vehicles. While some may find the NGDV’s design unappealing, the focus is on the practical benefits it brings to both the carriers and the environment.
The Postal Service’s high approval ratings among the public make the association with the NGDV positive, as people appreciate the service’s efficiency and dedication to nationwide mail delivery. With plans to deploy 60,000 NGDVs in the coming years, the unique appearance of the trucks is expected to become a familiar sight in neighborhoods across the country. The NGDV’s integration with the USPS, a national treasure according to U.S. law, further enhances its image as a symbol of community, service, and patriotism.
While some argue that EVs need to be cool and appealing to drive adoption, the NGDV’s unconventional design challenges this notion by normalizing electric vehicles in everyday settings like mail delivery. The NGDV’s rollout will take time to establish the necessary charging infrastructure at postal facilities nationwide, but it is expected to eventually become a common sight on city streets. The NGDV’s quirky appearance, coupled with its association with the beloved Postal Service, reinforces its role as a symbol of efficiency and community service.
In conclusion, the introduction of the NGDV represents a significant step towards electrifying the Postal Service’s delivery fleet and reducing emissions. Despite its unusual design, the NGDV is poised to become a recognizable symbol of service and community, embodying the values of the USPS in a modern and sustainable way. The transition to electric vehicles for mail delivery reflects a broader shift towards environmentally friendly transportation solutions, with the NGDV leading the way in reshaping public perceptions of EVs through its distinctive and practical design.
Read the full article here