There has been quite a bit of contention surrounding the new USPS mail trucks, thanks to some confusion about just what vehicles are being ordered. At first, the Postal Service placed an order for about 10% of its new Oshkosh delivery vehicles to be electric. But now, that number has been increased to at least 40%, allowing the agency to better adhere to the Biden Administration’s efforts to cut down on gas-powered vehicles. So, what does this news mean for the United States Postal Service?

The USPS will buy even more EV mail trucks

The Postal Service is ordering as many as 165,000 Oshkosh NGDV models. When the order first went out, there were a disappointing number of EVs that were to be bought. The number was so low, that 16 different states sued the USPS along with various environmental groups. 

This put pressure on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to increase the number of EV mail trucks that the agency was buying. And now, that number sits at 40% compared to the initial 10%. Although President Biden signed an executive order to make government agencies switch to EV fleets, the USPS fought back. But it appears there has been a change of heart, and the United States Postal Service is working to support the president’s climate goals. 

Will new mail trucks be electric?

According to The Washington Post, a significant portion of the new Oshkosh NGDV mail trucks will be electric. With nearly half being EVs, it is very possible that your mail carrier will be making deliveries without having to fill up on gas. And frankly, that is pretty cool. 

Electric vehicles have been around for some time, but in recent years, it appears they have finally hit a point to be taken seriously. Even for use with one of the United State’s oldest agencies, the Postal Service. 

Is the Grumman LLV being replaced?

Back in 2015, the USPS announced that it was in search of a new mail truck. The Grumman LLV has been serving the United States since the late 1980s, so it seems obvious that a new vehicle is needed. The aging LLV will be replaced by the Oshkosh NGDV or Next Generation Delivery Vehicle. 

In the coming years, the LLV will be phased out and you will likely notice a new mail truck making deliveries. The NGDV boasts modern safety features, better efficiency, and most importantly, more comfort for those who drive it. 

If you have been able to get behind the wheel of a Grumman LLV, you have likely noticed the vehicle is pretty bare-bones, especially by today’s standards. So a new delivery vehicle is likely to be appreciated by those employed by the United States Postal Service. 

The Oshkosh NGDV is coming

Although orders seem to keep changing for the new Oshkosh truck, it should be arriving on area roads in the coming years. And now, more models will boast an electric powertrain to make them more efficient and environmentally friendly.