For the uninitiated, Oshkosh Defense<\/a> is a military vehicle maker that usually produces armored vehicles for warzones. Clearly, it\u2019s the perfect fit for delivering parcels to houses along America\u2019s suburban streets.<\/p>\n I suppose it\u2019s not that<\/em> insane. Oshkosh knows how to build unique vehicles for a dedicated purpose. It\u2019s even reportedly planning on working with American automaker Ford on its plans for an all-electric Transit van.<\/p>\n [Read: How do you build a pet-friendly gadget? We asked experts and animal owners<\/a>]<\/em><\/p>\n That sounds great, but sadly the USPS\u2019 focus isn\u2019t entirely on electrifying its fleet. The contract with Oshkosh will see the delivery of between 50,000 and 165,000 vehicles over its 10-year period, which will be a mix of combustion engine and battery electric vehicles.<\/p>\n Given that the average USPS vehicle is nearly 30 years old, literally anything would be better than what the delivery service is using now. Even a goddam armored personnel carrier.<\/p>\n The possible design for the new USPS delivery vehicles are already dividing opinion, with Politico\u2019s Sam Mintz running a quick Twitter poll \u2014 the majority saying the van is an \u201cugly duckling\u201d.<\/p>\n Highly polarized responses to this so far, let’s get some real data. This design is:<\/p>\n \u2014 Sam Mintz (@samjmintz) February 23, 2021<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The USPS does say that its new vehicles could be retrofitted with electric vehicle technologies in due course. It\u2019s not exactly clear what it means by that, but presumably it\u2019s suggesting it could switch out the combustion engine for a battery and motors in the future.<\/p>\n Alongside many mechanical upgrades the new USPS vehicles will include air con, heating, and improved vehicle safety features like airbags and surround-view cameras.<\/p>\n Expect to start seeing them on US roads in 2023. And don\u2019t worry, you don\u2019t have to run for cover when you see one of these on the horizon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a>SHIFT<\/a> is brought to you by Polestar. It\u2019s time to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility. That is why Polestar combines electric driving with cutting-edge design and thrilling performance.<\/i> Find out how<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/p>\n Published February 24, 2021 \u2014 09:21 UTC <\/p>\n\n
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