WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Postal Service (USPS) has finally debuted its greatly-anticipated Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDVs), with the initial models of what will eventually be an over 60,000-strong nationwide fleet receiving rave reviews from delivery drivers, who say the high-tech yet oddly-designed trucks represent a huge upgrade over their previous wheels.
The first batch of NGDVs have been deployed in Atlanta, Georgia, and are replacing the USPS’ Grumman Long Life Vehicle (GLLV), a model that has been in use since 1987 that has survived far beyond its original projected lifespan.
The GLLV was long overdue for replacement, due to lacking modern safety and comfort features and boasting an average fuel economy of only 8.2 miles per gallon in a day and age where the USPS has been repeatedly pushed to reduce the tailpipe emissions of their fleet.
The NGDVs will number 66,000 by 2028 and will serve as the Postal Service’s primary delivery truck nationwide, with the vast majority of them being electric models.
As per the USPS, the new NGDVs include a plethora of features that their predecessors lacked, including airbags, a 360-degree camera, and automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance systems. In addition, the cabin area boasts air conditioning and a seat with adjustable lumbar support, welcomed additions that the GLLV also lacked.
“I promise you, it felt like heaven blowing in my face,” USPS worker Avis Stonum told the media about finally getting to work in a delivery vehicle with air conditioning.
The NGDVs have an unusual design aesthetic, with an enlarged payload area that can accommodate both larger and a greater number of packages, with drivers being able to walk within them without having to crouch.
Initially, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy had announced that 90 percent of the USPS’ next-gen fleet was to be gas-powered – citing the expense of installing charging infrastructure – sparking outrage and lawsuits from environmental groups. However, after receiving $3 billion from the Biden Admin mainly earmarked for electric charging stations, DeJoy reversed course.
Now, with the fleet going electric – along with optimized mail routes – DeJoy anticipates that carbon emissions by the agency will be reduced by 40 percent by 2030.
Christopher Boyle is an investigative journalist, videographer, reporter and writer for SEARCHEN NETWORKS® as well as other independent news and media organizations in the United States. Christopher works on a wide variety of topics and fields, has been featured in print and online in a variety of publications, from local to national, and helps keep a keen-eye on what’s happening in the automotive world for Auto Buyers Market.