The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has activated its first electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at a South Atlanta sorting center, marking the launch of a nationwide infrastructure overhaul. The Siemens-manufactured chargers will power battery-electric delivery trucks, including Ford E-Transits, which offer triple the cargo capacity of aging Grumman LLVs. This initiative, funded partly by $3 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act, supports USPS’s plan to deploy 66,000 EVs by 2028—starting with Georgia before expanding to 400 modernized facilities under its 10-year Delivering for America strategy.
Ford, Siemens Partner for Zero-Emission Delivery
USPS showcased Ford’s COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) EVs at the Atlanta event, part of a 21,000-vehicle procurement that includes 9,250 Ford models. The vehicles feature air conditioning, advanced safety systems, and overnight charging capabilities to optimize next-day deliveries. Three suppliers—Siemens, Rexel/ChargePoint, and Blink—will provide the first 14,000 chargers, ensuring compatibility across the fleet.
Modernizing Infrastructure for Efficiency Gains
The new Sorting and Delivery Centers (S&DCs), including 29 already operational sites, will serve as hubs for EV route deployment. By consolidating operations, USPS aims to reduce emissions while improving logistics—a shift enabled by its improving financial health and network upgrades. The Ford E-Transits’ expanded cargo space addresses soaring package volumes, critical as e-commerce reshapes postal demands.
Scaling Toward Sustainability Targets
Beyond the initial COTS purchases, USPS plans to acquire 45,000 Next-Gen Delivery Vehicles (NGDVs) with battery-electric powertrains. This $9.6 billion fleet modernization, combining off-the-shelf and custom EVs, positions USPS to meet federal sustainability mandates while cutting long-term fuel and maintenance costs.
A Milestone for Green Government Logistics
The Atlanta launch signals a broader transition for one of the world’s largest vehicle fleets, aligning with Biden administration climate goals. As USPS phases out 30-year-old gas-guzzlers, its EV rollout could inspire similar shifts in global postal networks.
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