The United States Postal Service (USPS) revealed its ambitious plan to establish more than 14,000 charging stations at delivery centers nationwide as it ramps up its fleet of electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative includes an order for 9250 Ford E-Transits to bridge the gap until the electric versions of the purpose-built Next Generation Delivery Vehicle become available. However, USPS isn’t stopping there.
The postal service is open to looking at other options, with EV startup Canoo announcing today that USPS will purchase six right-hand-drive versions of the LDV190 during the first quarter of this year.
Canoo expressed its excitement, stating that it “is honored to participate as one of the potential suppliers” for the electrification of the USPS fleet. Canoo, a California-based startup, has gradually moved towards full-scale production over the past few years.
The company claims it built its first production-spec Lifestyle Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) last November, delivering them to the Oklahoma state government. Canoo operates facilities in Pryor and Oklahoma City.
Earlier this month, Canoo began delivering its smaller LDV130 to van rental provider Kingbee as part of an agreement to supply 9300 units. The LDV190, which USPS is set to receive, is a commercial adaptation of Canoo’s Lifestyle Vehicle, a distinctive pod-like minivan first introduced in 2019.
The LDV190 is powered by a single electric motor on the rear axle, producing 200 horsepower, and can accelerate to 60 mph in under 9.0 seconds. Canoo claims the 79.0-kWh battery offers over 200 miles of range, with DC fast-charging capabilities that can bring the battery from 20 percent to 80 percent in approximately 32 minutes.
With these developments, USPS continues demonstrating its commitment to transitioning towards a more sustainable and efficient fleet, leveraging innovative partnerships to achieve its electrification goals.
