USPS taps Oshkosh Defense for new delivery vehicles

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) awarded a 10-year contract to Oshkosh Defense to make next generation delivery vehicles (NGDVs), many of which will be electric vehicles (EVs).

The USPS’ first large vehicle modernization in more than 30 years starts with a $482 million contract so Oshkosh Defense can finalize the NGDV’s design. Oshkosh will produce 50,000 to 165,000 units by 2031. The contract is part of a multi-billion-dollar, 10-year effort to replace the USPS’ 230,000-vehicle delivery fleet. The first NGDVs are estimated to appear on carrier routes in 2023.

Many NGDVs will be zero-emission, battery-powered EVs. Modern internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE) models will be available and designed to be upgraded to EVs in the future.

Postmaster General and USPS CEO Louis DeJoy says, “The NGDV program expands our capacity for handling more package volume and supports our carriers with cleaner and more efficient technologies, more amenities, and greater comfort and security.”

Vehicles will include air conditioning, heating, improved ergonomics, and up- to-date technology including 360° cameras, advanced braking, traction control, air bags, and collision avoidance systems.

The award is an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, meaning that after an initial dollar commitment, the USPS will have the ongoing ability to order more NGDVs throughout 10 years. Oshkosh Defense is evaluating which of their U.S. manufacturing locations is best suited to potentially increase the production rate of the NGDV. https://oshkoshdefense.com; https://www.usps.com