IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 1 — Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW) today announced that it was selected by the US Postal Service (USPS) to produce an advanced electric postal delivery vehicle based on the widely used Long Life Vehicle (LLV) platform. Quantum was competitively selected, along with 4 other companies, for participation in a 1 year demonstration and validation program to be conducted by the USPS in Washington DC. A successful demonstration in the nation’s capital could pave the way to broad adoption of battery electric vehicles in the USPS fleet. Electrification of the 178,000-strong LLV segment of the postal delivery fleet, the largest civilian fleet in the country, will help to reduce emissions across the country and reduce dependence on foreign petroleum while supporting the continued development of the US EV industry. Besides the environmental benefits and fuel savings, electric postal vehicles could also serve as valuable energy storage devices for the grid, under Smart Grid technologies.
The short range mail routes with numerous stops make postal delivery vehicles an ideal application for a battery electric vehicle with regenerative braking features. Under this program, Quantum will integrate its Quantum Quiet™ high efficiency battery electric drive system, into a Grumman LLV. Quantum will supply the Quiet electric drive system that has been optimized for the specific requirements of the USPS, by incorporating a number of advanced features to maximize the efficiency of the electric drive system while operating in the typical 500-700 stops per day use of a postal delivery vehicle. The 20-25 mile usage range of the USPS vehicle is compatible with the energy storage capability of the advanced lithium battery used in Quantum’s electric drive system.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to demonstrate the performance, efficiency, and reliability of Quantum’s Quiet electric drive system to the US Postal Service,” said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. “We are glad to see the US Government continue to take a leadership role in greening our country and building a domestic EV industry.”
Agreed, I have 600 stops and go 26 miles now because of “consoladation”, we move 6 miles to a larger office to save money?
The PO is short changing itself if it is only looking at today’s route sizes. If the PO wants total automation of mail then routes will increase by at least 20%. Some routes may reach 1000 deliveries with 30 miles of travel. The vehicle needs to have a minimum range of 40 per charge.