According to the company, electrification of the LLV segment of the postal delivery fleet 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 energy storage devices for the grid, under smart grid technologies.
Quantum Fuel said that 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 Quiet battery electric drive system, into a Grumman LLV.
Quantum said that it will supply the Quiet electric drive system that has been optimized for the specific requirements of the USPS, by incorporating a number of 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.
Alan Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum, said: “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. We are glad to see the US Government continue to take a leadership role in greening our country and building a domestic EV industry.”
