USPS Selects Quantum To Supply Electric Postal Delivery Vehicle
Published:01-February-2010
By Staff Reporter
US Postal Service (USPS) has opted for Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies (Quantum) to deliver an advanced electric postal delivery vehicle, based on the Long Life Vehicle (LLV) platform.
Quantum was selected along with four other companies, for participation in a one year demonstration and validation program to be conducted by it in Washington DC. This demonstration could pave the way to broad adoption of battery electric vehicles in USPS fleet.
The electrification of 178,000 LLV segment of USPS's postal delivery fleet will help to reduce emissions across the country and reduce dependence on foreign petroleum. Besides environmental advantages and fuel savings, electric postal vehicles could also serve as energy storage devices for grid, under smart grid technologies.
The company said that 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' high efficiency battery electric drive system, into a Grumman LLV.
Quantum will supply the Quiet electric drive system, which has been optimized for specific requirements of USPS, by incorporating advanced features to maximize efficiency of electric drive system. 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.”
