USPS picks a new mail truck—and no, they won’t all be electric

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  No, this isn't a rendering from a Pixar film, it's what the new USPS mail delivery vehicle will look like. [credit: USPS ]

The United States Postal Service has decided on a new delivery vehicle. On Tuesday afternoon, the USPS awarded a 10-year, $485-million contract to Oshkosh Defense-better known for armored vehicles-to deliver between 50,000 and 165,000 Next Generation Delivery Vehicles, with the first trucks due on the road in 2023.

Neither the USPS nor Oshkosh is ready to share in-depth specs for the NGDV; Oshkosh still has to finalize the design, according to the press release. We do know that the new fleet will be made of a mix of powertrains. Some will be battery electric, but others will use "fuel-efficient internal combustion engines," with the ability to be retrofitted "to keep pace with advances in electric vehicle technology."

The rendered images certainly show a uniquely styled vehicle. The combination of an extremely low hood and very tall windshield gives it more than a little resemblance to a Pixar creation, but the payoff for this anatine look should be excellent forward visibility. Luckily for future postal workers, air conditioning is standard-issue, so they shouldn't get too hot due to that expanse of glass trapping the Sun's heat.

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