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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg T-3 Motion_BEV is not an answer everywhere but for some areas... Looks like fun :) (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=194092)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/USPS_T3_Electric_Delivery_Vehicle.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) – Oct. 1, 2008

USPS T3 BEV - $14,000 and all-electric.

IRVINE, CA -- As a key element in its sustainability efforts, the U.S. Postal Service plans to identify new, more environmentally friendly vehicle technologies that are less dependent on petroleum-based fuel sources to replace the 195,000 neighborhood delivery vehicles of its total 220,000 vehicles — the world’s largest civilian fleet.

The latest development is the use of two T-3 Motion fully electric powered vehicles in Irvine, CA to deliver mail. Irvine is one of five cities nationwide where T-3 vehicles are being tested. Other locations include San Diego, Sun City, AZ, and two cities in south Florida.

The T-3’s can be used with or without a trailer. The trailer stores mail and packages, and features lockable and secure compartments and a solar panel to power the trailer’s anti-theft system. The trailers also have GPS and special braking features.

Letter carriers wear a helmet and stand when operating the T-3. It has a range of 40 miles, a maximum speed of 12 mph and a load capacity of 450 lbs. Most importantly, it produces zero emissions and costs less than 4 cents a mile to operate.

Operating the T3 is also cost efficient at only 25 cents per day compared to $13 and $15 per day for propane-powered delivery trucks.

Maintenance cost is also lower for the T3 at less than $500 per year compared to $6,000 for the trucks. The T3 cost translates to $50,000 in annual savings for the local post office.

The Postal Service delivers more than 200 billion pieces of mail a year to 148 million addresses, traveling 1.1 billion miles and using 125 million gallons of gasoline. Fuel costs last year were $1.7 billion and are expected to increase this year by more than $600 million.

“We are looking for vehicles that operate from a fuel source that will reduce or eliminate our dependence on petroleum products, that are good for the environment, good for our customers and good for the Postal Service,” said Irvine Postmaster Pete Galindo.

Moving forward with non-petroleum fueled vehicles is more important to the Postal Service than ever, Galindo said, since a one-cent increase in a gallon of fuel adds $8 million annually to Postal Service expenses. The Irvine Post Office has also been testing a General Motors Equinox hydrogen fuel cell minivan to deliver mail since last July.

The USPS is also pilot testing T3 mail delivery in St. Augustine; Atlantic Beach; Ocala; Phoenix; Sun City, Arizona; and San Diego and Irvine, California. The T3 is already being used by law enforcer and airport security guards nationwide.

THis sounds great!

Very cool idea. I wonder if they'll have an option for tire chains... :D

I've often said that the USPS needs to use EVs as it puts them in public view 5 days a week, or is it 4 now? I expect to see road speed EVs for the USPS's rural routes within the next few years hopefully.

Then. Bring on the turbo speed T3.1A pizza delivery apparatus! Code named the Peppyroni! It could happen.:rolleyes: :D - Dale

Very cool - but can it outrun an attacking dog - the true bane of mail carriers everywhere?;)

At 12mph, I'm sure the dog would have a bit of difficulty trying to get in there and biting at the same time running.

Your kidding. I used to get chased while riding a motorcycle by a German Shepard that could do 30mph (no motorcycle) for about 100 yards. He used to try to bite tires on cars and get throwed into the field. Toughest dog ever.

I had a doberman outrun me on a bicycle, knock me off my 10speed and bite me in the side when I was about 11, I had outrun him everyday that summer on my way to a friends house but he waited closer to the road that day and got me by surprise.

I kicked him off of me, bleeding and crying, I got on my bike looking over my shoulder for him to attack again, he had his fun and let me go. I told my friend's dad what happened, the next day it was laying in the road taking a dirt nap. Had a small hole in his head. Must have been worms. I'm positive he could do 25mph easily.

Knowing what I know about dogs now, I should have stayed my ground rammed my hand down his throat and tried to stick my fingers out the other side. I regret his demise but I had never been more terrified of an animal up to that time.

There was this grate dane one time that I always thought was a pony until he got close enough.....I used to ride my bike 30-40+miles a day during the summer...I knew almost every dog in the county and all of them that chase you. - Dale

There's a local German shepherd who gets frustrated when he tries to chase my car. No tires to bite!

Well by the looks of it, it doesn't seem as susceptible as a bike. I know dogs try to bite tires, but people should keep their dogs on leashes anyway regardless.

My neighbor's dog ignore everything I drive...

Except when I am towing the boat and only when I am coming home.

It still doesn't get close enough to try for the tires, but I worry, so I go extra slow when driving by.

In Germany and other European countries they use regular bikes with a few modifications to deliver the mail. A regular bike with a bike trailer could do the trick in many situations. $14,000 seems like a hell of a lot for what they're getting.

Oh and most athletic people can run 15 mph for a short distance, let alone 12 mph. 15 mph translates into 30 seconds for a 200 meter run. Last time I ran 200 meters my time was under 30 seconds. I would put the speed that some dogs can run in the 30+ mph range.