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Project

USPS Advanced-Drive Transport and Delivery Vehicle Demonstration Project

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and its project team led the deployment of 15 zero-emission USPS step vans and charging infrastructure at two hubs in Stockton and Fresno, California. The vehicles form the foundation of the USPS Advanced Vehicle Cluster, supporting future fleet electrification. Seven step vans were built by Motiv Power Systems and eight by Cummins Electrified Power. USPS operated them on 50–75 mile routes with frequent stops. The project included driver training, data collection, and analysis, and demonstrated the practicality and cost-effectiveness of zero-emission delivery. A “Voice of the Customer” event engaged interested fleets, and funding supported exploration of solar power and storage integration. The project created a roadmap for further commercialization in parcel delivery service.

Vehicles/Equipment Funded:

Fifteen Zero-Emission Electric USPS Step Vans:
  • Eight from Cummins Electrified Power (6 in Fresno, 2 in Stockton)
  • Seven from Motiv Power Systems (4 in Fresno, 3 in Stockton)
Fifteen Associated EV Chargers (EVSE):
  • Fresno Vehicle Maintenance Facility (10 chargers):
  • 4 Level 2 chargers – 3-Phase, 208V/240V @ 100A
  • 6 Level 2 chargers – Single Phase, 240V @ 80A
  • Stockton USPS West Lane Post Office (5 chargers):
  • 3 Level 2 chargers – 3-Phase, 208V/240V @ 100A
  • 2 Level 2 chargers – Single Phase, 240V @ 80A

Lessons Learned:

  • Electric vehicle (EV) performance on the road is equal to or better than that of gasoline-powered vehicles.
  • Proper placement of chargers is critical to avoid logistical and operational challenges.
  • USPS is considering resizing EV parking spaces to help reduce damage to charging infrastructure.
  • While electrical infrastructure design and costs are still improving, they are becoming more cost-effective over time.

Status Updates:

  • All 15 vehicles have been delivered and placed into service, and the project is complete.
  • As of February 2020, the vehicles were driven 48,540 miles since their first deployment.
  • Vehicles are meeting operational needs with few exceptions (i.e. air conditioning can affect range in hot summer months).
  • USPS intends to continue using the electric vehicles in regular service until the end of the warranty period and potentially longer.

Technology:

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Vehicles / Equipment Status:​

Infrastructure Status:

View Final Report

Project Facts​

  • DATES: 07/01/2017 – Spring 2020
  • GRANTEE: San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
  • PARTNERS: United States Postal Service, CALSTART, Motiv Power Systems, Cummins Electrified Power, Black & Veatch
  • GRANT NO.: G16-ZTRK-04

Grant Amount​

  • CARB Contribution: $4,555,670
  • Matching Funds: $2,222,903
  • PROJECT TOTAL: $6,778,573

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