#HTE

USPS Unveils their Next Generation Mail Truck Design

The last time we saw a proposed design for the U.S. Postal Service’s NGDV (Next Generation Delivery Vehicle), it looked like this:

That was in 2018, and the design was so all-over-the-place that industrial designer Michael DiTullo dedicated a sketch video to revising it.

However, it turns out that the design above, by Turkish manufacturer Karsan, was not ultimately selected by the USPS. Instead, yesterday they announced that they’re going with this model by Oshkosh Defense, a manufacturer of tactical vehicles:

I actually like the design–at least for its application. It’s a postal truck, so it looking friendly and a bit goofy doesn’t bug me. And if you look at the way the hood drops off on either side, I’d say the driver probably has an unparalleled view of the front corners, compared to any other motor vehicle, lowering the chances they’ll run over the family pet. (The 360-degree camera system ought help with this, too.)

The new NGDVs are supposed to roll out in 2023. One thing they’ve yet to decide is what they’ll be powered by; the USPS says “The vehicles will be equipped with either fuel-efficient internal combustion engines or battery electric powertrains and can be retrofitted to keep pace with advances in electric vehicle technologies.” If they do go electric, I’m curious what the sound design will be–hopefully it will sound better than that Rivian delivery van does.