Royal Mail testing nice-looking EV vans

[stefanv]

Originally Posted by JockoT

The liveried vans look better.

Better than Postman Pat's.

EDIT: It really helped that the angle of the vehicle in the two photos was virtually identical.

[JockoT]

Brilliant. A lovely bit of Photoshopping, A man after my own heart.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

Aerodynamics applies to mail vans as much (if not more) than it does to sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, etc.., especially when they're 'at speed' on roadways.

How often does one get to speed, though? I can't recall ever seeing one on a freeway. Google says the top speed is around 75 mph.

Other interesting info on the design specs here: US Mail Truck Specs ~ The Random Automotive Turns out I was right about longevity: the last one was built in 1994.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Potential savings from EV/hybrid less than cost of maintaining existing fleet? Does the Post Office even buy new ones?

Sure the comparatively outdated drivetrain may keep the maintenance costs low and keep the availability of replacement parts easy and at a reasonable price too. But anyway, IIRC some LLV's were getting overhauled, and that could eventually have turned into an excuse to hybridize them.

[freebeard]

I prefer the non-liveried version because of the Pareidolia.

[Daschicken]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

I actually don't dislike the looks of the Grumman LLV, even though something lighter and eventually more aerodynamic could be desirable. But anyway, let's suppose that an eventual next-generation of dedicated parcel-delivery vehicles similar to the LLV could be fitted with the drivetrain of the Camry Hybrid, front-wheel drive would not just decrease the weight penalty inherent to the hybrid drivetrain but also allow a lower loading deck and increase the internal volume while not interfering with the overall dimensions.

There you go, now we're thinking! I didn't even think about it being rwd before. Maybe even better in the snow too!

Originally Posted by JockoT

Our local NHS service are replacing their smaller vans with the Nissan e-NV200 (Leaf), like these ones that Northumberia Trust are using.

Those things look pretty cool!

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Potential savings from EV/hybrid less than cost of maintaining existing fleet? Does the Post Office even buy new ones?

Well, the trucks supposedly get around 10 mpg in use, so they certainly COULD pay themselves off quickly. Electrifying would allow for a massive increase in efficiency since you can regen brake. That would also mean that much less brake wear. I'm guessing the PO is still using the original ones they bought. Supposedly meant to last 20+ years, i'll bet they try to get every bit of that lifespan that they can. Are LLV's still being made?

[freebeard]

...but also allow a lower loading deck and increase the internal volume while not interfering with the overall dimensions.

Anything that loads off a dock would ahve problems, loading onto a hand cart would definitely benefit.

Now I want to see the van version of the e-NV200.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Anything that loads off a dock would ahve problems, loading onto a hand cart would definitely benefit.

For a mail van it would be OK. When it comes to trucks, some are fitted with lift gates that can be turned into ramps. Air suspension might also be useful to allow a closer levelling between the loading deck of the vehicle and the docks. I have also seen some docks that have adjustable height to accomodate trucks with different sizes.

[freebeard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_Qyor9Yc-s

Their cell-based micro factory approach reminds me of the Volvo assembly team approach, Local Motors microfactorys, and of course Arcimoto.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I don't hold my breath for the microfactory approach to become so widespread, but there were times when it seemed more reasonable. Some older dealerships could be easily repurposed into assembly plants quite easily, while nowadays it doesn't seem so likely, as many donwsized their locations.