“This is an extraordinary step by USPS and the Biden Administration to advance the electrification of the federal fleet,” said Joe Britton, executive director of ZETA. “USPS has the largest fleet in the federal government and reaches across our nation with some of the most recognizable vehicles on the road. Postal routes are predictable and include ample charging time to meet the fleet’s power needs. Transitioning these older, inefficient vehicles to EVs will not only serve as a visual reminder of their value and reliability but will also provide public health, environmental, and economic benefits to our communities.
“ZETA has been a longtime advocate for USPS fleet electrification and condemned previous efforts to purchase gas-powered vehicles for the next iteration of the fleet. Today’s announcement shows that public accountability can positively impact government action. We commend USPS for their new commitment to transportation electrification and the Administration for their continued leadership on this effort.”
ZETA has advocated for USPS electrification since its launch in 2020. Last year, ZETA highlighted inaccuracies in the environmental impact statement (EIS) USPS used to justify purchasing more gas-powered vehicles for its fleet. In April 2022, ZETA’s Executive Director testified before the House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform to argue for full fleet electrification at a time when USPS announced that 10% of its new fleet would be electric.