WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service’s plan to replace thousands of aging gas-powered delivery trucks with electric Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDVs) is under renewed political fire, with Republican lawmakers pushing to rescind billions in federal aid set aside for the transition. The fleet modernization, once hailed as a milestone for clean energy in government, now faces uncertainty as Congress debates whether the investment is worth its cost, reports the AP.

Congressional Pushback on USPS EV Transition

In June, Senate parliamentarians halted a Republican attempt to sell off USPS electric vehicles and revoke billions in remaining federal support. But critics, including Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), continue to call the program wasteful. Ernst labeled the $10 billion fleet transition a “boondoggle,” citing missed deadlines, ballooning expenses, and concerns over cold-weather performance.

She has pledged to pursue legislation to claw back what remains of the $3 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding allocated to support the USPS fleet.

“It didn’t make sense for the Postal Service to invest so heavily in an all-electric force,” Ernst said, adding that gas-powered models using ethanol “are wonderful” alternatives for now.

Environmental and Operational Case for Electric NGDVs

Postal unions and environmental researchers argue that reversing course would not only waste infrastructure investment but also squander a key emissions-reduction opportunity.

A University of Michigan study found the electric fleet could cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 million tons over its 20-year service life. Gregory Keoleian, co-director of the Center for Sustainable Systems, said canceling the program would “reverse decarbonization progress that has been made to date.”

Postal Service officials highlight that electric trucks are particularly well-suited for mail routes. With average routes under 30 miles, frequent stops, and regenerative braking, EVs outperform combustion engines in efficiency.

“It’s the perfect application for an electric vehicle,” said researcher Maxwell Woody, who led the Michigan study.

USPS Modernization and Production Status

The USPS is midway through its 10-year, $40 billion “Deliver for America” modernization strategy, which includes replacing the Grumman Long Life Vehicle fleet dating back to 1987. The current trucks average just 9 mpg, are prone to breakdowns, and have even caught fire.

In 2021, Oshkosh Defense secured a contract for up to 165,000 NGDVs, with the Postal Service pledging that most new purchases will be zero-emission models by 2026. So far, USPS has ordered 51,500 NGDVs, of which 35,000 are electric. Deliveries have included 300 battery-powered vehicles and 1,000 gas-powered units. In addition, over 8,200 Ford E-Transit vans have already been deployed.

The new NGDVs bring modern safety and comfort upgrades, including airbags, 360-degree cameras, blind-spot sensors, collision monitoring, and air-conditioning — long absent from the legacy fleet.

Political Division Over Costs and Benefits

While Republicans emphasize delays and taxpayer expense, labor unions and climate advocates stress both worker safety and the environmental stakes.

Donald Maston of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association warned Congress against scrapping the shift: “That’s just going to be a bunch of money on infrastructure that’s been wasted.”

Postal Service spokesperson Kim Frum countered concerns over delivery delays, saying the phased production ramp-up was “planned for and intended to be very gradual” to resolve early supplier and assembly issues.

EVXL’s Take

The political fight over USPS’s EV fleet encapsulates the broader struggle facing the U.S. clean transportation transition: balancing upfront costs and production hurdles against long-term efficiency, environmental, and labor benefits. On paper, few vehicle applications are as well-matched to electric drivetrains as mail delivery — low speeds, predictable routes, and high stop frequency all favor EVs. Yet questions remain: Will political instability derail investment? Can Oshkosh and Ford deliver vehicles at scale on time? And how does freezing or cutting postal EV funding affect U.S. credibility in advancing fleet electrification nationwide?

EVXL wants to hear from readers: Should Congress scale back USPS’s EV plans, or are the long-term gains worth the current cost and delay concerns? Share your thoughts below.

Photos courtesy of USPS.