Were you are aware that the USPS is currently using hybrid vehicles for mail service? The new hybrid electric two-ton vehicle is in a one year testing period with the USPS. The vehicle is a combination of battery and small diesel engine. The battery charges using technology called regenerative braking.
How does regenerative braking work? When a hybrid-electric vehicle approaches a stop light, it does not create friction or heat to the brakes in order to slow down. Instead it reverses its electric motor turning into an electric generator. This creates electricity which is fed to the battery for storage.
The proto-type vehicle is on loan for both demonstration and in-service field testing. In current operation at the USPS is 30 all-electric vehicles in New York. Azure Dynamics is expected to expand its project with the USPS in October of 2005. Click here for more information.
