5 ms·

I don't think I have ever seen data for mpg in the context of a usps route, so while an 8.6 mpg sounds bad. I have no context of vehicles with an equivalent dut

by somat 5y ago

I don't think I have ever seen data for mpg in the context of a usps route, so while an 8.6 mpg sounds bad. I have no context of vehicles with an equivalent duty/load cycle to compare with. It does sound like that 8.6 number was the cherry picked, worst possible case number chosen for a dramatic headline.

MBCook 5y ago
Not really. The current Grumman mail trucks get like 8.2 MPG during typical deliveries according to USPS testing. These get 8.6 with AC on (which the current vehicles lack) or 14 with it off in those same USPS tests. I think it’s safe to say postal carriers will use the AC when it’s warm/hot out. The new vehicles do much better on EPA tests, but of course those don’t mirror what the post office actually does. It may be an improvement, but it’s nowhere near enough improvement for me. Maybe DeJoy would have a leg to stand on if they were getting 35. But they’re nowhere close.
- rasz 5y ago
  AC in a truck with permanently open door where driver stops every 2-3 minutes to step out?
  - metadat 5y ago
    The cold would still feel nice, and maybe they can just roll down the window to stick it in the mailbox? It sounds wasteful but being stuck in a hot vehicle without A/C is a bit rough, mine was broken in summer of 2015 and I was too lazy to get it fixed, but it was pretty uncomfortable at times. Though I don't mind it hot, was pretty sweaty.
    - rasz 5y ago
      Big fan triggered by seat sensor sounds about right for UPS van use case.
- Matthias247 5y ago
  > These get 8.6 with AC on (which the current vehicles lack) or 14 with it off in those same USPS tests This doesn't add up for me. A car doesn't spend 40% of its power (we are talking about 2-3 digit kWs) for AC. Even if its massive since its a truck and uses 10kW on peak, everything else would consume way more.

5 ms·

I don't think I have ever seen data for mpg in the context of a usps route, so while an 8.6 mpg sounds bad. I have no context of vehicles with an equivalent dut

by somat 5y ago

MBCook 5y ago
Not really. The current Grumman mail trucks get like 8.2 MPG during typical deliveries according to USPS testing. These get 8.6 with AC on (which the current vehicles lack) or 14 with it off in those same USPS tests. I think it’s safe to say postal carriers will use the AC when it’s warm/hot out. The new vehicles do much better on EPA tests, but of course those don’t mirror what the post office actually does. It may be an improvement, but it’s nowhere near enough improvement for me. Maybe DeJoy would have a leg to stand on if they were getting 35. But they’re nowhere close.
- rasz 5y ago
  AC in a truck with permanently open door where driver stops every 2-3 minutes to step out?
  - metadat 5y ago
    The cold would still feel nice, and maybe they can just roll down the window to stick it in the mailbox? It sounds wasteful but being stuck in a hot vehicle without A/C is a bit rough, mine was broken in summer of 2015 and I was too lazy to get it fixed, but it was pretty uncomfortable at times. Though I don't mind it hot, was pretty sweaty.
    - rasz 5y ago
      Big fan triggered by seat sensor sounds about right for UPS van use case.
- Matthias247 5y ago
  > These get 8.6 with AC on (which the current vehicles lack) or 14 with it off in those same USPS tests This doesn't add up for me. A car doesn't spend 40% of its power (we are talking about 2-3 digit kWs) for AC. Even if its massive since its a truck and uses 10kW on peak, everything else would consume way more.