Deutsche Post’s in-house electric van passes first test
Deutsche Post and its vehicle development partners have completed a prototype of its new all-electric mail delivery vehicle, the StreetScooter. The German postal service has been developing the zero-emission vehicle with academics at the RWTH Aachen University since this time last year.
But yesterday Deutsche Post said the first prototype vehicle has now met the goals required to extend the project.
It says 50 pilot vehicles will now be built for testing during 2013, at delivery depots around Germany, with the first vehicles expected in July.
The company said if the pilot proves successful, it will commission the first full series of the vehicle.
Deutsche Post has been trying various electric vehicles already, including Renaults, VWs and Mercedes-Benz units, and currently has 4,000 vehicles on the streets with electric, hybrid powertrains or alternative fuel capabilities.
The StreetScooter is being developed specifically for the German postal service with Aachen University and its spin-off company StreetScooter GmbH.
Jürgen Gerdes, the company’s board member for Mail, said: “We operate one of the largest vehicle fleets in Germany, which is why we have a particular interest in economical and low-emission vehicles.
“We’ve found competent partners in RWTH Aachen University and StreetScooter GmbH, and developed an environmentally friendly and economical electric vehicle. We’re confident that this vehicle will pass the test in our day-to-day operations.”
“Robust”
Uwe Brinks (left) – the Deutsche Post chief production officer – with Prof. Dr. Achim Kampker, general manager at StreetScooter GmbH.
The requirements for the StreetScooter prototype has been to handle 200 stops and starts a day and be in service up to 300 days a year.
The 4.6 metre long van has a range of 120km on a single charge and a top speed of about 85km/h, driven by a 30/45kW induction motor and powered by a lithium-ion battery.
Deutsche Post said the StreetScooter provides sufficient cargo space for mail and parcels, and has a “robust” construction meeting all safety standards.
Dr Achim Kampker, chair for production management at RWTH Aachen University, and general manager at StreetScooter GmbH said: “Streetscooter is a car that companies will be able to count on to achieve economically sustainable figures.”
