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Baker and Ford to Build Electric Test Fleet for Mail Delivery

8 December 1998

Baker Electromotive and Ford to Build Electric Test Fleet for Mail Delivery

    ROME, N.Y., Dec. 7 -- Baker Electromotive, Inc. and Ford
Motor Company will join forces to convert ten U.S. Postal Service
vehicles into electric vehicles to be used for mail delivery.
    Baker today received a $2 million grant from New York State for the
project.  The U.S. Postal Service is considering converting several thousand
vans to zero emission electric vehicles.
    Baker Electromotive will combine postal van bodies with the chassis and
electric drivetrain from Ford's production Ranger EV equipped with lead-acid
batteries.  "The main thing that attracted us to Ford is the leadership role
Ford has played on the national scene when it comes to quality clean air
vehicles and environmental concerns," said Joseph G. (Skip) Baker, Jr.,
President of Baker Electromotive.
    Working with Ford, Baker will demonstrate the potential for the next
generation of electric drive postal vans to support state and national
strategies for energy independence, clean air, and economic development.
    "The U.S. Postal Service has the largest, most visible vehicle fleet in
the world, driving over 1 billion miles each year," said Baker.  "We are very
excited about a postal service business opportunity that has the potential for
reducing national levels of vehicle emissions and dependence on foreign fuel."
    "We've already converted one of the vehicles to demonstrate its viability
to the state, and everyone involved is extremely pleased with the results,"
added Baker.  The vehicles will be built at Baker's facility in Rome, New
York, located at the former Griffiss Air Force Base.
    "Ford is an industry leader in the development and production of
environmental vehicles," said John Wallace, Director of Ford's Alternative
Fuel Vehicles.  "We believe we are in a unique position to be a long-term
supplier of various cleaner technology vehicles to the Postal Service."
    "Postal service is a perfect use for an electric vehicle because it
doesn't require extensive range," added Wallace.  "The vehicles can be placed
in the areas that have the greatest need for air quality improvement."
    Ford already has a contract with the U.S. Postal Service for 10,000
Flexible Fuel carrier delivery vehicles based on the Ford Explorer chassis.
They can be powered by either unleaded gasoline or ethanol.  Delivery of those
vehicles will begin next Spring.
    In addition, Ford has established a strong EV presence in New York with 7
dealers located around the state.  "We sold 24 electric vehicles in New York
during the 1998 model year," said Wallace.  "This year, so far, the state has
ordered 40 more trucks."
    The Ranger EV was designed to be a practical, dependable light duty pickup
that balances performance, reliability and energy efficiency.  The Ranger EV
lead-acid pickup goes about 50 miles between charges.  It has a 90 horsepower,
high-efficiency three-phase AC electric motor with a single speed transaxle.
It has a heavy duty frame and suspension, and a robust rear-wheel drive
powertrain.  "Like all Ford trucks, the Ranger EV is 'Built Ford Tough,'" says
Wallace.  "Our customers asked for an EV that drives with the safety,
reliability and durability of a conventional vehicle, and that's what they'll
get with this truck."
    Baker Electromotive, Inc. is a tier one alternative fuel vehicle (AFV)
conversion service for government, utility and large commercial fleet owners.
It is a sister company of Baker Equipment Engineering Company, a leader in the
manufacturing of specialty truck equipment for the electric, telephone and
railroad industries, and for government applications.  Overall, Baker
Electromotive can be characterized as specialists in AFV conversions,
electromotive and utility truck equipment, and partners in economic
development and environmental compliance.
    "The grant from New York State will help us launch what we hope will be a
very successful program with the U.S. Postal Service," said Baker.  "We very
much appreciate the outstanding support we have received from Governor Pataki,
Congressman Boehlert, Oneida County officials and Empire State Development."