The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

LADWP Supports U.S. Postal Service Electric Vehicle Project

7 January 2000

LADWP Supports U.S. Postal Service Electric Vehicle Project; Utility Directly Provides Funds And Expertise To Give The Effort A Boost

    LOS ANGELES--Jan. 6, 2000--The Board of Water and Power Commissioners on Dec. 7 gave the go-ahead for the Department of Water and Power (DWP) to pursue an agreement with the U.S. Postal Service to provide support and expertise for more than 100 electric-powered delivery vehicles at four post offices within the city of Los Angeles.
    DWP's involvement may include the installation of charging stations, training for postal service employees on EV usage and helping to fund a portion of the incremental costs of electric delivery vehicles. The incremental cost to be funded by DWP is $800,000. These funds are part of DWP's Public Benefit Program authorized by the California Legislature under AB 1890, the electric industry restructuring act.
    "Postal vehicles are suited for electric propulsion. They typically travel no more than 25 miles per day on a fixed route ending in an overnight rest period that is ideal for charging during off-peak hours," said Angelina Galiteva, DWP director of strategic planning.
    This project is the first large-scale application by the Federal Government of a full-sized electric vehicle fleet. The project will help enhance air quality and facilitate commercialization of electric vehicles.
    The 100 vehicles are part of a larger program to provide 500 electric vehicles in California and the Washington, D.C. area. Over the next several years, the U.S. Postal Service has plans to deploy 6,000 electric delivery vehicles throughout the nation.
    The U.S. Postal Service electric vehicle project is made possible through a public-private partnership that also includes the California Energy Commission, the California Electric Transportation Coalition, the Ford Motor Company, the Mobile Source Air Pollution Review Committee, the South Coast Air Quality Management District and California electric utilities -- LADWP, SMUD, PG&E, SCE and SDG&E.
    Additional information about LADWP environmental and public benefit programs can be received by clicking on to two Web sites: www.GreenLA.com or www.ladwp.com.