Good luck, David Tracy. We are all cheering you on. Tom - you’re a saint.

1st Gear: Here’s how I see it: it’s not an either EVs or charging stations question. You need both, and you need charging stations to not only be installed, but to be clean, safe, and working when the EV driver arrives. This sounds obvious, but basically only Tesla (despite their many other problems) has figured this…

240V charging (“Level 2" in EV-tech speak) maxes out at 19.2 kW. You could wire up a home charging or workplace station that approaches that. However, the entire setup and handshake system (“J1772" in EV-tech speak) has been created to reduce current to the lowest common denominator: 1. EV, 2. wiring/circuit/breaker,…

Totally agree. Note on #3. Make sure all three sprayers are on the same side, otherwise: circular firing squad. 

I’m right there with you. We would snap up a Trailhawk 4xe in a second. If there is no Trailhawk 4xe, it looks like the off-road package is only available on the Overland... so Overland 4xe with the off-road package.

Make mine an L Trailhawk 4xe... pretty please, Jeep.

There’s no fence with a gate around the parking lot? Many post offices have easy access uncontrolled public parking out front, and around back - gated, controlled access for the mail vans and loading zones.

Hat tip for the Divco reference!

Yeah, the EPA rates the two Range Rover PHEVs at 19 miles electric here in the U.S. YMMV.

This. Also see small town (very small) America.

Expert 1 almost nailed it. While the hybrid Kia Niro is great, you should also look at the plug-in hybrid Kia Niro. While the regular hybrid is really good, with the PHEV version, you’ll get a better/smoother driving experience with the bigger electric motor of the PHEV plus all of the economic/environmental benefits…

True. I should have been more clear. I am thinking PHEV Defender with 25 to 30 miles real-world electric range. To their credit, Land Rover does offer plug-in hybrid Range Rovers with about 18 mile range.

True. It would need to be handle worst-case scenario. 40 or 50 mile range would be great.

Hey Land Rover,

Taking a small step into reality (the USPS mail van has a 20.8 mile daily mail route at 13.8 mph*), the Ford Transit EV, Mercedes Sprinter EV, and the Rivian RPV soundly trounce any of the semi-finalists. And don’t forget the Arrival van, being tested by the U.K. post office and UPS:

Well, most OEMs are global. While we bumble around here in the U.S., the OEMs still have to comply with requirements and compete in the E.U. and China. Point is - they and the Tier 1 suppliers are ramping up. It’s just not as visible here. The E.U. jumped to 11.4% EV sales last year...

Here is a plug-in hybrid 4x4 pickup with a Hemi V8... from ~2012. It did truck things... only better:

Yes the mail vans on average have 21 miles daily route at 14 mph: https://www.greatbusinessschools.org/usps-long-life-vehicle/

You’re right. Key stats: 20.8 daily miles. 13.8 mph average speed. Hundreds of stops.

Yeah that’s the good and bad about this whole process. The good - and the bad - is that they interviewed every department who touches these maul trucks, from the mechanics to procurement. The problem is that the long list of desired specs wasn’t culled at the end, leading to a crazy list of requirements. Instead of…