USPS electric vehicle fleet behind schedule with $3B in taxpayer funds spent — and only 612 trucks built

 The U. S. Postal Service (USPS) is facing significant delays and financial concerns regarding its new electric vehicle fleet. There has been a considerable amount of taxpayer money spent with very few vehicles produced and operational. This issue has been brought to light by Senator Joni Ernst, who is critical of the spending and the slow progress of the initiative.

1. Cost and Production Delays:

• USPS has spent over $3 billion in taxpayer money on a new electric fleet, yet only 612 trucks have been completed and deployed, according to a letter from USPS to Senator Ernst.

• The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act aimed to fund the production of 35,000 battery-electric postal trucks, but so far, the output is far below expectations.

2. Criticism from Senator Joni Ernst:

• Senator Ernst has criticized the project as a "boondoggle" and has stated that it is a waste of taxpayer money, calling for an end to the funding of this initiative and the cancellation of the order with Oshkosh, the manufacturer.

• Ernst has previously expressed concerns about the low truck production rate and the additional costs associated with the delays.

3. Comparison with Other Vehicles:

• In addition to the Oshkosh trucks, USPS has also acquired Ford E-Transit vans, which are in more widespread use (2,010 in operation), although many (over 6,700) remain unused due to compatibility issues with mail routes.

4. Infrastructure Issues:

• USPS has commissioned 6,651 charging stations, which exceeds the number of electric vehicles currently in use, according to postal officials. There is a noted emphasis on the need for charging infrastructure ahead of vehicle deliveries.

5. Future Plans:

• USPS aims to acquire a total of 106,480 new vehicles by the end of the 2028 fiscal year, which includes 60,000 next-generation vehicles and 35,000 battery-electric vehicles.

• Although there are assurances from USPS that thousands of electric vehicles are being produced, congressional skeptics remain concerned about the overall efficiency and management of the program.

6. Current Fleet Status:

• The aging fleet of Grumman Long Life Vehicles is considered problematic, being expensive to maintain and fuel-inefficient. USPS officials have noted that only 612 electric vehicles are currently operational, highlighting the urgency to replace them with newer models.

7. Management Challenges:

• Reports indicate that the production issues stem from various difficulties at Oshkosh, including manufacturing challenges and inefficiencies in the new factory setup.

• The slow progress leads to skepticism about the capability and accountability of the USPS in managing such a large-scale transition to electric vehicles.

8. Political Implications:

• The financial losses reported by USPS, including a staggering $9.5 billion in FY 2024, have further fueled discussions about potential reforms, including proposals to merge USPS with the Department of Commerce.

The USPS's transition to an all-electric vehicle fleet is mired in controversy due to excessive spending and a significant shortfall in the number of operational trucks. Senator Joni Ernst's criticisms highlight mounting frustration over government spending and the effectiveness of public service projects. As USPS aims to meet objectives set forth in the Inflation Reduction Act, ongoing production issues and infrastructure challenges must be addressed to achieve the desired outcomes effectively. 

https://nypost.com/2025/12/02/us-news/usps-ev-fleet-behind-schedule-with-3b-in-taxpayer-funds-spent-and-only-612-trucks-built/