Deutsche Post needed a new local postal delivery vehicle. They wanted an electric vehicle. VW and other large automakers refused to build one. DP bought a startup company that had developed one, and is now building 5000/year. VW is now angry that it wasn't given the contract.
VW 'annoyed' it won't get order for electric vans it didn't make
The US Postal Service is using local mail delivery vans that are 25 years old. They were built by Grumman, and have been impressively long lived. However, they get less than 16 mpg and it is getting to be time to replace them. Will the USPS buy electric vans?
U.S.P.S. 'Long Life' Vehicles Last 25 Years, But Age Shows Now
Methinks postal vans would be perfect for electric. On urban and suburban routes, they drive <20 miles/day. They are constantly being turned on and off. Post office sorting centers have large flat roofs that could be covered with solar panels, and could have battery banks so that the vans can be recharged at night.