The United States Postal Service (USPS) is forging ahead with its ambitious plan to electrify its delivery fleet, despite potential roadblocks from the incoming Trump administration. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy firmly stated on Tuesday that the agency intends to proceed with its $3 billion investment in electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure, a plan approved by Congress in 2023.
DeJoy’s declaration comes in response to reports from Reuters indicating that President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is exploring ways to cancel USPS contracts with Ford Motor Co. and Oshkosh, key players in the agency’s EV procurement strategy. This plan encompasses the purchase of approximately 66,000 electric vehicles by 2028, a significant shift towards a greener and more sustainable postal service.
However, during a U.S. House of Representatives hearing, DeJoy made it clear that halting this initiative would require explicit legislative action from Congress. He emphasized that the transition to EVs is fiscally sound for the USPS, making a compelling business case for the continuation of the program. Any attempt to disrupt the contracts, already in place, would necessitate a formal legislative change, suggesting a high bar for reversal.
The USPS’s electrification journey is well underway. The agency purchased 28,000 vehicles in 2024, a mix of gasoline-powered and electric models. The plan calls for a 50/50 split of gasoline and electric vehicle purchases in 2025, transitioning to exclusively electric vehicles for all new purchases starting in 2026. This clearly demonstrates the USPS’s long-term dedication to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.
Reuters previously highlighted the legal complexities involved in breaking existing contracts with Ford and Oshkosh. The USPS operates under its own governing board, adding another layer of complexity to any attempt to unilaterally cancel these agreements. Moreover, Trump’s past statements, revealing his intention to roll back the Biden administration’s push for electric vehicle adoption, as well as the reported aim to eliminate the $7,500 consumer tax credit for electric vehicles, further fuel speculation about his administration’s approach to this matter.
DeJoy’s stance underscores the USPS’s commitment to its modernization and sustainability goals, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the agency and the incoming administration. The coming months will be critical in determining the future of this significant investment in electric vehicle technology within the U.S. Postal Service.
