Next Generation Delivery Vehicle

Problem Statement:
The United States Postal Service (USPS) needed to modernize its aging delivery vehicle fleet, most of which was built in the 1980s. The goal was to develop new, electric vehicles (EVs) to replace the old fleet, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and modern functionality.

 

Solution:
While working as a contractor at Oshkosh Corporation, I was part of a special group focused on electrification across various segments, including military, commercial, and special projects. Leveraging my extensive experience and connections, I proposed to develop an electric variant based on the existing Oshkosh Defense submission within 30 days.

 

Execution:
- Initial Efforts: I started by identifying and sourcing components, creating requirements in Doors, and drafting reports, BOMs, and specification documents for the USPS. This involved working around the clock for 30 days straight.

 

- Team Collaboration: After my initial solo efforts, I was provided with a team of electrical engineers, mechanical designers, and access to the entire engineering staff. Together, we continued refining the EV design, ensuring compatibility between battery and powertrain components.

 

- Project Management: I took charge of the entire vehicle electrical system, supervising the team and managing strict timelines. We used tools like Magic Draw and Preevision to design the low voltage EE architecture, incorporating emergency braking and semi-autonomous functions.

 

- Challenges and Solutions: We faced significant challenges, such as integrating pedestrian detection and emergency braking systems. Through collaboration and ingenuity, we developed methods to make these systems work together effectively.

 

Result:
In February 2021, Oshkosh Defense won the USPS Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) competition, thanks in large part to the EV design. This victory led to the development of prototypes for testing, marking a successful milestone in modernizing the USPS fleet. My leadership and the team’s collaborative efforts ensured the project met its goals and exceeded expectations.