Editing Grumman LLV

{{short description|American light transport truck model}}
{{Use MDY dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Grumman Long Life Vehicle
| image = Small USPS Truck.jpg
| caption = A 1989 Grumman LLV of the [[United States Postal Service]], seen in Carson City, Nevada in December 2005
| manufacturer = [[Grumman]]
| aka = USPS Mail truck
| production = 1986–1994<ref name="afvs"/>
| model_years = 
| assembly = [[Montgomery, Pennsylvania]]
| predecessor = [[Jeep DJ|Jeep Dispatcher]]
| successor = {{ubl|[[Ford-Utilimaster FFV]]|[[Next Generation Delivery Vehicle|Oshkosh NGDV]]}}
| class = Mail truck
| body_style = 
| layout = 
| platform = 
| engine = {{ ubl | {{convert|2.189|L|cuin|0|adj=ri1|abbr=on}} ''[[General Motors 122 engine#LN2|LN2]]'' I4  | {{convert|151|cuin|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} ''[[Iron Duke engine#Tech IV (1982-1990)|LN8/L38]]'' I4}}
| transmission = 3-speed GM ''[[Turbo-Hydramatic 180|TH180]]'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<ref name="fuel"/>
| wheelbase = {{convert|100.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="gp">{{cite web |url=http://grummanpark.org/content/llv-postal-trucks |title=LLV Postal Trucks |publisher=Grumman Memorial Park |access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Idaho National Laboratory |author-link=Idaho National Laboratory |url=http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/avta/pdfs/fsev/zapfact.pdf |title=All-Electric Conversion of the USPS Long Life Vehicle (LLV) |publisher=[[U.S. Department of Energy]] |access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref>
| length = {{convert|175.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="gp"/>
| width = {{convert|75|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="gp"/>
| front_suspension = {{convert|54.1|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="gp"/>
| rear_suspension = {{convert|63|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="gp"/>
| height = {{convert|85|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="gp"/>
| weight = {{convert|2700|lbs|kg|0|abbr=on}}
| related = [[KurbWatt]], Kubvan
| designer = 
| sp = us
}}

The '''Grumman Long Life Vehicle''' ('''LLV''') is an American light transport truck model designed as a [[mail truck]] for the [[United States Postal Service]], which has been its primary user since it first entered service in 1986, 39 years ago. It was also used by [[Canada Post]]. The LLV uses a chassis built by [[General Motors]] based on its [[Chevrolet S-10 Blazer|Chevrolet S-10]] with an aluminum body built by [[Grumman]].

In 2021, after a long competition, the USPS announced it had awarded a $6&nbsp;billion contract to [[Oshkosh Corporation|Oshkosh Defense]] to produce the [[Next Generation Delivery Vehicle]], which will replace the LLV. In February 2023, the USPS announced the purchase of 9,250 each of stock [[Ford Transit#E-Transit|Ford E-Transit vans]] and [[Stellantis]] gasoline-powered vans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gitlin |first=Jonathan M. |date=2023-05-02 |title=New USPS electric vans delayed until mid-2024, according to court docs |url=https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/05/new-usps-electric-vans-delayed-until-mid-2024-according-to-court-docs/ |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |quote=With the bespoke NGDV delayed, the USPS has ordered 9,250 Ford E-Transits… first of those E-Transits won't arrive until the end of this year}}</ref> {{As of|May 2023}}, the first custom NGDVs were scheduled to enter service in June 2024, nine months after the original October 2023 target date.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shepardson |first=David |date=2023-05-02 |title=U.S. Postal Service next-generation delivery vehicles delayed to mid-2024 |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-postal-service-next-generation-delivery-vehicles-delayed-mid-2024-2023-05-02/ |access-date=2023-07-01}}</ref>

==History==
In the [[United States of America|United States]], the Grumman LLV is the most common vehicle used by letter carriers for curbside and residential delivery of [[mail]], replacing the previous standard letter-carrier vehicle, the [[Jeep DJ|Jeep DJ-5]]. Curbside delivery from a driver seated in a vehicle to a [[Letter box#United States|curbside mailbox]] is sometimes termed "mounted delivery", in contrast to walking delivery.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Righter|first1=T.L.|title=Restructuring the Postal Service for the 21st Century|url=http://postalmag.com/editorial9.htm|publisher=postalmag.com (an independent site and is not affiliated with the USPS, its labor unions, or any other postal organizations.)|access-date=12 October 2014|quote=Mounted delivery is on average 50% more efficient than walking door to door.}}</ref>

The Grumman LLV was the first vehicle specifically designed for the [[United States Postal Service]] (USPS); the USPS provided a specification and three teams created prototypes that were tested in [[Laredo, Texas]], in 1985: [[Grumman]] in partnership with [[General Motors Corporation|General Motors]], Poveco (a joint venture of [[Fruehauf]] and [[General Automotive Corporation]]), and [[American Motors Corporation]].<ref name=PopeLLV/> The main design points of the vehicle in contract competition were serviceability, handling in confined areas, and overall economical operation. Prototypes were each subjected to a {{cvt|24000|mi}} road test, including frequent starts and stops, gravel surfaces, cobblestones and potholes, hauling a payload of up to {{cvt|2000|lb}}.<ref name=PopeLLV/>

Previously, Grumman had built a limited number of [[KurbWatt]]s, a [[battery electric vehicle]] with an aluminum delivery van body, which was tested by the USPS in the early 1980s.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a30104793/electric-postal-van/ |title=This Cute Box on Wheels Is an Ultra-Rare Electric Postal Van From the Gas Crunch |author=Hogan, Mack |date=December 7, 2019 |work=Road & Track |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref> At about the same time, Grumman also built 500 KubVans, which used a similar lightweight aluminum delivery body on a [[Volkswagen Caddy|Volkswagen Pickup]] diesel chassis and also underwent testing by the USPS. These designs influenced Grumman's candidate body design for the LLV.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/10/kubside-classic-1983-grumman-kubvan/ |title=KubSide Classic: 1983 Grumman KubVan |author=Niedermeyer, Paul |date=March 9, 2011 |work=The Truth About Cars |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref> Grumman won the competition and was awarded a $1.1&nbsp;billion contract to produce 99,150 LLVs in April 1986;<ref name=AP-86>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=W_xNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iIsDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6779%2C4061698 |work=[[The Free-Lance Star]]|title=Mail van built for long life|author=Robert Byrd|agency=[[Associated Press]]|pages=11|date=9 April 1986}}</ref> USPS also held an option for an additional 54,000 LLVs.<ref name=UPI-87>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/05/13/New-postal-trucks-designed-to-last-24-years/9571547876800/ |title=New postal trucks designed to last 24 years |author=Singleton, David |date=May 13, 1987 |work=UPI Archives |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref>

===Production===
The vehicles were assembled by the Allied Division of Grumman in [[Clinton Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Clinton Township]] in [[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania]]. The first vehicle was completed in April 1986. At peak production, 95 LLVs were completed each day, at a rate of approximately one every five minutes.<ref name=UPI-87/> Grumman invested $28&nbsp;million into the factory, doubling its size to {{cvt|213000|ft2}} and increasing the workforce from 250 to 600.<ref name=UPI-87/>

The USPS purchased more than 100,000 of these vehicles, the last one in 1994.<ref name="afvs">{{cite web |url=http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/pdfs/usps_cs.pdf |title=Nation's Largest Alternative-Fuel Fleet Delivers the Goods for the U.S. Postal Service |author=Argonne National Laboratory |author-link=Argonne National Laboratory |publisher=[[U.S. Department of Energy]] |access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref> As its name suggests, the Grumman LLV is easily capable of a long life. The required lifespan specified by the U.S. Postal Service was 24 years, but in 2009, this was extended to 30 years. The Grumman LLV can easily last over 200,000 miles on its original engine and transmission before needing an overhaul.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorbiscuit.com/exactly-how-many-miles-usps-mail-truck-last|title=Exactly How Many Miles Does a USPS Mail Truck Last?|work=MotorBiscuit|date=2023-02-14|access-date=2023-02-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2007/html/pb22207/news.2.4.html|title=Going the distance: This LLV puts long into life|work=[[United States Postal Service]]|date=2007-05-24|access-date=2023-02-17}}</ref>

[[File:LLV and FFV in Houston.JPG|thumb|right|1987 LLV (left) and 2000 [[Ford-Utilimaster FFV|FFV]] (right)]]
The USPS acquired 21,000 [[Ford-Utilimaster FFV|Ford–Utilimaster FFV]]s in 2000 and 2001 to supplement the LLV fleet. The FFVs have a similar aluminum body and also are right-hand drive, but ride on a chassis built by [[Ford Motor Company]] with a body built by [[Utilimaster]].<ref name=GAO/>{{rp|12}}

In 2010, approximately 140,000 LLVs remained in the USPS delivery fleet;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mreed.umtri.umich.edu/mreed/pubs/Reed_2005-01-2675.pdf |title=2005-01-2675. Application of Digital Human Modeling to the Design of a Postal Delivery Vehicle |first1=Matthew P. |last1=Reed |publisher=[[University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute]]/[[Society of Automotive Engineers]] |first2=Kristy |last2=Satchell |first3=Aris |last3=Nichols |access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref><ref name="GAO">{{cite report |first1=Phillip |last1=Herr |first2=Kathleen (Assistant Director) |display-authors=2 |last2=Turner |first3=Nicola |last3=Clifford |first4=Bess |last4=Eisenstadt |first5=Laura |last5=Erion |first6=Tim |last6=Guinane |first7=Kenneth |last7=John |first8=Alexander |last8=Lawrence |first9=Joshua |last9=Ormond |first10=Robert |last10=Owens |first11=Matthew |last11=Rosenberg |first12=Kelly |last12=Rubin |first13=Karla |last13=Springer |first14=James |last14=Ungvarsky |first15=Crystal |last15=Wesco |first16=Alwynne |last16=Wilbur |date=May 2011 |title=Report to Congressional Requesters: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE: Strategy Needed to Address Aging Delivery Fleet |url=https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-11-386.pdf |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=[[Government Accountability Office]] |id=GAO-11-386 |access-date=19 August 2020}}</ref>{{rp|12}} retirement and attrition had reduced that to 126,000 by 2021.<ref name=ngdvFEIS/>{{rp|Table 4-6.13}} A number were also sold to Canada, Mexico, and several other countries.{{Citation needed|date=June 2010}}

==Technical description==
Like the older postal-service Jeep DJ-5, the Grumman LLV features a [[Left- and right-hand traffic|right-hand-drive (RHD)]] configuration, in contrast to the typical left-hand-drive (LHD) position of vehicles in North America. It also features a large metal tray, which is able to hold three trays of letter mail, mounted where a passenger seat would normally be. This arrangement positions the driver on the side of the vehicle closest to the [[Curb (road)|curb]], enabling the carrier to easily grab sorted mail and place it into [[Letter box|mailboxes]] without having to leave the seat. Other notable features are an exceptionally tight [[turning radius]]<ref name=PopeLLV>{{cite web|url=https://postalmuseum.si.edu/collections/object-spotlight/long-life-vehicle<!--was: http://postalmuseumblog.si.edu/2010/07/long-life-vehicle-llv.html--> |title=Long Life Vehicle (LLV) |work=Postal Museum Blog |first1=Nancy A. |last1=Pope |date=July 11, 2010 |publisher=[[National Postal Museum]], [[Smithsonian Museum]] |access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref> and a low-geared, three-speed [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]]<ref name="fuel">{{cite web |url=https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/1988_Grumman_Allied_Industries_LLV.shtml |title=1988 Grumman Allied Industries LLV |website=fueleconomy.gov |publisher=Oak Ridge National Laboratory}}</ref> for hauling heavy cargo. The LLV has a {{convert|1000|lb|adj=on}} cargo capacity,<ref name="afvs"/> double what the Jeep DJ-5 could hold.<ref name=AP-86/>

The body and final assembly is by Grumman, and the chassis is made by [[General Motors]], based on the 1982 [[Chevrolet S-10 Blazer]], powered by GM engines including the 2.5-liter inline-four TBI [[GM Iron Duke engine|''Iron Duke'']] and, in later production, 2.2-liter inline-four SPFI [[General Motors 122 engine#LN2|''LN2'']]; the [[Dashboard#Dashboard items|instrument cluster]] and front suspension are similar to those used in the [[Chevrolet S-10]] pickup and [[Chevrolet S-10 Blazer|S-10 Blazer]] sport utility vehicle.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Preston |first1=Benjamin |title=What can stop US Postal Service trucks? The inexorable march of time |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/feb/21/usps-mail-truck-fleet-replacement-bids |access-date=26 March 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=21 February 2015 |language=en}}</ref>

The LLV has a unique footprint. The front wheels (taken from the two-wheel-drive S-10 Blazer model) have narrower spacing than the rear wheels (using the rear axle from the four-wheel-drive S-10 Blazer model). The front of the vehicle also has low ground clearance. While this has advantages, there are some trade offs. The vehicle was tested successfully in warmer climates, but when used in places with substantial snowfall, they became difficult to control and were poorly adapted to those conditions.<ref name=PopeLLV/>

The Grumman LLV's estimated average combined EPA fuel economy is {{convert|17|mpgus|L/100km mpgimp km/L|1}} [{{convert|16|/|18|mpgus|L/100km mpgimp km/L|1|abbr=on}} on the city/highway cycles, respectively].<ref name="fuel"/> In actual use by the USPS, which includes extensive stop-and-go driving for residential delivery, average fuel economy is about {{convert|8.2–10|mpgus|L/100km mpgimp km/L|1|abbr=on}}.<ref name=ngdvFEIS>{{cite report |url=https://uspsngdveis.com/documents/USPS+NGDV+FEIS_Dec+2021.pdf |title=Final Environmental Impact Statement: United States Postal Service Next Generation Delivery Vehicle Acquisitions |page=G-2 |date=December 2021 |publisher=United States Postal Service |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref>{{rp|Table G-1}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uspsoig.gov/blog/oig-blog-tags/llv|publisher=U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) |title=Too Costly to Keep On Truckin?|access-date=12 October 2014|date=18 June 2010|quote=The first LLVs were produced in 1987, and they average about 10 miles per gallon.}}</ref>

Like other U.S. Postal Service vehicles before it, the Grumman LLV does not carry a [[license plate]] and instead uses a seven-digit U.S. Postal Service serial number. The first digit of the serial number represents the last digit of the year in which it was made, ranging from 7 ([[model year]] 1987) to 4 (model year 1994).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://jalopnik.com/heres-how-to-tell-the-year-of-a-mail-truck-instantly-1845553512 |title=Here's How To Tell The Year Of A Mail Truck Instantly |author=Torchinsky, Jason |date=November 2, 2020 |work=Jalopnik |access-date=1 February 2023}}</ref> The second and third digits are the vehicle type code, with the LLV's codes ranging from 19-31. The USPS does not permit reselling LLVs, so when they are retired, they are scrapped for parts and the decals are destroyed;<ref name=ngdvFEIS/>{{rp|4-40}} however, at least one was sold by the State of Georgia at auction in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.govdeals.com/?fa=Main.Item&itemid=6463&acctid=357 |title=1991 Grumman LLV Mail Truck VIN#1GBCS10A3M2924002 (TR-3847) |website=GovDeals |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://tiremeetsroad.com/2021/02/25/where-can-i-buy-a-usps-grumman-llv-mail-truck/ |title=Where can I buy a USPS Grumman LLV Mail Truck? |author=Acoba, Paulo |date=February 25, 2021 |website=Tire Meets Road |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref>

<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:Grumman LLV Front.png|Front view of a Grumman LLV
File:National Postal Museum (2925193471).jpg|Grumman LLV on display at the [[National Postal Museum]], [[Washington, DC]]
File:Canada Post LLV.jpg|A Grumman LLV of [[Canada Post]], in Montreal, Quebec in June 2010
File:Grumman LLV Drivers Side.png|Grumman LLV in [[Concord, NH]], in 2017
File:2020_Grumman_LLV.jpg|Grumman LLV in Massachusetts, seen in 2020
</gallery>

===Commercial version===
Grumman also planned to market a commercial variant of the LLV with right-hand drive as the CLLV through Chevrolet.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/hugo90/24155971740/ |title=CLLV: Commercial Long Life Vehicle (flyer, front page) |date= 14 January 2016|website=flickr |publisher=Grumman |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-content/old/lib/magazines/HCC/2022/2022-08.pdf#page=12 |title=Lost & Found: Special Delivery? |author=Strohl, Daniel |date=August 2022 |magazine=Hemmings Classic Car |access-date=7 February 2023 |page=10 |publisher=American City Business Journals, Inc. |location=Charlotte, North Carolina |issn=1550-8730 |volume=18 |issue=11}}</ref> The CLLV was essentially the same as the LLV, with the same chassis, built by GM at [[Moraine Assembly]] using S-10 components, driven by the 2.5L ''Iron Duke'' through a 3-speed automatic transmission and a 7-{{frac|5|8}}" [[positraction]] rear differential with 3.42:1 final drive ratio. The CLLV was rated to carry a payload of {{cvt|1400|lb}}, including the driver, and could accommodate up to {{cvt|121|ft3|L}} of cargo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/hugo90/33789231153/ |title=CLLV: Commercial Long Life Vehicle (flyer, rear page) |date= 11 May 2017|website=flickr |publisher=Grumman |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref>

===Electric versions===
Ten LLVs were converted in 1995, 1997, and 1999 for a pilot program, adding a [[battery-electric vehicle|battery electric drivetrain]] developed by GM Hughes and [[U.S. Electricar]].<ref name=electrical>{{cite web |url=https://about.usps.com/who-we-are/postal-history/electric-vehicles.pdf |title=Electric Vehicles in the Postal Service |publisher=United States Postal Service |date=2014 |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref> They used [[lead-acid battery]] chemistry. The resulting Electric Long Life Vehicles (ELLVs) were deployed to post offices in [[Harbor City, California]] (in Los Angeles); [[Westminster, California]]; and [[Merrifield, Virginia]].<ref name=ECRV-500>{{cite report |url=https://avt.inl.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/fsev/500FleetDeploymentReport.pdf |title=United States Postal Service Electric Carrier Route Vehicle Program: 500 Vehicle Fleet Deployment Report |author=Ryerson, Master and Associates, Inc. |date=May 2003 |publisher=United States Postal Service |access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref>{{rp|2-2}} When GM canceled its electric vehicle program, the vehicles were taken out of service at the end of 2000.<ref name=electrical/>

At about the same time, [[Transport Canada]] commissioned [[Solectria Corporation]] in November 1998 to convert two LLVs to battery-electric; they were delivered to Canada Post in February 1999.<ref name=TP13528e/>{{rp|1}} The performance report, comparing the converted LLV to a conventional LLV, was published in February 2000.<ref name=TP13528e>{{cite report |url=https://www.tc.gc.ca/TDC/publication/pdf/13500/13528e.pdf |title=Canada Post Solectria-Grumman LLV Electric Postal Delivery Truck: Comparative Performance Evaluation |date=February 2000 |publisher=Transport Canada |author1=Guérette, Claude |author2=Souligny, Michel |id=TP 13528E |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320222125/https://www.tc.gc.ca/TDC/publication/pdf/13500/13528e.pdf |archive-date=March 20, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Solectria/Grumman LLV was equipped with a {{convert|12|kWh|MJ|adj=on}} lead-acid traction battery and {{convert|5|kW|BTU/h|adj=on}} diesel-fired heater, giving it a nominal range of {{cvt|30|km}}.<ref name=TP13528e/>{{rp|4}} The traction motor was an AC induction type, with a peak output of {{cvt|50|kW|hp PS|0}} and continuous rated output of {{cvt|20|kW|hp PS|0}}.<ref name=TP13528e/>{{rp|4}} Testing showed the typical consumption on a postal driving cycle was {{cvt|19.74|kWh/100km|mpge}} at an ambient temperature of {{cvt|-20|C}}, giving a range of {{cvt|27.39|km}}; these figures improved to {{cvt|16.04|kWh/100km|mpge}} consumption and {{cvt|29.58|km}} range at {{cvt|20|C}}.<ref name=TP13528e/>{{rp|11}} By comparison, the conventionally-powered LLV on the same driving cycle returned fuel consumption of {{cvt|{{#expr:3.31/15.13 round 2}}|L/km|mpgUS}} at {{cvt|-20|C}} and {{cvt|{{#expr:2.54/15.46 round 2}}|L/km|mpgUS}} at {{cvt|20|C}}.<ref name=TP13528e/>{{rp|15}}

This was followed by a larger fleet test, consisting of 500 Electric Carrier Route Vehicles (ECRV) from 2000 to 2003. The ECRV was equipped with a body similar to the LLV, built by Grumman/Allied on a RHD [[Ford Ranger EV]] chassis.<ref name=ECRV-500/>{{rp|3-1}} Most were tested in California, with the remainder tested in [[Washington, D.C.]], and [[White Plains, New York]].<ref name=electrical/> [[Southern California Edison]] tested six prototype ECRVs at the [[Electric Vehicle Technical Center]] (EVTC) in [[Pomona, California]]. The ECRV uses a {{convert|90|hp|PS kW|0|adj=on}} AC induction traction motor driving the rear wheels, drawing power from a {{cvt|2000|lb}} lead-acid battery consisting of 39 modules at 8&nbsp;volts each, connected in series. It has a [[curb weight]] of {{cvt|4950|lb}} and a payload of {{cvt|1250|lb}}; the estimated driving range is {{cvt|50|mi}} and the maximum speed is {{cvt|60|mph|km/h|0}}. Testing at EVTC showed the ECRV met or exceeded its performance requirements, including an accelerated {{cvt|20000|mi}} reliability test.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://avt.inl.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/fsev/fact_sheet.pdf |title=Demonstration and Evaluation of U.S. Postal Service Electric Carrier Route Vehicles |date=January 2002 |author=Southern California Edison |publisher=South Coast Air Quality Management District |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref> Real-world testing at the [[Fountain Valley, California]], post office during July and August demonstrated the average route covered {{convert|13–16|mi|km|0}}, consuming an average of 41% of the battery state of charge.<ref>{{cite report |doi=10.2172/911413 |title=Field Operations Program - US Postal Service Fountain Valley Electric Carrier Route Vehicle Testing |author=Francfort, James |date=January 2002 |publisher=Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory|doi-access=free }}</ref> After Ford announced they were also canceling their electric vehicle program in October 2002, the battery manufacturer (East Penn Manufacturing Company) offered to sell replacement traction batteries for the ECRVs to be held in cold storage as experience showed the batteries would need to be replaced after two years of service. The USPS instead traded the ECRVs in August 2003 back to Ford in exchange for [[Ford Windstar|Windstar]] minivans.<ref name=electrical/>

A second round of testing five converted all-electric LLVs began in 2011. Each second-generation eLLV was converted by a different group, funded by the USPS through a $50,000 grant to each [[electromod]]der, and tested in Washington, D.C.<ref name=electrical/> In the nine-month period from March to December 2011, the five vehicles had taken an aggregated 9,181 trips and traveled a total distance of {{convert|3965|mi|km|0}}, consuming an average of {{cvt|0.645|kWh/mi|mpge}} of AC power (from the wall).<ref>{{cite report |url=https://avt.inl.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/fsev/USPS_SummaryReportMar11-Dec11.pdf |title=USPS eLLV Conversion Fleet, Reporting period March 11 - Dec 11 |date=January 9, 2012 |id=INL/MIS-11-21835 |publisher=U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy: Vehicle Technologies Program |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref> By March 2014, only one of the modified eLLVs (from ZAP) remained in service.<ref name=electrical/>
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%;text-align:center;"
|+Second-generation eLLVs
! rowspan=2 | Conversion group !! rowspan=2 | LLV No.
! colspan=3 | Battery
! rowspan=2 | Traction motor
! rowspan=2 | Range{{efn|Under [[Society of Automotive Engineers|SAE]] J1634, Recommended Practice for Battery Electric Vehicle Energy Consumption}}
! colspan=2 | Efficiency
! rowspan=2 class="unsortable" | Ref.
|-
! Type !! Voltage !! Capacity
! USPS{{efn|{{cvt|25|mi}} route with {{cvt|1000|lb}} payload and {{cvt|200|lb}} driver}} !! J1634{{efn|With {{cvt|332|lb}} payload}}
|-
! Autoport / [[AC Propulsion]] / [[University of Delaware]]
| 2204700
| Li-Ion || 375&nbsp;V || 60&nbsp;A-hr<br/>{{#expr:375*60/1000 round 1}}&nbsp;kW-hr
| AC induction || {{cvt|54.4|mi}}
| {{cvt|1.16|kWh/mi|mpge}} || {{cvt|0.446|kWh/mi|mpge}}
| <ref name=eLLV-Autoport>{{cite web |url=https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/02/f8/autoportfact.pdf |title=USPS eLLV Conversion by ''Autoport/AC Propulsion/University of Delaware'' {{!}} All-Electric Conversion of the USPS Long Life Vehicle (LLV) |website=Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center |publisher=U.S. Department of Energy |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref>
|-
! [[Bright Automotive]]
| 9216355
| Li-Ion || 345&nbsp;V || 56.5&nbsp;A-hr<br/>{{#expr:345*56.5/1000 round 1}}&nbsp;kW-hr
| DC brushless || {{cvt|47.7|mi}}
| {{cvt|0.843|kWh/mi|mpge}} || {{cvt|0.503|kWh/mi|mpge}}
|<ref name=eLLV-Bright>{{cite web |url=https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/02/f8/brightfact.pdf |title=USPS eLLV Conversion by ''Bright Automotive'' {{!}} All-Electric Conversion of the USPS Long Life Vehicle (LLV) |website=Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center |publisher=U.S. Department of Energy |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref>
|-
! [[EDAG]]
| 8201107
| Zebra ({{chem|Na|Ni|Cl|2|link=Molten-salt battery}}) || 371&nbsp;V || 150&nbsp;A-hr<br/>{{#expr:371*150/1000 round 1}}&nbsp;kW-hr
| DC brushless || {{cvt|106|mi}}
| {{cvt|1.217|kWh/mi|mpge}} || {{cvt|0.598|kWh/mi|mpge}}
|<ref name=eLLV-EDAG>{{cite web |url=https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/02/f8/edagfact.pdf |title=USPS eLLV Conversion by ''EDAG, Inc. - USA'' {{!}} All-Electric Conversion of the USPS Long Life Vehicle (LLV) |website=Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center |publisher=U.S. Department of Energy |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref>
|-
! Quantum Technologies
| 3300987
| Li-Ion || 333&nbsp;V || 40&nbsp;A-hr<br/>{{#expr:333*40/1000 round 1}}&nbsp;kW-hr
| DC brushless || {{cvt|36.9|mi}}
| {{cvt|1.063|kWh/mi|mpge}} || {{cvt|0.403|kWh/mi|mpge}}
|<ref name=eLLV-Quantum>{{cite web |url=https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/02/f8/quantumfact.pdf |title=USPS eLLV Conversion by ''Quantum Technologies'' {{!}} All-Electric Conversion of the USPS Long Life Vehicle (LLV) |website=Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center |publisher=U.S. Department of Energy |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref>
|-
! [[ZAP (motor company)|ZAP]]
| 8215162
| Li-Ion || 267&nbsp;V || 80&nbsp;A-hr<br/>{{#expr:267*80/1000 round 1}}&nbsp;kW-hr
| 3-phase permanent magnet || {{cvt|44.1|mi}}
| {{cvt|0.939|kWh/mi|mpge}} || {{cvt|0.507|kWh/mi|mpge}}
|<ref name=eLLV-ZAP>{{cite web |url=https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/02/f8/zapfact.pdf |title=USPS eLLV Conversion by ''ZAP'' {{!}} All-Electric Conversion of the USPS Long Life Vehicle (LLV) |website=Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center |publisher=U.S. Department of Energy |access-date=7 February 2023}}</ref>
|}

;Notes
{{notelist}}

==Replacements==
[[File:LLV replacement.jpg|thumb|right|USPS-operated minivan ([[Dodge Caravan#Ram Cargo Van (Ram C/V Tradesman)|Dodge Caravan Cargo]]) serving in the LLV's role]]

Because the United States Postal Service owns more than 100,000 Grumman LLVs, of which most have reached the end of their lifespan, the USPS has been preparing to replace the LLVs. In fiscal year 2009, the USPS spent $524&nbsp;million to repair and [[retrofit]] its fleet of Grumman LLVs, and estimated that it would cost $4.2&nbsp;billion to replace the entire fleet.<ref name="washington post">{{cite news |title=Postal service in a bind on upkeep of vehicle fleet |first=Ed |last=O'Keefe |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=June 18, 2010 |page =B3 }}</ref> By 2021, it was estimated that each LLV required maintenance costing more than $5,000 per year; the all-aluminum body had proven to be robust and corrosion-resistant, but the chassis frame and powertrain components had required reverse-engineering as the original designs were out of production.<ref name=ngdvFEIS/>{{rp|2-2}}

The LLVs also suffer from several design deficiencies, including inadequate cabin climate controls (no air conditioning and a heater prone to breaking down). The wheels and suspension are not suited for the all-terrain and all-weather needs of delivering mail and require [[snow chains]] during inclement weather.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/heres-what-its-drive-grumman-llv-mail-truck-every--269192 |title=Here's What It's Like to Drive a Grumman LLV Mail Truck Every Day |first1=Eric |last1=Brandt |date=September 21, 2017 |accessdate=April 25, 2021}}</ref> Also, because the windshield washer fluid line is routed above the fusebox,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.postalmag.com/llv.htm/ |title=Postal Vehicles |access-date=2019-05-31 |archive-date=2019-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130170324/http://www.postalmag.com/llv.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> LLVs are prone to catching fire; between 2015 and 2019, over 120 fires occurred.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Zwahlen |first=Cyndia |date=May 13, 2019 |title=Safety Experts Alarmed by Mail Trucks Bursting Into Flames |work=Trucks.com |url=https://www.trucks.com/2019/05/13/safety-experts-alarmed-mail-trucks-bursting-flames/ |access-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513161049/https://www.trucks.com/2019/05/13/safety-experts-alarmed-mail-trucks-bursting-flames/ |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> According to documents obtained in 2020 via a [[Freedom of Information Act (United States)|Freedom of Information Act]] request as part of a [[Vice Media]] investigation, 407 LLVs have been damaged or destroyed since May 2014.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Aaron |title=Post Office Delivery Trucks Keep Catching on Fire |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/post-office-delivery-trucks-keep-catching-on-fire/ |access-date=7 July 2020 |publisher=Vice |date=7 July 2020}}</ref>

In some areas, LLVs have been supplemented or replaced with [[van]]s and [[minivans]], including the 2008–2010 purchase of [[Dodge Grand Caravan]] and [[Chevrolet Uplander]] minivans,<ref name="GAO"/>{{rp|12}} which tend to be more comfortable for postal workers, especially in extreme climates. The [[USPS|United States Postal Service]] has announced it would purchase 7,160 [[Fiat Ducato|Ram ProMaster]] (to replace Caravan and Uplander vehicles) and up to 30,608 right-hand-drive [[Mercedes-Benz Vito|Mercedes-Benz Metris]] vehicles as part of the Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) vehicle program announced on August 3, 2018, to replace and upgrade its fleet of delivery vehicles.<ref name="ruralinfo">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ruralinfo.net/rhd-mercedes-metris-vans-to-be-deployed-to-12664-rural-ema-routes/ |title=RHD Mercedes Metris Vans to be deployed to 12,664 rural EMA routes |date=14 May 2020 |access-date=20 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115001011/https://www.ruralinfo.net/rhd-mercedes-metris-vans-to-be-deployed-to-12664-rural-ema-routes/ |archive-date=15 January 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2014, the USPS reviewed options for replacement.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|date=10 June 2014|title=Delivery Vehicle Fleet Replacement Report Number DR-MA-14-005|url=https://www.nalc.org/workplace-issues/body/2014-06-10-OIG-Report-dr-ma-14-005.pdf|access-date=12 October 2014|publisher=U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG)}}</ref> [[United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General|The Office of Inspector General]] found that the Postal Service's acquisition plan for replacements lacked details and while the USPS could continue deliveries until 2017, there were concerns over the aging vehicles.<ref name=":0" />

[[Canada Post]] also adopted the Grumman LLV, but around 2008, it began studying whether to refurbish, upgrade, or replace its fleet. On March 18, 2010, Canada Post and [[Ford Motor Company]] announced that Canada Post would purchase a fleet of [[Ford Transit Connect#Grumman LLV replacement|Transit Connect vans]].<ref>Ford Motor Company Press Release, [http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32230 "Canada Post Selects Ford Transit Connect to Replace Aging National Fleet of Light Vehicles,"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100719163146/http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32230 |date=2010-07-19 }} 18 March 2010.</ref>

===Next Generation Delivery Vehicle===
{{main|Next Generation Delivery Vehicle}}
On January 20, 2015, the USPS released solicitation RFI-NGDV for the Next Generation Delivery Vehicle.<ref>[https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=e4c65069740a6b4df5158fb0a9512b1c&tab=core&_cview=0 "Request for Information and Prequalification/Sources Sought - Next Generation Delivery Vehicle (NGDV) Acquisition Program"] 20 January 2015</ref> Potential bidders had until March 5, 2015, to submit comments and pre-qualification responses. The USPS was to then select companies to receive the RFP for prototype development. On February 13, 2015, it was announced that General Motors was actively pursuing this new contract, which would have them provide the USPS with 180,000 new vehicles at a cost of at least $5 billion.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ungarino|first1=Rebecca|title=Postal service seeks to retire the old mail truck|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2015/02/13/postal-service-seeks-to-retire-the-old-mail-truck.html|website=[[CNBC]]|date=13 February 2015|publisher=CNBC|access-date=14 February 2015}}</ref>  On September 22, 2016, the United States Postal Service awarded the NGDV Prototype Contract to six selected suppliers: [[AM General]], [[Karsan]], [[Mahindra & Mahindra|Mahindra]], [[Oshkosh Corporation|Oshkosh]], [[Utilimaster Corporation|Utilimaster]], and a joint-venture bid involving [[Workhorse Group|Workhorse]] and VT Hackney. Half of the prototypes would feature hybrid and new technologies, including [[alternative fuel]] capabilities. The prototypes would represent a variety of vehicle sizes and drive configurations, in addition to advanced power trains and a range of hybrid technologies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://about.usps.com/news/statements/091616.htm|title=USPS Statement on Next Generation Delivery Vehicles Prototype Selection and Request for Proposal for Commercial Off-the-Shelf Delivery Vehicles|date=16 September 2016|website=usps.com|publisher=USPS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930121111/http://about.usps.com/news/statements/091616.htm|archive-date=2016-09-30|url-status=dead|access-date=3 February 2017}}</ref>

On February 23, 2021, USPS announced that [[Oshkosh Corporation|Oshkosh]] Defense was awarded the contract for design and manufacture of the [[Next Generation Delivery Vehicle]] (NGDV) to replace the LLV and FFV, delivering up to 165,000 vehicles over a ten-year period.<ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S. Postal Service Awards Contract to Launch Multi-Billion-Dollar Modernization of Postal Delivery Vehicle Fleet - Newsroom - About.usps.com|url=https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2021/0223-multi-billion-dollar-modernization-of-postal-delivery-vehicle-fleet.htm|access-date=2021-02-23|website=about.usps.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Beresford|first=Colin|date=2021-02-23|title=USPS Chooses Oshkosh Defense to Replace Its Mail-Delivery Trucks|url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a35604138/usps-oshkosh-defense-new-mail-trucks/|access-date=2021-02-23|website=Car and Driver|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Oshkosh Defense to build U.S. Postal vehicles; Workhorse shares slide|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-postal-awards-contract-oshkosh-202118211.html|access-date=2021-02-23|website=finance.yahoo.com|date=February 23, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{cite web |url=https://postalmuseum.si.edu/node/1875 |title=Long Life Vehicle (LLV) |first=Nancy |last=Pope |publisher=[[Smithsonian Institution]] |website=[[National Postal Museum]] blog |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026223900/https://postalmuseum.si.edu/node/1875 |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |date=July 11, 2010 |url-status=live}}
* {{cite web |url=https://avt.inl.gov/project-type/united-states-postal-service.html |title=U.S. Postal Service Vehicle Testing (1999 ECRV) |publisher=Idaho National Laboratory, Advanced Vehicles Testing}}
* {{cite web |url=https://avt.inl.gov/vehicle-button/2011-usps-mail-delivery-vehicles.html |title=2011 USPS Mail Delivery Vehicles (eLLV) |publisher=Idaho National Laboratory, Advanced Vehicles Testing}}

{{United States Postal Service}}

[[Category:United States Postal Service]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Trucks]]
[[Category:Grumman vehicles]]
[[Category:Postal vehicles]]