Austrian Post has announced it is purchasing almost 100 electrically powered eTrolley delivery vans from Kyburz that will make the delivery process easier for on-foot mail workers.
Instead of using muscle power to push the delivery carts loaded with letters and small parcels, the new models have a built-in electric drive to alleviate the strain on postal workers. The eTrolley offers almost double the capacity of Autrian Post’s current carts, providing more space for letters, parcels, advertising mail and print media.
The first tranche, consisting of 27 units, has been trialled throughout Austria since the end of last year, and the second tranche is currently being delivered to the delivery bases.
“The electric drive of the new delivery vans reduces the physical strain on our deliverers and makes delivery much easier. We are therefore starting the rollout in areas where our employees have to overcome steep inclines on foot,” said Peter Umundum, board director for parcel and logistics, Österreichische Post.
The delivery truck has a payload of 120kg, a range of 20km and can handle gradients of up to 30%. A rigid rear axle, two movable wheels at the front and an additional step-climbing wheel make it agile and easy to maneuver. The delivery van is equipped with lithium-ion batteries and a powerful motor with an output of 500W watts. It also has lighting, a horn, forward and reverse gear, and electronic central locking of all compartments.
The postal service has already tested motorized delivery vans in the past, but these were retrofits of existing equipment. The new electrically powered delivery vans, on the other hand, are already equipped with an electric drive and are specifically designed to meet the requirements of Austrian Post.