The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will attempt to identify more environmentally friendly vehicle technologies less dependent on petroleum to replace its 195,000 neighborhood delivery vehicles, the company announced during a ceremony in which General Motors (GM) presented a Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell electric vehicle to the Postal Service for testing in a mail-delivery environment.

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"We are looking for a vehicle that operates from a fuel source that reduces -- or eliminates -- our dependence on petroleum products, that is good for the environment, good for our customers and good for the Postal Service," said Walter O'Tormey, vp of engineering for the Postal Service.

According to O’Tormey, a one-cent increase in a gallon of fuel adds $8 million annually to the company’s expenses.

"We are very encouraged by GM's fuel cell technology," O'Tormey added. "We also want to explore other options, such as hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and other 'green' vehicles that will help us continue to provide our customers with reliable service while protecting the environment."

View more Fleet Owner news relating to alternative fuels, hybrid technologies, fuel conservation and diesel fuel prices.

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