One of 16 companies now bidding for the chance to build the next Postal Service delivery fleet is Workhorse Group Inc., which is offering an electric truck that can launch a delivery drone. The drone – called HorseFly is the product of a partnership between Workhorse Group, Inc., and the University of Cincinnati to to create the ultimate unmanned aerial vehicle for safely delivering goods. (Photo: Lisa Ventre/University of Cincin)
The Postal Service has winnowed down the companies bidding to build the next generation of its delivery vehicles – and one of them is offering up an all-electric truck that doubles as a drone launcher.
The agency released a list of pre-qualified sources for the contract April 14, which include Ford motor company, AM General LLC, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC and Nissan North America, Inc., among others.
But one of the companies – Workhorse Group Inc., – is hoping to make an impression by showing the Postal Service that the future could involve a drone that can deliver packages while the mail carrier works their normal route.
The electric delivery truck is called “Workhorse” while the drone that carries the packages is called “Horsefly” and is a product of a years-long partnership between the company and the University of Cincinnati, which has an unmanned vehicle research program.
“We feel very confident that our integrated drone technology on top of our electric truck is the best solution for the Postal Service as well as give them the lowest total cost of ownership for their truck needs and their future drone needs,” said Duane Hughes, director of sales at Workhorse Group, Inc.
Read more: New Postal Service delivery fleet could include drones.