SingPost launches trial of mail delivery e-vehicle

SINGAPORE Post Ltd (SingPost) and TUMCREATE will commence a road trial of a prototype electric vehicle on March 28, 2017.

The three-wheeler is environmentally friendly and features innovations to boost mail delivery efficiency. The e-vehicle is designed to streamline postal processes, improve rider experience, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The vehicle was developed by researchers with the support of the management team at TUMCREATE, in conjunction with SingPost. It will serve as a test bed for concepts that will guide SingPost's application of electric vehicle technology for postal operations and eCommerce logistics.

SingPost operates a fleet of 674 petrol-driven scooters for last mile postal delivery, of which half are three-wheelers. Three-wheelers offer greater ride stability and load capacity compared to conventional two-wheelers. Tan Tien Po, SingPost senior vice-president for domestic mail, said: "Innovation and the application of new technologies is how we improve SingPost's services and meet the evolving postal needs of Singapore. We are excited to take this step forward with TUMCREATE, towards realising an urban logistics solution that addresses the future needs of mail and eCommerce logistics, increasing demands for fast and flexible delivery, and the growing need for environmental sustainability."

TUMCREATE is a research platform for the improvement of Singapore's public transportation, including the deployment of electric and autonomous mobility. The all-electric drive on the vehicle produces zero local exhaust emissions, and reduces maintenance costs and downtime. It also offers near-silent operations, curbing noise disturbance during residential area deliveries.

The vehicle's specially designed storage system can reduce a postman's daily delivery routine by up to 40 minutes, and features a detachable, rollable storage box. The sidewalls of the box are made from an advanced bamboo composite developed by advanced fibre composite materials, making it environmentally sustainable. The trial will take place along two delivery routes between SingPost's Ayer Rajah Regional Delivery Base and the National University of Singapore, and end on April 7, 2017. Three postmen have been assigned to provide feedback for further development, and a manufacturing partner is also being sought to make the prototype a market-ready product.