This story first appeared in the June issue of AutoTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE
In a boost for online shoppers and local manufacturing, Australia Post is trialling a new Australian-built three-wheeled electric delivery vehicle.
Built in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, the new Stealth OzPod, will service residents in the suburb of Lilydale over a five-week period, as Australia Post tests its features over different terrains.
The trial is a bid to complement existing electric vehicles in operational use with Australia Post.
Lilydale is a perfect area to trial the new vehicle, with locals increasingly embracing online shopping, and more small parcels being delivered than ever before, Australia Post network optimisation general manager Mitch Buxton says.
“We know that residents in Lilydale love online shopping.
Health and beauty, fashion, and media are the most popular purchases among residents within the trial area,” Buxton says.
“In fact, the yearly growth rate in Lilydale is higher than the national average at close to 21%.The area saw almost 79% of households purchasing online in 2018, above the national average of 73%.”
The Stealth OzPod has been developed over the past two and a half years, and is designed to cater for Australian conditions, with added safety and stability, wet weather, and gradient and surface measures, Buxton says.
“As our business continues to transform, we are equipping our posties to deliver more small parcels.
“In February, we announced an order of 1000 Swiss-built three-wheeled electric delivery vehicles, so this trial is another example of how we are looking at ways to keep our posties delivering for Australians and supporting local manufacturing businesses.”
The Stealth OzPod has an increased carrying capacity of up to 720 litres and can travel at a maximum 50km/h.
Australia Post will use the trial to review the vehicle’s performance and identify where it can be introduced.
Stealth Electric Bikes featured in our November 2018 online magazine.
Visit www.stealthelectricbikes.com for more information about their e-bikes.
