• Origen@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    I’m not against the swap to EV but that is one Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs looking ass truck.

    • TheHotze@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      The unusual look is to make it easier to see around the front of the vehicle, which is especially important if you are stopping and starting.

      • snooggums@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        The original design didn’t have a hood and looked a but more like a mini bus. Can’t remember why they added the hood, but it was a combination of different things including not having a flat front that increases the chance of killing people vs letting them roll up on a short hood. I think wheel placement was another part so the side door to get in an out could be closer to the ground.

        I kinda love how ugly they are in a utilitarian kind of way.

        • Wahots@pawb.social
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          2 months ago

          It might also be for a radiator to cool the battery and/or act as a heat pump for the AC/heat. At least, I hope they are using a heatpump.

        • Badabinski@kbin.earth
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          2 months ago

          Ditto. Like, I think it’ll become iconic in the same way the LLV is ugly-iconic. I just like it when government stuff so obviously prioritizes function over form.

      • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        It’s ugly af. Was that a project requirement or something? It looks like it has a fucking underbite lol.

        It is, but its pure function over form. If you want the whole story on this here’s a well done 13 minute youtube video: USPS Oshkosh NGDV Postal Van - Ugly by Design

        Short version for the ugly:

        • drivers need to stand up at full height inside for ease of use
        • drivers, when seated, need to see very close to the ground what is in front of them
        • drivers are not all the same torso height. Men are usually taller than women so you need a really tall windshield for very tall seated drivers, and very sharp and short hood for very short drivers.

        Its ugly, but is a very VERY functional design. I’d rather mail carriers are comfortable in their ride than feeling stylish.

      • MrQuallzin@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        From an article I read last week, it’s an accessibility thing. Front window needs to be low enough for short carriers, and the vehicle needs to be tall enough for a tall carrier to stand in.

        Looks silly, but pretty well thought out.