The Grumman KurbWatt was an all aluminum electric powered[1][6] concept mail truck.[7][8]
| Grumman KurbWatt | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| Production | 1980–1983[1][2][3][4] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mail truck |
| Related | Grumman LLV |
| Powertrain | |
| Electric motor | Electric engine[5] |
| Battery | 14 6-volt lead-acid batteries |
| Electric range | 40 miles (64 km) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 99 in (2,515 mm)[3] |
| Length | 144 in (3,658 mm)[3] |
| Height | 71 in (1,803 mm)[3] |
| Curb weight | 2,650 lb (1,202 kg) |
History
editThe KurbWatt was designed to replace the Jeep DJ[9] in response to the 1979 oil crisis in an effort to consume less fuel.[1][10] They were expected to save the United States Postal Service 500,000 gallons of fuel a year.[11]
The KurbWatt was determined to be too small, and because of this never entered mass production.[11]
Approximately 50 KurbWatts were manufactured in total. 40 put into service, and remained in service for about 10 years. 10 were sold to private parties.
The KurbWatt was removed from USPS service in 1992[7] due to high battery prices and the energy crisis ending.
References
edit- ^ a b c Hogan, Mack (7 December 2019). "This Cute Box on Wheels Is an Ultra-Rare Electric Postal Van From the Gas Crunch". Road & Track. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ "kurbwatt". S&P Automotive. August 2015. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ a b c d "WHAT IS A KUBVAN". www.divemaster.ca. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Metcalfe, J. K. (1982). Test and Evaluation Report for the Grumman-Olson Kurbwatt. Tennessee Valley Authority.
- ^ Berman, Bradley (2 June 2013). "Rare 1983 All-Electric KurbWatt Postal Van". eBay Motors Blog. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Strohl, Daniel. "Hemmings Find of the Day - 1981 Grumman Kurbwatt". www.hemmings.com. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ a b Olson, Morgan. "History of the Kurbwatt Electric Postal Van". KurbWatt.com. Archived from the original on 20 March 2013. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ "Electric Vehicles in the Postal Service". usps.com. United States Postal Service. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ "Battery Powered Electric Highway Postal, and Utility Vehicle". KurbWatt.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2013. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Neidermeyer, Paul (24 October 2010). "KubSide Classic: 1983 Grumman KubVan". The Truth About Cars. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ a b "About - KurbWatt". KurbWatt.com. Archived from the original on 20 March 2013. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
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