SAN DIMAS, CA - AC Propulsion and AutoPort are working together to provide an electric vehicle conversion prototype and report for the United States Postal Service. 

The USPS chose this as one of five solutions in a feasibility study for the possible conversion of its 142,000 Long Life Vehicles (LLVs) to plug-in battery electric vehicles. 

"We are thrilled to partner with AutoPort to present a long-term solution to the U.S. Postal Service," AC Propulsion CEO Tom Gage said. 

AC Propulsion, based in San Dimas, Calif., specializes in developing and manufacturing electric vehicle technology. Autoport, based in New Castle, Del., is an ISO 9002-certified automotive conversion, restyling and processing center. 

With the AC Propulsion and AutoPort solution, the current USPS LLV design will be stripped of the gasoline engine, transmission and other components and refitted with the

AC Propulsion AC-150 drive system. That's an integrated power system that includes an AC induction motor, inverter, charger and 12V power supply. 

AutoPort will convert the vehicle at its facilities in New Castle, Del. The converted vehicle will comply with Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Safety SAE J2344 and all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, AC Propulsion said. 

AC Propulsion and AutoPort's solution, according to the companies, offers the low cost of ownership and revenue-producing potential of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology integrated into its drive system. The AC-150 is a V2G capable drive-train. 

"We believe that electricity is the right fuel for the USPS delivery fleet, and by including V2G capabilities, our solution will give the lowest total cost of operation," said Roy Kirchner, president of AutoPort. 

AC Propulsion and AutoPort's solution will be tested against the USPS's requirements at AutoPort's facilities, and then will be placed into service in the D.C. metro area for at least one year.