Karsan Otomotiv » U.S. Postal Service prototype

In early 2018, the U.S. Postal Service began testing prototypes of five different manufacturers, one of which later this year will replace the current Grumman LLV vans. One of them is a plug-in hybrid van made by Karsan Otomotive, the Turkish based company.

Karsan is developing the chassis and hybrid technology while the body is made by the Michigan based company Morgan Olson than has experience in the development and production of bodies for the U.S. Postal Service. The Karsan prototype looks the most unusual among others. Its low-slung boxy hood projects forward under the windshield. Bulky sideview mirrors — resembling monkey arms — are suspended from both sides of the upper cab. There’s a sliding cargo door on the right side of the truck.