Strategically, it might be smart to avoid for the time being a company that is so new. Will they be around in a meaningful way in 5 years when you need the fleet serviced?
The risk is high when investing into a younger company. I think younger companies, like Rivian, tend to collectively attract more talent and more modern ideas. Risky sure, but Rivian seems to gotten amazon's deep pocket investment, which is encourages more trust it would succeed.
Oshkosh has experience with making workhorse trucks (i,e their firetrucks), but their EV initiative is banking on the USPS contract, its like a new startup; As risky as partnering with anyother EV company with just a concept car.
Rivians, for example, already have the talent, manufacturing processes, and financial backing to get USPS trucks much quicker
Not to mention the point of public procuration is to bolster nascent industries. USPS must’ve identified something Oshkosh was willing to provide something special.
Oshkosh has experience with making workhorse trucks (i,e their firetrucks), but their EV initiative is banking on the USPS contract, its like a new startup; As risky as partnering with anyother EV company with just a concept car.
Rivians, for example, already have the talent, manufacturing processes, and financial backing to get USPS trucks much quicker