U.S. based battery maker EnerDel and electric car maker Think Global said today Japan Postal Service is testing an electric drivetrain developed by the companies which can convert gasoline-powered delivery trucks to electric vehicles.

Japan Postal Service is seeking to convert its entire fleet of 22,000 delivery vehicles but currently is only converting 25 percent of it, the companies said.

The project is expected to be a precursor for other federal fleets across the world to make the switch, according to a statement from the companies.

The ability to deliver a fully integrated, road-ready package that can be quickly tailored to suit a wide range of vehicle solutions is a major step forward for both of our companies, said Ener1 chief executive officer Charles Gassenheimer in a statement Monday.

The electric drivetrain was developed by Think and powered by a lithium-ion battery system made by EnerDel, a subsidiary of Ener1 Inc.

Electric cars Energy Japan