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General Motors achieved it's the fastest vehicle build in the company's history with the completion of the first production builds for BrightDrop's EV600. This is a key milestone to deliver the company's first electric light commercial vehicle to FedEx Express in time for the holiday season.
BrightDrop is a new business from General Motors with the goal of shifting the commercial delivery and logistics industry to an all-electric future. The company produces products, software and services all designed to decarbonize last-mile deliveries and reduce congestion for a more sustainable future.
"Getting our first electric vehicles on the streets in record time before another peak holiday shipping season is the best gift we could receive this year, especially when we consider the supply chain headwinds the world is facing right now," said Travis Katz, BrightDrop president and CEO.
"This is a strong statement to the market of how our unique operations setup, which marries the cutting-edge innovation, agility and focus of a technology startup with the scale and manufacturing might of a major automaker, can deliver real value to both customers and the planet."
The EV600's record-setting timeline of just 20 months was made possible by utilizing GM's flexible ultium battery platform, virtual development processes established by the GMC Hummer electric vehicle program and an agile approach to manufacturing development.
The company also unveiled the EV410, a mid-size electric light commercial vehicle designed for smaller, more frequent trips, to its vehicle lineup. BrightDrop plans to begin EV410 production in 2023 at CAMI Assembly.
Verizon is one of the largest fleet operators in the U.S. and will be the first customer to integrate the EV410 into its field maintenance and service fleet.
"Mainstream EV adoption by businesses will require the largest fleet operators to work together with innovators like BrightDrop in the development of vehicles that meet the particular needs of our business. Adding the EV410 to our fleet is the latest step in our commitment to Verizon achieving net zero operational emissions by 2035," said Ken Jack, vice president of fleet operations for Verizon.
BrightDrop's EV410 combines many of the same features of the EV600, boasting more than 400 cubic feet of cargo area, a shorter wheelbase of just over 150 inches and its total length under 20 feet. This new, mid-size delivery van offers can even fit into a standard-size parking space — a key feature to reduce street congestion in urban areas.
