GM's BrightDrop adds 150 EVs (electric vans) to FedEx fleet

The BrightDrop division of General Motors has stepped up production and delivery of its electric vans with 150 new vehicles being added to the FedEx delivery fleet. "BrightDrop is a business reimagining the commercial delivery and logistics industry for an all-electric future. Its portfolio of electric vehicles, smart containers, and software are designed to decarbonize last-mile deliveries and reduce congestion for a smarter, more sustainable future."  The first E-vans will be put into service in Southern CAlifornia at first and with today's high fuel costs, this happened at a great time since EVs are generally much cheaper to operate than their ICE counterparts. “At FedEx, we have ambitious sustainability goals, and our phased approach to vehicle electrification is a crucial part of our roadmap to achieve carbon neutral global operations,” said Mitch Jackson, Chief Sustainability Officer, FedEx. “In just under six months, we’ve taken delivery of 150 BrightDrop Zevo 600s for our parcel pickup and delivery fleet. In today’s climate of chip shortages and supply chain issues, that’s no ordinary feat and a true testament to the collaboration between FedEx and BrightDrop.” For more info, click on "read more" below to view the FedEx and BrightDrop media releases.

Source: BrightDrop - Media release, pics, Previous post.

GM creates BrightDrop for electrified delivery solutions

General Motors announced the creation of BrightDrop, a new division that will be focused on electric and electrified delivery equipment and software. The first major products are the EV600 delivery van and the EP1 electric palette (mover?) that will assist in package and product processing for companies such as Fedex Express, which is one of BrightDrop's first customers. The EP1 moves product and packages easily with little stress on workers and the ability to move larger amounts of payload. If you watch the video/animation (after the "read More" jump) it becomes clearer how the BrightDrop products (including software) can make product movement and management easy. Very clever. The EV600 can be equipped with opening side panels to facilitate loading and unloading as well as through the rear/front doors. Initially, the EV600 will have a EV range of about 200 miles using GM/s Ultium batteries, but range numbers can change based on need and future battery development. It's nice to see the development of electrified solutions for varying sectors of the economy. It is also smart that automakers are harnessing automotive EV developments for broader application. Some automakers have announced EV delivery vans of varying sizes and capacities, but GM has taken those developments one (or two) steps further. More to come...

Source: GM/BrightDrop - Media release, pics, and video.