BrightDrop Unveils New Vehicle & Inks Deal with Verizon
Strategic Research Institute
Published on :
04 Oct, 2021, 6:30 am
Technology startup decarbonizing last-mile deliveries BrightDrop announced the completion of the first production builds of the EV600, a key milestone to deliver its first electric light commercial vehicle to FedEx Express in time for the holiday season. The build completion is the fastest vehicle program to market in General Motors’ history and comes amid global supply chain delays and shortages. The company also unveiled a new addition to its vehicle lineup, the EV410, a mid-size eLCV designed for smaller, more frequent trips. Verizon, one of the largest fleet operators in the US, is the first customer slated to integrate the EV410 into its field maintenance and service fleet.
BrightDrop’s EV600 record-setting development timeline of just 20 months was made possible by leveraging GM’s highly flexible Ultium battery platform, innovative virtual development processes established by the GMC HUMMER EV program, and an agile approach to manufacturing development. In addition to the segment-leading range1 and safety features2, fleet managers can also expect an estimated yearly savings of USD 7,000 by going electric with the EV600 when compared to a similar diesel-powered vehicle. To hit this production milestone, BrightDrop is partnering with a US supplier partner for initial low-volume production while the conversion of GM’s CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Canada, is completed. CAMI will serve as the large-scale production home of BrightDrop’s EV600 van starting in November 2022.
BrightDrop’s newest vehicle, the 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 length of under 20 feet. This new, mid-size delivery van offers exceptional curb management, maneuverability and can fit into a standard-size parking space, a key feature to reduce street congestion in urban areas. Well-suited for faster, smaller payload deliveries or as a service vehicle, from online grocery delivery to telecom maintenance, the EV410 offers versatility for a myriad of use cases and expands zero-emissions driving to companies like Verizon, helping them meet their sustainability goals while opening new and exciting markets for BrightDrop.