The Chevrolet BrightDrop [1][2] is an electric delivery van manufactured by General Motors (GM). It is part of GM`s BrightDrop brand, This vehicle was unveiled in January 2021 and has been in production since December 2022.
History
The idea for the Chevrolet BrightDrop began in 2020 when GM started developing an all-electric delivery van known as "BV1."[3] Initially, GM planned to build the van at its Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly facility.
In January 2021, GM introduced the BrightDrop EV600 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This vehicle was intended for commercial use and was part of GM's plan to meet the logistics needs of companies like FedEx, which placed an order for 500 units. The EV410, a smaller version, was shown later that year and was targeted at companies like Verizon, which was the first to order it.[4]
Production for the Zevo 600 began in December 2022 at GM's CAMI Automotive plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. CAMI is capable of producing up to 50,000 units annually. The smaller Zevo 400 was set to start production in late 2023.
Several companies, including FedEx, Verizon, and Merchants Fleet, placed large orders for the BrightDrop vans. The fleet management company Merchants Fleet made a significant order of 18,000 units in 2021. Other companies, like Walmart and Hertz, also secured large orders.
The BrightDrop Zevo series underwent name changes in 2022, with the EV600 and EV410 being rebranded as Zevo 600 and Zevo 400. By 2025, the BrightDrop brand was phased out, and the vehicle was renamed the Chevrolet BrightDrop.
Markets and Customers
The Chevrolet BrightDrop was initially designed for commercial fleets, targeting companies in the logistics and delivery sector. Key customers include:
FedEx
FedEx is One of the first companies to adopt the BrightDrop, placed an initial order for 500 units of the EV600 model.
Verizon
The first company to place an order for the smaller EV410 model.
Merchantes Fleet
In 2021, Merchants Fleet placed a substantial order for 18,000 units, representing the largest single order for BrightDrop at the time.
Walmart and Hertz
Both companies are significant clients as well. Walmart placed a large order in 2022, Hertz also ordered a significant number of vans
DHL Express Canada
In December 2022, DHL Express Canada became the first international customer to place an order for the BrightDrop, marking the expansion of the vehicle beyond the United States.
Other Markets
The van’s production and sales continued to expand, with international interest growing as GM started offering the van in Canada.
Features and Specifications
The Chevrolet BrightDrop is available in two models, the Zevo 600 and Zevo 400, with the following specifications
The van uses an electric motor, either one or two Ultium Drive units, which are part of GM’s Ultium battery platform.
The van is Available in two capacities, 121 kWh and 173 kWh.
The vehicle can also travel between 160 and 270 miles (257 to 435 km) on a single charge, depending on the model and battery.
The larger Zevo 600 has over 600 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the Zevo 400 offers less space but is more compact for urban delivery.
CAMI’s production is projected to handle up to 50,000 units per year.
Future Developments
It is anticipated that replacements for the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana, planned for the 2026 model year, will also use Ultium battery technology and may incorporate a smaller version of the Zevo platform.[5]
Recall
On January 11, 2024, GM issued a recall for all 2022 Model Year Chevrolet BrightDrop EV600 vehicles under NHTSA Campaign Number 24V014000. The recall affected 66 units, with GM estimating that 5% had a potential issue involving the front-drive unit, which could leak oil and pose a fire risk. This recall was not related to the high-voltage traction battery.
References
