GM Marks Major BrightDrop EV Truck Delivery Milestone

GM's subsidiary BrightDrop has delivered 150 electric trucks so far to FedEx.

GM and FedEx are celebrating the delivery of the first 150 BrightDrop all-electric delivery vans. The EV vans are built on GM’s Ultium platform and have an estimated range of 250 miles. This delivery is the first installment of a contract that calls for 2500 of the BrightDrop Zevo 600s to be built for FedEx.

BrightDrop’s First Major Contract

The first batch of EV vans was delivered to FedEx Express facilities in Southern California. FedEx plans to eventually transform its parcel pickup and delivery fleet to all-electric vehicles by 2040. GM says its BrightDrop Zevo 600 is the fastest vehicle brought to market in GM’s history.

“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.”

"This shows how BrightDrop is delivering sustainable solutions at scale to customers today, and we couldn’t be happier to be part of FedEx’s sustainability journey,” said Travis Katz, president and CEO of BrightDrop. “Our Zevo 600 has been a record-setting vehicle from the start. From a record-setting time to market, to delivering one of the largest fleets of electric delivery vans on the road today, BrightDrop is showing the world what sustainable delivery looks like.”

Building an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

FedEx is building its own charging infrastructure across its vast network of facilities. So far, FedEx has installed more than 500 charging stations across California. FedEx is also working with utility companies to help determine the capacity needed for electrical grids to support the necessary charging infrastructure. FedEx is also investing in on-site generation and renewable energy in its facilities.

“For FedEx to successfully achieve our sustainability goals, it will require collaboration across the public, non-profit and corporate sectors,” said Jackson. “Our ongoing collaboration with BrightDrop is a perfect example of what is possible when two organizations come together and work toward achieving similar goals in pursuit of a better world.”

GM Photo

Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.