Summary
- General Motors is integrating BrightDrop into its Chevrolet division, allowing Chevy dealers to sell BrightDrop vans
- The vans will be rebadged as Chevrolet BrightDrops and will come in 400 and 600 configurations with estimated ranges up to 272 miles
- DC fast charging can add 160 miles of range per hour of charging to the BrightDrop vans
- BrightDrop was initially launched in January 2021 and production began in September, with the first vans delivered to FedEx in December 2021
- GM plans to continue manufacturing BrightDrop vans at its CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada
Article
General Motors has decided to integrate its electric van business, BrightDrop, into its Chevrolet division. Initially created as a standalone brand focused on electric vans for commercial fleets, BrightDrop will now be offered as Chevrolet BrightDrop vehicles through Chevy’s extensive dealer network. GM believes that combining BrightDrop’s advanced electric vehicle technology with Chevrolet’s reputation for dependability will enhance the appeal of these vans in the market.
The rebadged Chevrolet BrightDrop vans will come in two configurations, with estimated ranges of up to 272 miles with the optional Max Range battery pack. The Chevy BrightDrop 600 is estimated to have a range of 164 miles, while the Chevy BrightDrop 400 is estimated to have a range of 159 miles with the standard battery pack. DC fast charging capabilities will allow for adding 160 miles of range per hour of charging, making these vans suitable for a wide range of commercial applications.
BrightDrop was launched by GM in January 2021, with production commencing in September of the same year. The first vans were delivered to FedEx in December 2021, marking them as some of the first Ultium EVs to be delivered to customers. Higher-volume production began in 2022, with an order also fulfilled for the Ryder rental fleet. GM plans to continue manufacturing BrightDrop vans at its CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, which has previously produced vehicles for other GM brands as well as Suzuki.
According to Scott Bell, GM’s vice president of Chevy, by bringing BrightDrop under the Chevrolet umbrella, GM aims to make advanced EV technology more accessible to a wider audience. The decision to integrate BrightDrop into Chevy will allow all Chevrolet dealers the opportunity to sell these electric vans to commercial customers, provided they meet specific requirements for commercial EV sales. This move represents a strategic decision by GM to leverage Chevrolet’s larger dealer network and further expand the market reach of BrightDrop vehicles.
GM’s decision to incorporate BrightDrop into the Chevrolet division signifies a shift in the company’s approach towards electric vehicle sales and distribution. By aligning BrightDrop’s offerings with the Chevrolet brand, GM hopes to capitalize on Chevy’s strong market presence and customer base. The integration of BrightDrop into Chevy is expected to streamline sales and distribution processes, making it easier for commercial customers to access and purchase these electric vans. GM’s commitment to manufacturing BrightDrop vehicles at its CAMI Assembly plant underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable transportation solutions and the continued growth of its electric vehicle portfolio.
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