General Motors' battery-electric commercial vehicle division, BrightDrop, is now officially part of the Chevrolet brand. In a somewhat surprising announcement, the Detroit-based automaker has confirmed BrightDrop's EVs will now wear the bow tie badge and will join the brand's sales and service dealer network.
Every Chevy dealership will be given the opportunity to sell and service BrightDrop vans as long as they meet a specific list of criteria.
“With the addition of BrightDrop to the Chevrolet lineup, we are combining advanced EV technology with the dependability and widespread accessibility that only Chevrolet can offer," said Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet. "This move strengthens our EV offerings and reaffirms our role as a leading commercial brand that enables businesses large and small to get work done."
BrightDrop as a brand has not been around for long. Following its introduction in January 2021, it was integrated into GM's business fleet, Envolve, in 2023. Production, like before, takes place at the OEM's CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario.
“The Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and 600 will continue to feature state-of-the-art technology designed to help enhance efficiency, reduce tailpipe emissions, and optimize service and delivery operations,” said Sandor Piszar, vice president, GM Envolve. “Integration into the Chevrolet portfolio will expand its reach and accessibility and offer more customers additional tools to help achieve their productivity and carbon-neutral goals.”
The BrightDrop EV can travel an estimated 272 miles city/highway/combined on a single charge.
Last year, Ryder announced plans to introduce 4,000 BrightDrop Zevo 600 and Zevo 400 EV vans into its lease and rental fleet through 2025. Other major corporations that are also acquiring these vans include Walmart and FedEx.
[Related: Ryder announces new EV program to help fleets transition to zero emissions]
“This branding evolution is a testament to the potential GM and Chevrolet see for BrightDrop in the electric fleet market, and to CAMI’s production capabilities as Canada’s first large-scale EV manufacturer," said GM Canada President Kristian Aquilina.
