GM accelerates on electric LCV production. The BrightDrop EV600 ready to hit the road
In addition, BrightDrop introduced its newest vehicle, the EV410, which combines many of the same features of the EV600, boasting more than 37 cubic meters of cargo area and a shorter wheelbase of just over 3,800 mm.
The very first BrightDrop EV600 light commercial vehicle has been completed and immediately broke a record, as it is «the fastest built vehicle, from concept to commercialization, in General Motors’ history», according to BrightDrop. The latter is a new business, from General Motors, reimagining the commercial delivery and logistics industry for an all-electric future.
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. The result was obtained despite the global supply chain delays and shortages.
BrightDrop EV600 record-breaking production time
«Getting our first electric vehicles on the streets in record time before another peak holiday shipping season is the best gift we could receive this year, especially when we consider the supply chain headwinds the world is facing right now», said Travis Katz, BrightDrop president and CEO. «This is a strong statement to the market of how our unique operations setup, which marries the cutting-edge innovation, agility and focus of a technology startup with the scale and manufacturing might of a major automaker, can deliver real value to both customers and the planet. BrightDrop’s holistic delivery solutions are designed to help tackle these challenges head on. We’re excited to get these world-class electric vehicles on the streets in record time».
BrightDrop is partnering with a U.S. 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.
The newest vehicle, the EV410
In addition, BrightDrop introduced its newest vehicle, the EV410, which combines many of the same features of the EV600, boasting more than 37 cubic meters of cargo area and a shorter wheelbase of just over 3,800 mm. 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, helping companies meet their sustainability goals while opening new and exciting markets for BrightDrop. Production is planned to start in 2023 at CAMI assembly plant.
