BrightDrop Delivers the First 150 EV Vans to FedEx

• FedEx receives first batch of 150 Zevo 600 electric trucks from BrightDrop, part of a larger order of over 2000 vans.

• Full-scale production of Zevo vans in two wheelbase options is expected to start later this year as GM completes the refurbishment of a factory in Ingersoll, Ontario.

• A number of logistics giants, as well as big box stores, have placed orders for electric delivery vans, with this segment expected to lead the way for EV adoption among large companies.

BrightDrop has handed over the first big batch of electric delivery vans to FedEx, marking an important milestone for GM's EV-only commercial van startup. Assembly of the Zevo 600 vans began last summer, making them the first vehicles to use GM's Ultium platform to enter production, and a few examples delivered to the logistics giant in the days before the busy holiday season.

This week's delivery is the first big chunk of a commercial order for some 2500 vans ordered by FedEx.

"In just under six months, we've taken delivery of 150 BrightDrop Zevo 600s for our parcel pickup and delivery fleet," said Mitch Jackson, chief sustainability officer, FedEx. "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."

The Zevo 600, previously known as the EV600, is the larger of the two commercial van models launched by the company, and is assembled on a small-volume basis for now, before its own factory in Ingersoll, Ontario, is fully ready by the end of the year. The second, smaller van is the Zevo 410, and was revealed only last fall, featuring a shorter wheelbase and just over 400 cubic feet of cargo space, compared to 600 in the larger van.