Through its new BrightDrop division, which seeks to reinvent the commercial delivery and logistics industry for an all-electric future, General Motors (GM) is reinforcing its commitment to the decarbonization of transportation.
The service features a portfolio of electrified vehicles, smart containers and software designed to decarbonize last-mile deliveries and reduce traffic congestion for a smarter, more sustainable future.
Just one of the largest parcel companies, FedEx, announced that it has taken delivery of its first 150 electric delivery vehicles from BrightDrop. The acquisition represents a key step for the company in its goals to transform its entire pickup and delivery fleet to zero tailpipe emissions by 2040.
Scope and Technology
A General Motors release detailed that the first 150 BrightDrop Zevo 600s were delivered throughout Southern California to FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and one of the world’s largest express carriers.
Powered by GM’s Ultium platform, the Zevo 600 is designed for last-mile deliveries, with an estimated range of up to 250 miles on a full load. This is part of a major agreement between FedEx and BrightDrop that will see the delivery company incorporate a total of 2,500 such models across all operations over the next few years.
With the goal of having a complete electromobility ecosystem, FedEx is building out charging infrastructure across its extensive network of facilities, including the more than 500 charging stations the company has already installed in California. In addition, the company is actively working with utilities to help assess and , determine the capacity needed for electric grids to support such charging infrastructure and is investing to expand on-site generation and renewable energy procurement at its facilities.
BrightDrop President and CEO Travis Katz noted that this agreement brings sustainable solutions at scale to customers. “Our Zevo 600 has been a record-setting vehicle from the beginning. From record 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.”
For his part, FedEx Chief Sustainability Officer, Mitch Jackson, stressed that the company has ambitious sustainability goals, and the phased approach to vehicle electrification is a crucial part of its roadmap to achieve carbon-neutral global operations.
“In just under six months, we have taken delivery of 150 BrightDrop Zevo 600s for our parcel collection and delivery fleet. In the current climate of chip shortages and supply chain issues, this is no ordinary feat and is a true testament to the collaboration between FedEx and BrightDrop,” he added.
