A new venture by General Motors and start-up company BrightDrop is now producing all-electric EV600 delivery vans that address the need for zero-emission deliveries. So named to highlight the electric commercial van’s 600 cubic feet of enclosed cargo space, the EV600 features an available payload of 2200 pounds and a substantial maximum gross vehicle weight rating of 9900 pounds. With an overall wheelbase just over 150 inches and a length of 288 inches, the EV600 is large enough for commercial delivery use but also well-sized for city maneuverability. This heavy hauler is also prepared for all driving conditions with its all-wheel-drive traction.
The van’s space-efficient packaging places its 20 module GM Ultium battery below the vehicle’s flat load floor so there is no infringing on cargo space. Ultium is the advanced generation battery developed by GM that will power all of its future EV products and is now being used in the GMC Hummer EV. GM estimates the EV600 will deliver up to 250 miles of range on a full charge. As with most electric vehicles, the BrightDrop 600 can capture lost energy through a regenerative braking system during deceleration and stop and go traffic. Charging via a 120 kW DC fast charger provides up to 170 miles of electric range in just an hour.
Safety and Security
EV600 comes with a standard cargo area security system and motion sensors that can alert a driver to shifting cargo loads. The bulkhead between the driver/passenger features an autolocking door and the cargo bay features a large sliding door for easy access. Interior lighting is provided by energy efficient LED lights.
Recognizing that visibility in a panel van can be challenging, the EV600 features an optional HD surround vision system using multiple cameras around the van to give the driver a birds-eye view of the area surround the EV600. A 13.4-inch LCD infotainment screen is provided. Advanced driver assist systems include automatic emergency braking and forward collision alert, along with front pedestrian braking, front and rear park assist, and optional blind zone steering assist.
BrightDrop Product Line
Fleet managers will appreciate the ability to remotely locate and track the EV600 through GPS, with the added capability of remotely locking, unlocking, starting, and stopping the EV600. Overall, BrightDrop offers a well thought-out product line that’s enhanced with BrightDrop powered pallets, which enable an individual delivery driver to efficiently move heavy cargo at the delivery site. The EV600 comes with a 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 8-year 100,000 electrification warranty.
The EV600 is now in limited production with large-scale manufacturing slated to move to GM’s CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Canada later in 2022. This electric delivery van will no doubt become a common sight on public roads soon since the first batch of EV600s has been delivered to FedEx in time for holiday season deliveries.
