Logistics giant FedEx Corp. has received its first vehicles of an order of 500 electric Light Commercial Vehicles (eLCVs) from BrightDrop, GM’s new electric delivery and logistics business. The introduction of BrightDrop’s all-electric, zero-tailpipe emissions EV600 vehicles into the FedEx fleet is part of the company’s goal to take its global operations carbon neutral by 2040.
Powered by the Ultium battery platform, the EV600 has an estimated range of up to 250 miles on a full charge.
Purpose-built for the delivery of goods and services, the vehicle offers more than 600 cubic feet of cargo area.
The first few EV600s are being delivered to the FedEx Express facility in Inglewood, California, where they will be housed and operated.
To support the new vehicle technology, FedEx is building charging infrastructure across its network of facilities in the U.S., including the 500 charging stations the company has already installed across California.
FedEx is also actively working with utility companies to help evaluate and determine the capacity needed for electrical grids to support such charging infrastructure.
Travis Katz, President and CEO of BrightDrop, says: “As eCommerce continues to grow, BrightDrop is thrilled to partner with FedEx in our mission to dramatically reduce vehicle emissions from delivery and deliver a brighter future for all of us. FedEx has ambitious sustainability goals, and the speed with which we brought the first BrightDrop electric vehicles to market shows how the private sector can innovate and help bring solutions for some of our biggest climate- and emissions-related challenges.”
He adds: “The EV600 combines the best attributes of a traditional and a step-in van into one vehicle, keeping driver safety, comfort, and convenience top of mind. It’s also the fastest-built vehicle, from concept to market, in GM’s history.”
Mitch Jackson, Chief Sustainability Officer, FedEx. comments: “The delivery of the first BrightDrop EV600s is a historic moment, born out of a spirit of collaboration between two leading American companies. At FedEx, transforming our pickup and delivery fleet to electric vehicles is integral to achieving our ambitious sustainability goals announced earlier this year. This collaborative effort shows how businesses can take action to help usher in a lower-emissions future for all.”
BrightDrop‘s portfolio of electric vehicles, smart containers, and software are designed to decarbonise last-mile deliveries and reduce congestion for a smarter, more sustainable future.
