General Motors (GM) has announced the integration of its BrightDrop electric commercial vans into the Chevrolet brand. This transition is intended to enhance BrightDrop’s market presence by utilizing Chevrolet’s extensive commercial vehicle sales and service dealer network. The BrightDrop electric vehicles (EVs) are reported to have a GM-estimated range of 272 miles, covering both city and highway driving. These vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features designed to keep drivers alert and secure.
The inclusion of BrightDrop’s electric vans into Chevrolet’s expanding EV portfolio is expected to provide customers with increased access to one of the automotive industry’s most extensive commercial sales and service networks. This move is also seen as a strategic effort to promote growth opportunities for the BrightDrop brand within the commercial sector.
Chevrolet dealerships that meet specific commercial EV requirements will have the opportunity to sell BrightDrop vans. Upon certification, these dealerships will also be authorized to service BrightDrop products, thereby supporting fleet operators by helping to minimize vehicle downtime.
Scott Bell, vice president of Chevrolet, emphasized that integrating BrightDrop into the Chevrolet lineup combines advanced EV technology with the brand’s established reputation for dependability and widespread accessibility. Bell noted that this decision reinforces Chevrolet’s position as a leading commercial vehicle brand capable of supporting businesses of various sizes.
BrightDrop was initially introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2021. In 2023, it became part of GM Envolve, GM’s fleet business division that serves a wide range of commercial and government clients. Sandor Piszar, vice president of GM Envolve, highlighted that the Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and 600 models will continue to offer state-of-the-art technology aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing emissions, and optimizing service and delivery functions. Piszar also noted that the integration of BrightDrop into the Chevrolet brand would broaden its market reach and provide more customers with tools to achieve their productivity and carbon-neutral objectives.
Production of the BrightDrop vehicles will continue at the CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. Kristian Aquilina, President of GM Canada, stated that this branding shift underscores the potential GM and Chevrolet see for BrightDrop in the electric fleet market. Aquilina also acknowledged CAMI’s capabilities as Canada’s first large-scale EV manufacturer, noting the importance of the plant in producing BrightDrop commercial EVs under the Chevrolet brand.