GM is integrating its all-electric commercial vans from the BrightDrop brand into the Chevrolet lineup. This move aims to boost sales and accessibility for these vehicles by leveraging the strong brand recognition and expansive dealer network of Chevrolet. According to Sandor Piszar, VP of GM’s fleet business in North America, this change will allow customers who choose to go electric to work with the Chevrolet dealers they already know and trust for their other fleet needs. By tapping into Chevrolet’s network of over 500 commercial-focused stores in the US, the selling and service points for BrightDrop vans will significantly expand.
To become certified dealers for selling BrightDrop products, dealers must meet certain requirements such as having specific vehicle lifts, service bays, and employee training. While GM did not disclose the average cost for dealers to become certified, expenses will vary based on individual stores. The number of new dealers will depend on the number of dealerships that choose to opt in for selling and servicing these vans.
Currently, BrightDrop offers two all-electric commercial vans, the Zevo 400 and Zevo 600, which are primarily used for package delivery. However, starting from the 2025 model year, these vans will be rebranded as Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and 600 vans. Piszar highlighted that Chevrolet is GM’s top-selling fleet brand, making the integration of BrightDrop vans into the Chevrolet lineup a logical and strategic move for the company.
This announcement marks another change for BrightDrop, which was launched as a fully owned subsidiary by GM in 2021 before being folded into the company’s fleet business last year. GM had high hopes for BrightDrop to become a profitable growth venture, but sales and revenue have reportedly fallen short of expectations. While GM did not disclose the actual revenue figures for BrightDrop, it is unlikely that the projected $1 billion in revenue for 2023 was achieved. In 2023, GM only sold around 500 BrightDrop vans, and as of the first half of 2024, sales have reached 746 units.
The BrightDrop vans are manufactured at GM’s CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. The integration of BrightDrop into the Chevrolet brand represents GM’s efforts to bolster its electric vehicle offerings and capitalize on the growing demand for commercial electric vehicles. By leveraging the strong Chevrolet brand and dealer network, GM aims to increase the adoption of electric vehicles among its fleet customers and establish a stronger foothold in the commercial EV market.
