Under BrightDrop, its new brand that caters to the commercial delivery and logistics industry, General Motors unveiled the first model at CES 2021 – BrightDrop EV600. Here’s everything we know about the new electric van.
Design & Features
Though big and boxy, the BrightDrop EV600 looks quite contemporary for a vehicle of its type. The slim headlights, the curved surfaces, and the vertically positioned sleek taillights lend a modern touch to the exterior. Inside, the EV600 is quite appealing, thanks to a minimalist, car-like design. The contemporary design of the dashboard, the free-standing digital instrument cluster and (13.4”) central touchscreen, and the sleek right-side AC vents and compact central AC vents give a low-profile, sophisticated styling to the interior.
The BrightDrop EV600 will gain a more range-focused variant at a later stage. Image Source: GM
To ensure the security of the goods, GM equips the EV600 with a cargo area security system and motion sensors, an auto-locking mechanism for the sliding bulkhead door, and motion-activated interior LED lighting. On the safety front, Front and Rear Park Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and HD backup camera are part of standard equipment. HD Surround Vision around view monitor, Rear Pedestrian Alert, and Blind Zone Steering Assist are available optionally.
Specifications
The BrightDrop EV600 is a full-size electric van GM developed in just 20 months, which was a new development timeline record for the company. It enables customers to make tailpipe emission-free delivery of goods and services over long ranges.
The BrightDrop EV600 measures 290” in length, 87” in width, and 109” in height. Its rear doorway is 58” wide and 72” tall. Thanks to a gross vehicle weight rating of under 10,000 lbs. (9,900 lb.s), there’s no need for additional licensing to drive it. The full-size electric van offers over 600 cubic feet of cargo space and up to est. 2,200 lbs of payload capacity.
BrightDrop EV600 deliveries began in December 2021, with the FedEx taking the keys to the first vans. Image Source: GM
GM hasn’t disclosed the energy content of the EV600’s battery pack yet, but it has revealed it’s a 20-module Ultium battery pack that can provide a range of up to 250 miles (GM est.). This battery pack powers two motors that give the EV an AWD drivetrain layout. According to a GM Authority report, an FWD variant with a 24-module battery pack and a single motor is in the pipeline. The new variant should offer a longer range. The EV600 AWD’s peak DC fast-charging rate is 120 kW, and charging using that method for an hour should provide 160 miles of range, GM estimates.
Production & Deliveries
Currently, the production of the BrightDrop EV600 takes place at a Kuka factory in Livonia (Michigan), USA. In November 2022, GM will relocate the production to its CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll (Ontario), Canada. Deliveries started in December 2021, with FedEx taking the keys to the first 500 units. The Rivian EDV 700 (Rivian Amazon van) is the closest competitor of the EDV600, and it will go on sale soon.
Keyword: Everything we know about the BrightDrop EV600 in Feb 2022