General Motors has announced a new business called BrightDrop, which will offer an ecosystem of electric first-to-last-mile products, software and services to empower delivery and logistics companies to move goods more efficiently. The announcement was made at CES 2021 by Mary Barra, GM’s CEO.
GM says these BrightDrop solutions are designed to help businesses lower costs, maximize productivity, improve employee safety and freight security, and support overall sustainability efforts.
BrightDrop’s first product to market, the EP1, will be a propulsion-assisted, electric pallet developed to easily move goods over short distances – for example, from the delivery vehicle to the customer’s front door. Available in early 2021, the EP1 can help reduce package touch points, costs and physical strain on delivery drivers.
An EP1 pilot program has already been completed in partnership with FedEx Express.
BrightDrop’s second product to market will be the EV600 — an electric light commercial vehicle purpose-built for the delivery of goods and services over long ranges.
Mary Barra GM Chairman and CEO, says: “BrightDrop offers a smarter way to deliver goods and services. We are building on our significant expertise in electrification, mobility applications, telematics and fleet management, with a new one-stop-shop solution for commercial customers to move goods in a better, more sustainable way.”
Richard Smith, FedEx Express regional president of the Americas and executive vice president of global support, adds: “BrightDrop is a perfect example of the innovations we are adopting to transform our company as time-definite express transportation continues to grow. With this new suite of products, we will help improve the safety, security and timeliness of FedEx Express deliveries, while reducing our environmental impact and protecting the well-being of our couriers.”
Travis Katz has joined BrightDrop as president and CEO from venture capital firm Redpoint Venture.
Keyword: GM Launches BrightDrop, a New Business Built to Electrify The Delivery of Goods & Services