Episode 174 - GM & BrightDrop All-Electric Delivery Van!

BrightDrop's mission is to decarbonize the last mile through smarter, safer, and more efficient ways of delivering goods and services. With their ZEVO 600 Van, "Trace" Modules and Software, they are offering a delivery ecosystem for a brighter future!
Join me as I cover the Toronto Launch Event and learn more about this exciting offering and market space!
A big thanks to GM and BrightDrop for inviting me!
The EV Revolution Show - April 22, 2022
As always, I welcome any feedback and questions! Thanks for Watching!
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[@Cloxxki]

Remove the divider, make front seats swivel around and give us a TINY HOUSSSSSE! Electrification doesn't work anywhere as well as van life. Produce a canope that doubles the solar roof size. Deze range a day, off the grid. No propane dependency, not even fuel/charging infratructure too much unlessyou drive loads.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching, I am sure someone will do this!

[@Cloxxki]

@@EVRevolution It's a difficult market to explain in the board room, I'm afraid. But when you see how backed up motorhome builders are... People are increasingl fleeing "society". It's an expensive flight unless a wrecked diesel van you convert yourself.

[@saltymangoparty]

I came here specifically for my van life build ideas. This is the future of van life right here. Who cares about delivering packages when you can have an electric vehicle home o wheels, that is complete financial freedom. Where can I buy one?

[@chrisbala738]

Great video! I could see those being a great platform for Class B / smaller Class C motorhomes, especially since they're claiming 400km range.

[@Cloxxki]

This would unlock so much freedom for people a decent size battery in a decent size van. Cells are now $80/kWh from third party suppliers. Maybe even less. Range isn't too crucial even on a motorhome, but designing it well is, IMO. Prepare for HUGE solar installation. Full roof PULL full roof sized extending canope. On such a size vehicle, it makes sense for off-grid living. How much range might you get on a good summer's day from a 20 m² solar roof? Not enough to drive all day, but enough to get groceries a bit out of the way, go sight seeing. Imagine a slot under the floor to just add a variety of salvaged batteries. Model 3/Y, LEAF, etc. Let's not pretend those things are too hard to engineer. It's a matter of actually caring.

[@chrisbala738]

Most RVs have awnings anyway, so a solar version would be great. Once you get to your destination, you're stationary for a few days... Lots of time for the panels to do their thing.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching and yes, however BD is strictly going after the commercial sector.

[@EVRevolution]

@Cloxxki Thanks!

[@EVRevolution]

@Chris Bala Thanks for watching.

[@mobiletoonz]

As a CAMI employee, we are excited to be building these trucks.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback! You should be excited and I hope to come a visit the Ingersoll plant soon!

[@scottburton414]

A good introduction to BrightDrop Ken. It seems like a very capable EV for the purpose. With all the delivery trucks on my street every day I can't wait for at least some of them to be electric. If those are manufactured in Ontario, all the better!

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching and same here!

[@PilotEJ401]

Another important show Ken! Great to see you being able to access this company/product in your backyard! Kudos!

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks Eric!

[@petersilva037]

The truck is totally silent and looks great! The racks, on the other hand, make a heck of a racket. It didn´t matter when you had an ice engine making all sorts of roaring noises, but now the shelves banging around are really annoying. Is that what´s clanging over every bump? What a great base for a camper-van.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching Peter. Yes the parking lot area had some good bumps in it and that noise was the empty interior shelving clanging around. Normally. it would be a bit quieter with the door to the cargo area from the front section closed. We left it open and without anything in it, you can hear the sound. However, this is typical on these vehicles so nothing new - except the silent and zero emissions of the EV powertrain!

[@yacahumax1431]

Cant wait to see them on the road, replacing ice vans.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching, me too!

[@rml695]

One thing I’m wondering is if there’s something being done to combat that loud rattling in the back? (I would think some drivers could get rather annoyed by that)

[@jamespeterson7100]

I was annoyed by it I had to fast forward hoping it would stop. 🤪

[@EVRevolution]

@rml695 The van was empty and we had the inside door open to the back, so yes was noisy from the empty shelves rattling on a bumpy parking lot.

[@EVRevolution]

@James Peterson Not much I could do about that. The van was empty and we had the inside door open to the back, so yes was noisy from the empty shelves rattling on a bumpy parking lot.

[@patreekotime4578]

Generally speaking, noise is the least concern for delivery drivers. If the AC in this thing works it will be a massive improvement over what many delivery drivers suffer through daily.

[@Slider68]

Many years ago and for more than 9 years in total, I made my income by driving. Although some drivers will claim they don't care if the shelves rattle, I can tell you first hand that it absolutely does matter. Driving all day in a loud, clanking, rattling van or truck vs driving all day in a quiet, smooth running vehicle has a huge impact on the driver's ability to safely work long hours and on the companies' ability to retain good employees. Another thing to consider is anything that is rattling, is slowly (or quickly) wearing. Rattling shelves will eventually fall apart and/or require maintenance. I'm sure once these start being sold in volume, the rattles (for the driver) will be fixed...

[@victorseal9047]

Excellent overview Kenneth.

[@EVRevolution]

Much thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@johnnykemenes6992]

Great show buddy and more great news about ev van and GM 😊

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks 👍

[@americanrambler4972]

The new GM P-40 van. This is actually a sharp looking van and looks to be pretty well laid out and set up for work. I wonder how air and wind tight the doors are going to be and can you drive with them open? Those clattering rattling shelves are beyond annoying. A 100 years of delivery van development and they still haven’t bothered to fix those noisy shelves.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching! Yes, the noise would take some getting used to and they should fix it! :)

[@ronisworld2916]

i want one! looking forward for your review on that smaller version that they got as well. thank you for sharing this!

[@EVRevolution]

Thank for watching! I don't think these will be available for consumers anytime soon, but who knows.

[@A.Deveneaux]

Thanks Ken for the video on the commercial front. It’s good to know what these companies are doing towards electrification in last mile delivery services.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching and appreciate the feedback!

[@Quickicecarreviews123]

Great video! I want an all electric van for personal vehicle

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks, from the front it looks like an RV!

[@Azaurus1]

This should be a good platform for shuttlebuses, food trucks and rvs. Looking forward to that.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching! For sure!

[@jamespaul2587]

Great overview, and congratulations for getting the interview and some time at the wheel, Ken! How scared were you when he asked you to back up and park this beast? :) I was wondering how the BrightDrop program was progressing, as I haven't heard much lately. Volume production in 2025 isn't far away, I'm really excited to see these on the road soon. I think I may have to incorporate so JP Enterprises can buy one of these for a camper conversion soon :)

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks JP. Yes was honoured to be asked to attend that event. Not scared at all. I've driven some bigger vehicles like a 27-Ton 3-Axel Dump Truck and a School Bus once. Also pulled a 22-foot Travel Trailer with a Windstar Mini-Van for a few years way back when we used to do a lot of summer camping. Even took that to the East Coast and back. Also while in the Military way back in my life, I did drive some larger people vans, like 9-pass and even some larger ones, like Airport Shuttle types. So I have a bit of a mix in my driving history! JP Enterprises would be a great idea as many have the same thoughts. However, BD is staying strictly commercial for now based on what they told me. So you may have to look elsewhere for other BEV RV options.

[@George090974]

My knee was hurting from having to press the clutch all the time. Happy i got an automatic transmission van at work. Next step: electric!

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching and for your feedback! Hopefully electric next yes!

[@mxr572]

why doesn't the display screen tilt towards the driver so it can be easier seen? same with Tesla. should be closer to driver as well. driver must divert attention from looking forward to work screen.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching! I've talked to a few drivers and they did not express any negativity on this matter. We will see however.

[@monkeysausage2404]

In the mean time Arrival hasn't delivered a single van.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching!

[@petekraemer2538]

Why is it that EVs are 18 to 24 months delivery in Ontario. Specifically the new Toyotas and V. W.s

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching @Pete Kraemer and great questions. Like almost everything today, autos in general are suffering still from Covid post-shutdowns, parts supply chain inventories and logistics delays & challenges. All this amounts to delays on getting vehicles into consumers driveways. Add in BEVs which production numbers are shooting up rapidly to the mix and the need for batteries and motor supplies has increased astronomical. That piece of the pie earlier only carved up by 3 or 4 OEMs is now needed to be carved up by dozens. So there is only so much to go around and the EV OEMs need to introduce allocations for their BEVs. This means, they only ship so many to different regions and the percentages for those regions, is dependent on market share and size. Canada is in a global view, a small auto market with a great year being 2M LDV delivered. Last year it was about 1.6M. States like California do more than that and regions like Europe 10-20x. So the OEMs look at the best bang for their buck in sales and Canada has to wait longer. It's business 101. My advise, if you are considering a BEV, put in a reservation (or reservations) on products of interest as soon as possible. Don't wait till there is inventory sitting in dealer or direct sales locations lots. This won't happen for at least the next couple of years as this market takes off. Oh and make sure any reservations you put in, are fully refundable. :)

[@gilgingras5599]

Hi Ken, factory tour when production starts please. Great show.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching! Funny you should ask....I asked for the same thing hopefully this year.

[@tamifluwillkillyou]

I work at Cami and can't wait to start building these!

[@googlreviews7813]

Just don't think about one if you live in Florida or other flood frequent areas. Batteries on these things will explode when in contact with salt water.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching!

[@whatsdrugs]

Will this vehicle be available to consumers?

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching. As of now, no. This is a commercial-only product. However, things could change so continue to follow them.

[@Luapnampahc]

That noise. No driver would put up with that.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching. Well you are wrong because all drivers do.

[@Depytat96]

12:20 Why is the van rattling like a rattle?

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching. A few have asked the same question. It's empty and an early production version that has the shelving installed. When empty the metal shakes and you hear the noise. Common on most delivery vehicles, you should go for a ride with your local UPS or Fed Ex guy to experience it. Not uncommon at all.

[@TheKimmer1969]

Cool truck but the loud rattling in the back is not good....

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching!

[@YMAdventures]

How much is this

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching and good question. I don't have any MSRP estimates, however the EV600 is estimated to save about $7K USD per year of operation, compared with the ICEV alternative. I think the purchase pricing is slightly higher up front, as is typical with all BEVs today, however probably in the area of 10-30% more.

[@jorad4887]

This will never come mass produce because every company is having battery shortage like gm bolt. When the battery is released there's a problem as well so I don't see ev taking off soon, however they should focus on hydrogen fuel cell which is more abundant and way cheaper to create and recharge.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching. I totally disagree with you as this industry is only starting to ramp up. Of course every OEM is struggling with supply-chain, not just electrics. I see an 8-month wait for an ICEV BMW. So it is not fair to criticize because of that. Hydrogen is a good option for commercial, however the infrastructure to build your own fuelling system is very expensive, and level 2 chargers are much cheaper to mass install than to build a hydrogen facility. Hydrogen fuelling is nowhere near as abundant as EV charging, maybe in California and a few other regional pockets. All-electrics are a faster way for fleets to ramp up and that is what we are seeing, especially for last-mile type applications. For mass transit, mass public works and other type uses, like waste management, Hydrogen can make sense when the infrastructure build and fuelling investments are distributed over many use cases. Both have merits and GM's bright drop serves a very big market. Just like Rivian with the Amazon delivery vans and many others (DHL, FedEx, etc.). The short to mid-range light truck market is huge.

[@jamesdubben3687]

Removing Dirty, Disgusting, Deadly, Diesels from our neighborhoods is fantastic. Motorhome, Motorhome, Motorhome, Motorhome. Just say'in

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching and yes, it would make a great RV!

[@bernietoast2686]

Difficult to take this “review” seriously. It’s just a promotion for GM…

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching. Well I can tell you I was not paid anything by GM or Brightdrop to do this. All I was given was an invitation to attend this media event, a chance to drive the Van and a free coffee and a snack. I had to make my own way down to Toronto (about 50km drive each way) and spend a few hours of my time to attend and put this video together. No promotion for GM here on my mind I can tell you. Just the honest facts about BrightDrop and GMs commitment to furthering electrification. If you think that is a promotion and not to be taken seriously, well then your viewpoint of the marketplace is very shortsighted.

[@garenkarapetian709]

The whole video seems staged.

[@EVRevolution]

Thanks for watching. Well, it was a media event where we could get information, interviews and do a quick drive. These happen all the time so if they are staged, then sure. Not sure what your point is in stating that. The LMD (Last Mile Delivery) Market is a great area for EV adoption, especially BEVs and I for one and glad to see GM/Brightdrop step up.