Logistics giant FedEx has taken delivery of the first batch of General Motors’ BrightDrop electric delivery vans. This marks a milestone as the company continues to transit its operations into sustainable carbon-neutral ideals. Earlier this year when BrightDrop, the logistics and electric delivery arm of GM, was launched, FedEx placed an order of 500 electric delivery vans.

The collaboration between FedEx and BrightDrop has now culminated in the delivery of the first set of electric Light Commercial Vehicles (eLCVs), named the EV600. FedEx has now confirmed taking delivery of the first five units of the EV600. Some images of the new EV600 electric delivery vans were also shared by FedEx.

The EV600 is powered by GM’s Ultium platform and the van has an estimated range of up to 250 miles (402.3km) on a full charge. The EV600 offers more than 600 cubic feet (17 cubic meters) of cargo space.

FedEx had put 2040 as its target for its global pickup and delivery (PUD) fleet to go all-electric.The EV600 delivery vans are to be deployed at FedEx’s Express facility in Inglewood, California. According to Mitch Jackson, Chief Sustainability Officer of FedEx, the addition of the BrightDrop EV600 EVs into its fleet is a historic moment for both companies. The milestone keys into FedEx’s strategic plans to transform its pickup and delivery fleet to electric vehicles. The move also keys squarely into the ambitious sustainability goals already outlined by FedEx.

Travis Katz, President, and CEO of BrightDrop, also weighed in on the momentous occasion, coming barely a year after the formation of BrightDrop. For Katz, as eCommerce continues to blossom, the company’s mission is to dramatically reduce vehicle emissions from delivery vans. He also stated that FedEx has ambitious sustainability goals and the collaboration with FedEx shows how the private sector can innovate and help bring solutions to climate and emissions-related challenges.

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