GM has issued a service bulletin providing insight into a charging-related problem that affects certain BrightDrop Zevo 600 vans.
The service bulletin, first published on April 5th, 2022, indicates some 2022 BrightDrop Zevo 600 Utility vans may experience a software issue when plugged into a public charging stall that could prevent the vehicle from initiating the charge sequence. This problem is related to a “software anomaly” that may be caused by oversized or damaged terminals in the charge cord connector. This allegedly happens more frequently at charging stations that are in frequent use by multiple vehicles, such as those at car dealerships or busy parking garages.
GM’s service bulletin for this issue indicates “updated software and calibrations will be released at a later date and communicated at that time.” In the meantime, GM recommends service technicians clear any fault codes related to this problem and tell owners to try another charge station. This problem produces the diagnostic trouble codes P0D9A, P298C and P0E5F.
All BrightDrop Zevo 600 vans that have been delivered to date are manufactured by Kuka AG, a third-party company that’s handling production of the utility vans while the automaker’s CAMI plant in Canada is being retooled. The first 500 examples of the Zevo 600 are being delivered to American logistics company FedEx, which was BrightDrop’s first customer. The CAMI plant is expected to begin production of the Zevo 600, as well as the smaller Zevo 400, this coming winter.
The BrightDrop Zevo 600 taps GM’s Ultium battery technology and Ultium drive motor technology, with the launch model utilizing an all-wheel-drive setup with two electric motors, a 20-module battery, and an estimated driving range of 250 miles. The larger Zevo 600 has 600 cubic feet of cargo space and GVWR of fewer than 10,000 pounds, while the Zevo 400 has 400 cubic feet of cargo space and the same GVWR.
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Comments
Notice it’s the same bulletin as the Hummer has in your previous article… They are running the same firmware.
proof that gm needs to make their own charging station specifically for gm vehicles.
Under what circumstances would a BrightDrop be charging at a public charging station. Wouldn’t it be charging at a FedX hub that would be BrightDrop specific?
BrightDrop isn’t FedEx specific. Amazon, Wal-Mart, and other smaller fleets have them too.
Also, FedEx is having a mixed fleet. They’re getting some step vans from Xos, full size Chanje vans and I know they’re electrifying terminal trucks (semis that haul trailers around the yard).
Amazon and FedEx Ground trucks are owned or leased by independent contractors. They can chose any model off an approved list. They may be taken home, parked or charged elsewhere. (I understand FedEx Express is getting the first orders of BrightDrop and Ground will get them at some point)
You then have the situation where somebody messed up and forgot to charge, so the driver realizes they can’t make it halfway through the shift and has to stop at a public station. Or perhaps the truck is being moved long distances for delivery or fleet management purposes and has to stop halfway for a charge.
I’m going to follow Al’s comment. Why on earth would a delivery van as such be using public charging? Isn’t the entire point to have these rigs being charges overnight (when electricity is cheaper too)? Then when the drivers begin their shift, the van should be fully charged and ready for the day. I don’t see any way that one of these would burn through all the charge with the constant stop and go city driving.
It uses the same firmware that’s on the Hummer and any changes to one will impact the other.
Also not every charger a company deploys will be provided by GM.
This might be an unpopular opinion maybe but here goes.
The Industry should just adopt Tesla DC Superchargers and their Plug in port. They are by miles the absolute best in the Business. Nobody comes close especially when their Version 4 Chargers come out…..Rumor is they will be 350kW
Sometimes you simply have to tip your Hat to the Competition and just move on to more important things.
SAE J1772 is good for 400 kW DC. Nothing special. What’s more important is throwing cash at the power company to allow you to put a 350 kW load in, and the huge demand charges you’re going to have to pay.
J1772 is an ac standard not dc Dcfc are ccs and only deliver dc
@Sam
The two most important things for BEV Drivers on the go are the following….
First: DC Fast Chargers that work when you show up….Tesla is by miles the best. It isn’t even close!!!
Second: DC Fast Charging speed. Tesla is at 250kW currently but rumor is the upcoming V4 Stalls will be 350kW.
Electrify America already has some 350kW Stations but the main issue is that they are NOT reliable at all. When you are on a Road Trip you have to know that when you get the Stall to charge it will always work.
Another reason I don’t want an EV! I had no issues fueling my Silverado.
And yet here you are posting on an ev site. Go figure
With my monthly rebate from my power company it costs me $10 a month to drive my ev unless I take a long trip. That will buy me two gallons of gas
@SilveradoWT
Completely agree with that Statement.
This is literally one of the biggest reasons why Tesla sells way more BEV’s than anyone because you simply pull up and plug in. That is literally all you do.
Hence why I personally think all BEV’s in America should simply adopt the Tesla Charging Port Standard. We do not have many BEV’s on the road as China and Europe do so we can change over without issues.