Concurrent with the announcement of the BrightDrop models moving over to the Chevrolet brand, General Motors announced that the GM CAMI plant in Canada will now produce Chevy BrightDrop fully electric vans.
The automaker’s Canadian subsidiary announced in late August that the GM CAMI facility in Ingersoll, Ontario is now producing the Chevy BrightDrop 400 and 600. In addition to expanding the reach of the zero-emission commercial vans, the strategic shift will boost the factory’s capabilities as Canada’s first large-scale EV manufacturer.
CAMI in Ingersoll, Ontario
“GM Canada is proud that our team at CAMI Assembly will now produce BrightDrop commercial EVs under the Chevrolet brand,” said President and Managing Director of GM Canada, Kristian Aquilina. “This branding evolution is a testament to the potential GM and Chevrolet see for BrightDrop in the electric fleet market, and to CAMI’s production capabilities as Canada’s first large-scale EV manufacturer,” he added.
As GM Authority exclusively reported last week, the shift from the BrightDrop Zevo 400 and 600 to the new Chevy BrightDrop 400 and 600 will go into effect across North America beginning with the 2025 model year. In fact, the official announcement of GM’s new move came just days after the tentative August 21st production start date for the 2025 BrightDrop models at the Canadian plant.
GM said all Chevrolet dealers in the United States and select dealers in Canada will have the opportunity to sell BrightDrop vans if they meet certain commercial requirements for electric vehicles. As such, the 2025 Chevy BrightDrop 400 and 600 are expected to begin arriving in both countries by the end of the year through the brand’s certified dealers, who will be able to maintain and service BrightDrop products.
“The Chevy BrightDrop 400 and 600 will continue to feature state-of-the-art technology designed to help enhance efficiency, reduce tailpipe emissions, and optimize service and delivery operations,” said Vice president of GM Envolve, Sandor Piszar. “Integration into the Chevrolet portfolio will expand its reach and accessibility and offer more customers additional tools to help achieve their productivity and carbon-neutral goals,” he finished.
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Comments
Now, send some of those Bright Drop bodies over to the Ft.Wayne, In Silverado plant and mount them on ICE chassis and you will have a winner. The short body goes on the half ton chassis and the long body on the HD chassis. They would be hot sellers, I would wager they would sell more of these than the EV version. Then send a few over to the South Bend, IN RV factories for conversions. GM, you’re welcome, I fixed it for you.
That’s a good idea, but they’d also have to price them right. I think we all know that wouldn’t happen.
We have had 24 400s at the depot for almost 2 years. We’ve saved tens of thousands in fuel. Our drivers ❤️ Brightdrop. They appreciate the near instant hvac. Low noise and smooth pickup. Those assigned don’t want to drive our diesel fleet anymore. They loath visiting the gas bar for diesel at shift end. No more diesel glove and DEF fills. All they do is back up to the belt and plug in.
With the smaller 400 battery pack a charge lasts 2-3 business days in summer. Nightly in winter. Overnight Charging isn’t an issue for us.
And if they had a longer range, would make a great van-life RV. 250 mile range, while great for deliveries, is not so great for backcountry driving.