BrightDrop, FedEx set record for ‘greatest distance traveled by an electric van on a single charge’

GM’s EV commercial van division BrightDrop, in partnership with FedEx, has set the bar high as the BrightDrop Zevo 600 — a GM-made battery electric delivery van — completed a near 260-mile (around 418 kilometers) trip from New York City to Washington, DC to set the Guinness World Records title for “greatest distance traveled by an electric van on a single charge.”

“Since the beginning, the Zevo 600 has been a record-setting vehicle. Now we’re seeing firsthand what BrightDrop can do by pairing our zero-operating-emissions technology with FedEx, a leader in the transportation and delivery industry. Having a long battery range with reliable power is critical to electrifying delivery fleets everywhere. This special delivery highlights our products’ advanced capabilities and our mission to decarbonize deliveries,” said BrightDrop president and CEO Travis Katz.

Behind the wheel was Stephen Marlin, who drove the Zevo 600 to transport a shipment of Full Circle sustainable cleaning products from its headquarters in New York City to a MOM’s Organic Market location in Washington, D.C., a Mid-Atlantic chain of family-owned and operated organic grocery stores.

“Congratulations to Stephen Marlin, BrightDrop, and FedEx on achieving the Guinness World Records title for the greatest distance traveled by an electric van on a single charge. This accomplishment is a perfect example of the extraordinary efforts taken to make a difference for the environment and a fitting way to commemorate Earth Day 2022. We welcome them into the family of Guinness World Records title holders,” said Guinness World Records Adjudicator Andy Glass.

The Zevo 600 is also the fastest vehicle to be marketed in GM’s history. It took only 20 months for the automotive conglomerate to complete the first production builds of the Zevo 600, which were immediately delivered to FedEx. Combining the focus and agility of a startup with the manufacturing might and expertise of GM enabled BrightDrop’s speed to market while putting it in a position to help some of the world’s largest companies tackle today's biggest climate- and emissions-related challenges.

“FedEx is proud to be a part of this record-setting moment as we work toward our goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040. Electrifying our entire parcel pickup and delivery fleet is a crucial component of that goal and we’re thrilled BrightDrop is bringing real solutions to the market that can help us get there. I’ve long said sustainability is a team sport. Today’s milestone is a perfect example of how businesses can lead the charge in ushering in a more sustainable future for customers, our communities, and our planet through collaboration,” said FedEx Sustainability Officer Mitch Jackson.

Photos from GM

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