Ryder to Expand its Fleet with BrightDrop's Electric Vehicles

Ryder System, Inc. has announced that it will add BrightDrop's Zevo 600 and Zevo 400 electric delivery vehicles to its lease and rental fleet. The announcement highlights Ryder's continuous efforts to address the increasing demand for commercial electric vehicles (EVs) in the transportation and logistics industries. The expansion of its offering will allow Ryder's customers to not only test and expand their EV usage but also enhance the driving experience while accelerating their sustainability goals.
​
“We aim to make fleet electrification as seamless as possible by investing in alternative vehicle solutions to offer sustainable and economic advantages for our customers,” says Tom Havens, president of fleet management solutions for Ryder. “Ryder continues to be at the forefront of identifying advanced and emerging vehicle technology by serving as an extended research and development arm for its customers.”

BrightDrop, a General Motors subsidiary, specializes in electric delivery vehicles and associated products and services. The company's electric vehicles are designed to help businesses improve the efficiency and sustainability of their delivery operations. 

The Zevo 600 and Zevo 400 electric vans boast a range of up to 250 miles on a full charge, and can support a payload of about 2,000 to 3,400 lbs. With Zevo 600’s cargo capacity of over 600 cubic feet and Zevo 400’s cargo capacity of over 400 cubic feet, BrightDrop’s electric vans offer the benefits of an electric powertrain with ample cargo space.

Ryder plans to deploy model year 2023 Zevo 600 electric vans in its rental fleet in California, Dallas-Fort Worth, and New York City later this year. The new 2024 Zevo 600 and Zevo 400 models for lease and rental customers are expected to be available as early as summer 2023 and into the first quarter of 2024.
​
Ryder's decision to add BrightDrop's electric vehicles to its fleet is in line with the company's commitment to sustainability. According to Steve Sensing, Ryder's President of Global Supply Chain Solutions, the move is part of the company's broader efforts to "build a more sustainable future."

In addition to their environmental benefits, electric vehicles also offer significant cost savings compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. With lower fuel and maintenance costs, businesses can reduce their operating expenses and improve their bottom line.

“We are excited to focus on providing additional light duty EVs in our Ryder rental and lease fleets in 2023,” adds Carlo Rodriguez, group director for advanced vehicle technology for Ryder. “At Ryder, we want to help customers meet their sustainability, compliance, and operational goals through advanced vehicle technology solutions, and BrightDrop’s electric vans help us do just that.”

Ryder's partnership with BrightDrop is a positive development for the transportation industry and for the environment. By adding electric vehicles to its fleet, Ryder is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability while also offering its customers a more efficient and cost-effective transportation solution. As more businesses look to reduce their environmental impact, partnerships like this one will become increasingly important in driving the adoption of electric vehicles and building a more sustainable future.

Source: Ryder