General Motors introduced its BrightDrop subsidiary in January 2021 with the unveiling of the BrightDrop EV series of electric delivery vans. Rebranded as BrightDrop Zevo in April 2022, the zero-emission delivery van lineup was moved to Chevy for the 2025 model year.
Reading between the lines, the Detroit automaker wants to broaden the appeal of all-electric vans by giving them a familiar brand. The shift in focus isn’t just about branding, though, as the aforementioned EVs will benefit from Chevrolet’s much larger dealer network for sales and service of commercial vehicles.
By the way, Chevy lists a total of eight commercial models on its website as of press time, starting with the midsize Colorado and the half-ton Silverado. The rest include the Express Cutaway and Express Van, followed by the Silverado HD, the Silverado 3500 HD Chassis Cab, the Isuzu-based Low Cab Forward, and finally the Silverado 4500 HD lineup through the 6500 HD.
The BrightDrop division was integrated into GM’s fleet business in November 2023, with the BrightDrop nameplate to be used on the 2025 Chevrolet BrightDrop and future models. At the time, General Motors announced that BrightDrop Chief Executive Travis Katz would be stepping down from his role in December 2023. GM did not explain the reason behind his departure, but we do know that integrating BrightDrop will definitely save GM a lot of money in the long run.
According to the accompanying release, the largest of Detroit’s Big Three automakers promises up to 272 miles on the combined test cycle. That’s just under 270 miles in the metric system, and GM further emphasizes that this is an internal estimate rather than an EPA rating.
Photo: GM
Maximum payload is 3,710 pounds or 1,683 kilograms for the front-wheel drive BrightDrop 400, and maximum cargo volume is 614.7 cubic feet or 17,406 liters for the BrightDrop 600. As you may have already guessed, the 2025 Chevrolet BrightDrop features two trims and two transmission choices.
The BrightDrop 400 is listed with a wheelbase of 151.1 inches and an overall length of 238.6 inches, while the BrightDrop 600 comes in at 183.3 and 290.0 inches, respectively. The maximum charging speed for both is 160 miles (257 kilometers) per hour, and the gross vehicle weight ratings are 9,990 to 11,000 pounds (4,531 to 4,990 kilograms), respectively.
Oh, and by the way, GM advertises two battery options on its Envolve retail division’s website. For one reason or another, the lighter front-wheel drive version can’t be had with the larger battery. That’ll require buyers to shell out a little more for all-wheel drive, which is a shame since an electric motor would be much better for range.
In terms of production, the 2025 Chevrolet BrightDrop model year will be produced in Ontario at CAMI Assembly. The Canadian plant began vehicle production in 1989 with the Suzuki Cultus-based Geo Metro and the Suzuki Escudo-based Geo Tracker.