FedX and BrightDrop formed an alliance, and the vehicle BrightDrop Zevo 600 finished a 260-mile trip setting Guinness World Record. The drive was from New York City to Washington DC. Stephen Marlin drove the ride, it is the greatest distance traveled by an electric van on a single charge.
According to the press release, as part of the journey, the Zevo 600 transported 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. FedEx is a strategic first customer of BrightDrop EVs, which received the first units in December 2021.
It’s worth noting that Ultium-based BrightDrop Zevo 600 has a payload of up to an estimated 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) and over 600 cubic feet of the cargo area. The company says that the Zevo 600’s driving range is roughly 250 miles (400 km). It indicates that the team exceeded the nominal range during the run. BrightDrop so far has secured more than 25,000 production reservations for Zevo 600 and Zevo 400 models, including 2,500 from FedEx. Other customers, interested in those all-new electric commercial vehicles are Merchants Fleet (up to 18,000) and Walmart (up to 5,000).
Record-setting vehicle
Travis Katz, BrightDrop president, and CEO said, “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.”
“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 the 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,” adds Mitch Jackson, chief sustainability officer, FedEx. “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.”
Andy Glass, adjudicator, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS, states: “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.”