Five years ago this spring, homes across America heard more rumbles, slams, and beeps as delivery trucks and vans traversed neighborhood streets.

The vehicles brought a daily surge of packages and deliverable goods to homes as Americans faced their first-ever lockdowns and forced work-from-home situations to avoid the COVID-19 virus.

Along with the convenience of online ordering and delivery, the more frequent internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks and vans also added a layer of noise pollution and emissions.

Just in time, the pandemic sped up the arrival of the first wave of electric delivery vans, most notably the BrightDrop 400 and 600 from General Motors, which launched in 2022. Three years later, they are now part of Chevrolet, with the 2025 MY including more upgrades.

A New Generation Electric Van

A recent test drive of the 2025 Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 AWD proves the next-gen electric delivery van is growing up. This smooth, quiet, and nimble van rolls with respect for its surroundings. 

Its simple, clean, aerodynamic look blends in with the ambiance of scenic and manicured neighborhoods.

With a cargo volume of 412 cubic feet and a maximum payload of 3,480 pounds, it’s the perfect size for communities with narrow streets and tight turns. 

The combined GM estimated highway-city range of 272 miles can handle just about any local delivery or duty cycle — with multiple starts and stops throughout the day. Such a range enables a fleet operation to recharge its vans while parked overnight. 

Empowering Drivers with Doors

Thanks to a power door package added since 2022, the driver can open and close the two side doors and interior cargo door with a series of controls and automatic options while seated. That makes their routes more efficient. By cutting seconds off each delivery, the driver can handle more stops with fewer steps, while moving faster and more flexibly from behind the wheel. 

The BrightDrop 400 van’s size enables it to squeeze into a standard parking spot, whether parallel or perpendicular. (The only difference between the 400 and 600 models is that the 600 has four additional feet of cargo volume).

It provides panoramic windshield and side window views complemented with rearview mirrors and front and rear cameras. Its myriad alerts and prompts can quickly correct any driver errors or oversights.

Such features improve safety, with driver comfort a major part of it. Easily accessible dashboard screen controls, a seat with superior back support, wide views, and audio/music options can make fleet drivers feel more relaxed, patient, and pleasant.

A Foothold in Fleets

While exact numbers of BrightDrop vans sold so far are not available, GM reports 250+ unique fleet and commercial customers now deploy BrightDrop vans in their operations. These range in size and scope from large companies such as Walmart, FedEx, Ryder, and Merchant’s Fleet to smaller operators who own service companies, such as electricians and plumbers. 

Since 2022, GM has integrated the BrightDrop brand into the Chevrolet portfolio allowing it to reach a wider customer base that can access dealership networks for sales, support, and service, said Siddhant Garg, product marketing manager for BrightDrop, in a recent interview.

“The BrightDrop is designed for commercial customers and fleet owners,” Garg said. “It’s a step van that makes it easier and comfortable with the driver in mind while lowering the cost of ownership.”

Garg pointed out the power door package evolved from listening to customers and understanding how the van could better meet their delivery routines. “The more you can automate repetitive tasks, the better. That makes it easier physically for the drivers and saves them time that stacks up when making 200 deliveries a day. It also keeps the driver and cargo safe.” 

GM has updated and fine-tuned the van's safety features, including a 360-degree camera system so sharp that it allows for precisely aligned parking on all four sides of a space, Garg said. The van now comes with 20 standard safety features, both electric and passive. “The one-pedal drive reduces fatigue, increases range, and reduces wear and tear.”

Electric Vans Deliver Potential

While BrightDrop offers a vehicle class-leading range, GM is working on improving the battery chemistry and technology that can lead to longer ranges in the future, Garg said. “We know range is an important requirement for an electric vehicle. We are considering anything GM can do to meet those needs.” 

Overall, it runs far quieter and smoother than a typical ICE box truck or van. 

“The BrightDrop is a product that hits many targets and works for everyone,” Garg said. “It’s a great alternative for fleets with the benefits of modern-day technology and comforts.”

Most importantly, BrightDrop contributes to a cleaner environment by not serving up toxic fumes and noise pollution, as a recent route driven through residential streets underscored. An electric van can improve the quality of life in urban and suburban neighborhoods and around schools — one street, one stop, and one duty cycle at a time.

That is a lasting benefit for businesses and the customers they serve.