Merchants Fleet accelerates electrification with purchase of 5,400 BrightDrop EV410s
Merchants Fleet has reserved 5,400 BrightDrop EV410s, the new midsize electric light commercial vehicle built for the delivery of goods and services over long ranges as well as for other applications. Merchants becomes BrightDrop’s first and largest fleet management customer, with the highest intent to buy electric vehicles to date.
“We are dedicated to meeting our fleet clients’ EV needs, from top to bottom,” said Merchants Fleet CEO Brendan P. Keegan. “Every fleet has different requirements, so we need to provide flexibility and offer best-in-class solutions, at every level. The electrification of fleet is no longer in the future—it is here, and we are proud to work with BrightDrop to reach diverse segments and drive this transformation forward.”
With an estimated range of up to 250 miles on a full charge, the EV410 offers curb management and maneuverability and is suited for faster, smaller payload deliveries or as a last-mile and traditional service vehicle.
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The EV410’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,000 pounds also limits the need for additional operating licenses. By providing many of the same features as the larger BrightDrop EV600 in a lighter weight package, the EV410 is making zero-emissions driving a possibility for new segments, according to BrightDrop, which is a new General Motors business.
“Merchants Fleet's plan to purchase such a large order of our electric commercial vehicles shows they are serious about leading the fleet industry's transformation to an all-electric future, and confident in BrightDrop’s ability to bring that vision to life," said Travis Katz, BrightDrop’s president and CEO.
“The collaboration with Merchants Fleet opens the door for other companies that want to electrify their fleets by providing access to our portfolio of electric vehicles, which is a critical step toward decreasing vehicle-related emissions in the communities where we live.”
Merchants guides fleet electrification
Earlier this year, Merchants released an exclusive AdoptEV program that guides businesses through each step of the electrification process—from assessing needs to purchasing the right vehicles to charging options and infrastructure. For Merchants clients such as Staples, guidance and support are key to making the transition to EV. Staples operates a fleet of 1,500 throughout North America and has recently begun introducing EVs into their current delivery fleet.
“This is a really exciting step forward as we explore opportunities to implement more EVs into our fleet and meeting the goals of our EV strategy.” said Paul Tarpey director of fleet procurement at Staples.
“By Merchants investing in EVs, they are making it possible for Staples to take tangible steps toward electrification, with innovative options like the EV410 that will allow us to transition some of our smaller fleet vehicles to EV as well.”
Merchants Fleet provides funding and service options for organizations that use vehicles to run their operations, serving as a single source for all vehicle needs, including electric vehicles. From financing and charging to maintenance and remarketing, Merchants has collaborated with dozens of OEMs, charging, data and upfit partners to connect clients to the service, technology platforms, and products that will support their fleet in making the transition to EV. Merchants Fleet is headquartered in Hooksett, New Hampshire, and its innovation center is in the Chicago area.
