Electrical innovations in light-duty commercial EVs stretch beyond the motor and batteries. The latest commercial vehicles in this segment are turning their attention to advanced safety technology and driver comforts.
Safety features range from pedestrian detection to lane departure warnings and total digital camera coverage. Driver amenities include ergonomic designs throughout the body, a suite of driver assist technologies, and large infotainment screens.
This non-comprehensive look at 2025 alt fuel light-duty fleet vehicles is the fifth of a six-part series this week highlighting new and updated commercial and fleet vehicles of all sizes. This week, FleetOwner’s 2025 Fleet Vehicle Outlook features details gathered by our editors on dozens of new and updated vehicles, from pickup trucks and vans to work trucks and tractors. Our newsletters and free Members Only section offer the latest innovations from each manufacturer, highlighting key features and benefits to help you make informed decisions about your fleet investments.
Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and 600
The BrightDrop electric van will be backed by Chevrolet in 2025.
Known as the Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 and 600, the EVs will be sold and serviced at Chevrolet dealerships. The electric cargo van offers an estimated range of 272 miles, a maximum payload of 3,710 lb. (with the BrightDrop 400 FWD), and up to 614.7 cu. ft. of maximum cargo volume (with the BrightDrop 600).
The BrightDrop vans also feature an elevated seat position, more than 20 standard active safety and driver-assistance features, and an 11.1-inch infotainment system display equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
New for 2025 is intersection automatic emergency braking and front pedestrian and bicyclist braking. Other technology features include enhanced automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front and rear park assist, lane keep assist with departure warning, and IntelliBeam LED headlights.
Small steps: The BrightDrop vans feature a low step-in height with entry and exit handles for better operator ergonomics.
GMC Sierra EV Denali
The all-new GMC Sierra EV Denali is expected to be available in late 2024. It offers up to 754 hp and 785 lb.-ft. of torque in Max Power mode. It has an estimated range of 440 miles; with DC fast charging, it can charge 100 miles in about 10 minutes.
It’s capable of trailering up to 10,000 lb. and features 4-Wheel Steer as standard equipment, which allows drivers to enable the CrabWalk, first seen in the Hummer EV. The EV Denali also features a MultiPro MidGate with folding rear seats and a removable back window that allows the truck bed to extend nearly 11 feet. Inside, the EV Denali features a 16.8-inch center infotainment touchscreen that GM says is similar to a smartphone or tablet. Drivers can customize the screen to view information they deem most important.
Other EV features: The electric pickup features Super Cruise, a spray-on bedliner, 24-inch wheels, 10.2 kW of onboard power with Power Station Pro, air ride adaptive suspension, and a panoramic glass roof.
Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter builds off the Daimler Truck subsidiary’s popular cargo van, offering battery electric transport with various range, body design, and payload.
North American customers can now opt for an 81 kWh battery variant with different van wheelbases and roof heights to match their applications with the right payload and range.
A 144-inch wheelbase with standard roof combination can offer up to 319 cu. ft. of cargo volume. Alternatively, the longer 170-inch wheelbase with a high roof, in combination with the 81 kWh battery, offers 488 cu. ft. and a payload of up to 3,120 lb. The eSprinter variations go up to 9,370 lb. GVWR.
The eSprinter’s permanent magnet synchronous motor is available with 100 kW or 150 kW peak power and delivers up to 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The 81 kWh battery offers a range of up to 204 miles. For increased range, the 113 kWh battery offers 297 miles.
Quick refresh: Fast charging systems can recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in just over 30 minutes.
Ford E-Transit
The 2025 Ford E-Transit is available with Ford’s new enhanced-range battery that offers a range between 143 and 159 miles depending upon its configuration. The enhanced-range battery is suited to applications with routes that have a slight variation from day to day.
The E-Transit is now available with factory-integrated upfit options and interior accessory kits. A total of four factory-installed upfit packages are now available, including trade packages designed for electricians, HVAC, general contractors, and a foldable shelving package suited for delivery applications.
The electrician package includes drawers and bins for parts storage as well as reels for wire storage. The HVAC package includes large shelves and storage bins along with specialized refrigerant storage racks and restraints. The general contractor package includes a mix of multipurpose shelves, drawers, hooks, and bins. The foldable shelving package features deep, large-capacity folding shelves. Ford partnered with Ranger Design to offer these upfit kits, which will help the OEM deliver vehicles in a more timely manner.
Additional new options include a wall liner kit–available for walls, the ceiling, and the floor–and a large grab handles kit to be placed on the two D pillars to support easier accessibility. The electric cargo van configuration is available with a Mobile Power Cord, which now includes a fast charger adapter.
Charger rebate: With the Ford New Commercial Charging Cash Initiative, fleets who purchase or lease the E-Transit will also receive a $2,000 rebate toward infrastructure and charging solutions from Ford Pro.
Ram 1500 Ramcharger
Ram’s all-new range extended electric pickup truck, the 1500 Ramcharger, will debut in 2025 with a liquid-cooled 92 kWh battery pack with a 130 kW generator.
The Ramcharger features a Pentastar 3.6L gasoline engine that gives the truck mechanical power, which converts to electrical power for maximum efficiency. This generates 663 hp, 615 lb.-ft. of torque, and 690 miles of range. It has a maximum payload capacity of 2,625 lb. and a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 lb. The Ramcharger also features onboard power options, with up to 4.8 kW of power available in the truck bed and up to 7.2 kW in an available power panel.
Hands-Free Driving Assist is also available as well as one-pedal driving. The Ramcharger has more than 24 inches of available total touchscreen display area, Ram touts, with three screens throughout the cabin. This includes the 14.5-inch infotainment display and an available 10.25-inch passenger interactive display. This interactive display can be used to watch movies, stream shows, and listen to music.
Electric style: The Ramcharger is loaded with luxury, with a 24-way adjustable driver and passenger seat, an available Klipsch audio system, and more than 100 standard and available safety and security features.
Ram 1500 REV
Ram’s all-electric pickup, the Ram 1500 REV, features a standard 168 kWh battery pack that offers a range of up to 350 miles. With the available 229 kWh battery pack, the Ram 1500 REV has a range of 500 miles.
The Ram REV offers up to 654 hp and 620 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s capable of a payload of 2,625 lb. and a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 lb. This capable EV can launch from 0-60 in 4.4 seconds and has a water-fording depth of 24 inches.
The REV is available in five trims from the Tradesman to the luxurious and all-new Tungsten trim.
Technology inside the cab includes a 14.5-inch infotainment screen that houses EV-specific features, such as the pickup’s charging status, locations of nearby charging stations, and more. A 12.3-inch passenger display is also available. The front seats feature 24-way adjustment and include massage functions. A Klipsch premium audio system is also available. This EV also features Hands-Free Active Driving Assist and one-pedal driving.
Space under the hood: A 15-cu. ft. capacity frunk offers storage space and an area to power tools. The frunk’s power panel provides up to 3.6 kW of power.
Ram ProMaster EV
The all-electric version of the Ram ProMaster is coming in 2025. A 200 kW Electric Drive Module powers it and offers 268 hp and 302 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s capable of a maximum payload capacity of 3,020 lb. The 110 kWh battery has a targeted range of 162 miles.
The Ram ProMaster EV features a 10-inch infotainment system, 7-inch driver instrument cluster, one-pedal driving mode, keyless push start/stop, and standard EV Dynamic Trip Energy Prediction.
The Dynamic Trip Energy Prediction displays operating conditions, such as how the vehicle is achieving its range, and its projected path. Additional technology perks include standard forward collision warning with cyclist and pedestrian detection, standard drowsiness detection, and standard traffic sign information. A digital rear-view mirror is available, along with blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Ready for e-commerce: The first of the ProMaster EVs will feature last-mile delivery designs, such as a high roof, a roll-up rear door, and a sliding passenger pocket door.
Rivian Commercial Van
The electric cargo van that was once only available to Amazon is now available to any fleet owner. Rivian will begin deliveries of its Rivian Commercial Van in Q1 2025.
The van is available in two configurations, Delivery 500 and Delivery 700. Delivery 500 has an estimated range of 161 miles, a payload of 2,734 lb., and a GVWR of 9,650 lb. The 500 is 248.5-inches long with a height of 114.7 inches. It features a cargo volume of 487 cu. ft. The Delivery 700 has an estimated range of 153 miles, a payload of 2,513 lb., and a GVWR of 9,500 lb. It’s 278 inches long with a height of 114.8 inches. It has a cargo volume of 652 cu. ft.
The vans feature an automated bulkhead door to improve ergonomics and efficiency for delivery drivers. Its cargo area can comfortably accommodate drivers who are as tall as 6’10”. It also features a key fob with a pocket clip for easy hands-free access.
Bird’s eye view and comfort: Cameras give drivers a 360-degree view of the vehicle, microclimate seats keep drivers comfortable, and the center infotainment display is one of the largest for any light-duty commercial vehicle.
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T comes in four different trims, each with differing levels of capability.
The Dual Standard R1T features an estimated range of 258 miles, 533 hp, and 610 lb.-ft. of torque. It has a payload capacity of 1,984 lb. and a towing capacity of 7,700 lb.
The Dual Large R1T has an estimated range of 330 miles, 533 hp, and 610 lb.-ft. of torque. Like the Dual Standard, the Dual Large can tow up to 7,700 lb., but unlike the Dual Standard, its payload capacity is less at 1,764 lb.
The R1T Dual Max features an estimated range of 420 miles, 533 hp, and 610 lb.-ft. of torque. It features the same payload as the Dual Large but can tow up to 11,000 lb.
Finally, the Tri Max R1T is a tri-motor AWD (whereas the others are dual motors). While its payload and towing capacity are identical to the Dual Max, it offers 850 hp and 1,103 lb.-ft. of torque.
The R1T also features a built-in security system, has 20-plus safety features, and what Rivan calls a “luxurious cabin.”
Towing technology: When a trailer is connected for towing, the R1T senses its weight and aerodynamics, then adjusts range and charging stops accordingly.
