Walmart is making another move toward sustainability and efficiency by integrating Chevrolet BrightDrop electric vans into its U.S. home delivery operations. The retail giant is deploying these new EVs in key cities, aiming to enhance its eco-friendly InHome grocery delivery service.
Before the year ends, Walmart will begin using these BrightDrop 400 vans in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, northwest Arkansas, Orlando, and the San Francisco Bay Area. This deployment is part of a broader initiative to modernize the company’s delivery fleet with electric vehicles, aligning with Walmart’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and streamline last-mile deliveries.
General Motors (GM), which manufactures the BrightDrop vans, shared that Walmart employees had given positive feedback during an initial trial run. Drivers highlighted features like automated door-closing mechanisms, advanced driver aids, and the design’s focus on making entry and exit easier. These improvements make daily operations smoother and safer, a significant advantage for drivers handling multiple deliveries.
The BrightDrop 400 is the smaller option in GM’s electric van lineup, while a longer-wheelbase BrightDrop 600 model is also available. Both vehicles are built using GM’s Ultium technology platform. According to GM, the BrightDrop 400 can travel up to 159 miles on a full charge with its standard battery. An optional larger battery extends the range to 272 miles, ensuring the vans can handle a full day of deliveries even in widespread urban areas.
Initially launched as a standalone brand in January 2021, BrightDrop was merged into the Chevrolet lineup in August 2024. Production continues at GM’s CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, where the BrightDrop vans have been in production since late 2021. Walmart joins a growing list of clients for GM’s electric delivery vehicles, which include major logistics companies like FedEx and the Ryder rental fleet.
Walmart’s venture into electric vehicles isn’t new. In 2022, the company made headlines by ordering 4,500 electric vans from Canoo, a move that provided a temporary boost to the startup. Additionally, several Walmart locations feature Electrify America charging stations, and the retailer has announced plans to roll out its own EV charging network.
By integrating Chevy BrightDrop electric vans into its delivery services, Walmart is reinforcing its commitment to innovative, environmentally friendly practices while enhancing convenience for its customers. The deployment represents a promising step toward a more sustainable future for the company and its vast logistics network.
