Ryder System has deployed its first BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric vans that are available for rent at four Ryder facilities in three states: California, Texas and New York.
The provider of supply chain, dedicated transportation and fleet management solutions plans to add 4,000 BrightDrop electric vans to its fleet by 2025, with the first 200 vans ordered this year, Ryder said in a Wednesday (Sept. 20) press release.
The introduction of these EVs into Ryder’s rental fleet marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to meet the growing demand for commercial electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States and demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing advanced vehicle technology solutions to its customers, according to the release.
To introduce the new EVs, Ryder hosted Ride & Drive events for customers, showcasing the BrightDrop vans and ChargePoint EV chargers, the release said. Customers had the opportunity to experience the power, safety and efficiency of the vehicles and learn more about Ryder’s fleet investments and strategic initiatives with EV and charging manufacturers.
The BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric vans offer a range of up to 250 miles and can support a payload of 1,460 pounds to 2,450 pounds, per the release. They have a cargo capacity of 615 cubic feet.
By adding BrightDrop EVs to its fleet offerings, Ryder aims to help companies of all sizes transition to electrification, according to the press release. Electrifying commercial fleets can reduce operating emissions without sacrificing range, safety or performance.
Ryder’s rental fleet not only includes its new BrightDrop Zevos but also other EV options, the release said. The company supports these vehicles with flexible vehicle insurance coverage, around-the-clock roadside assistance, single-source maintenance, geotagging for tracking and monitoring vehicle usage, and other services.
The charging infrastructure at Ryder facilities is enabled by ChargePoint, a provider of networked hardware and software solutions for charging EVs per the release. Additionally, public charging stations are available to offer accessible charging options, enabling longer trips and greater flexibility.
The trucking industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and the digitization of supply chain and logistics processes, Jordan Wagner, vice president and general manager at Torque by Ryder, told PYMNTS in an interview posted in July.
The increasing adoption of EVs in a commercial setting will help accelerate and modernize the sector’s ways of doing business, Wagner added.
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