Amazon is expanding its electric delivery fleet by testing General Motors’ BrightDrop vans, adding another automaker to its mix of partners as it works toward its ambitious climate goals. The move could also provide a much-needed boost for GM’s struggling BrightDrop brand, which has faced production slowdowns and layoffs in Canada.
Amazon Adds BrightDrop to Its EV Fleet Trials
The e-commerce giant confirmed on Friday that it has begun testing a little over a dozen Chevrolet BrightDrop vans. These vehicles join a fleet that already includes thousands of Rivian-built delivery vans, as well as models from Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis.
Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly emphasized that the company frequently trials different vehicle types to optimize its logistics network. “The BrightDrop testing does not change its work with Rivian,” Kelly said. Amazon remains Rivian’s largest investor, holding a 16% stake and already deploying more than 25,000 of its vans across the United States.
The testing aligns with Amazon’s Climate Pledge commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Amazon first introduced electric vans to its fleet in 2022 and has pledged to put 100,000 zero-emission delivery vehicles on the road by 2030.
BrightDrop’s Future in Doubt
For General Motors, Amazon’s test could be a turning point. BrightDrop launched in 2021 with high expectations, supplying vehicles to companies like Walmart, Hertz, FedEx, Merchants Fleet, and Verizon. But despite these early deals, demand has lagged. GM had to idle production of the BrightDrop at its CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, earlier this year due to unsold inventory piling up on lots.
Production is scheduled to resume in mid-November following a lengthy pause for retooling. However, the plant will operate with just one shift, a change that has already resulted in layoffs for nearly 500 workers.
Through the first half of 2025, GM sold 1,592 BrightDrop vans, surpassing its total sales for all of 2024.
