Ryder Deploys Its First BrightDrop Electric Vehicles into Rental Fleet

Ryder System, Inc.  has deployed its first BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric vans at four Ryder facilities in California, Texas, and New York.

The introduction of BrightDrop’s electric vans within Ryder’s rental fleet marks a key step in the company’s efforts to meet the rising demand and adoption of commercial electric vehicles in the U.S. Earlier this year, Ryder announced plans to introduce 4,000 BrightDrop electric vans to its fleet through 2025, with the first 200 ordered this year.

To add these new EVs to the Ryder fleet, the company hosted ride-and-drive events for customers showcasing the BrightDrop vans, as well as EV chargers from ChargePoint.

The BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric vans are now available for rent at Ryder locations in Santa Fe Springs and Hayward, California; Saginaw, Texas in the Dallas-Fort Worth region; and Long Island City, N.Y.

“Working with companies such as BrightDrop keeps Ryder at the forefront of identifying and testing advanced and emerging vehicle technology,” said Tom Havens, president of fleet management solutions for Ryder in a Sept. 20 news release. “Through our partnerships with technology providers and equipment manufacturers, Ryder can offer commercial fleet management solutions that drive sustainability and operational goals for our customers.”

The BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric van has a range of up to 250 miles and can support a payload of 1,460 to 2,450 lbs. With a cargo capacity of 615 cubic feet, BrightDrop’s electric light commercial van offers the benefits of an electric powertrain with ample cargo space.

“Electrifying commercial fleets can reduce operating emissions without sacrificing range, safety or performance,” said Steve Hornyak, chief commercial officer for BrightDrop. “By adding BrightDrop EVs to its fleet offerings, Ryder is helping make electrification possible for companies big and small.”

BrightDrop Zevos and other EV options are available for rent through the Ryder rental fleet, which provides flexible vehicle insurance coverage, around the clock roadside assistance, single-source maintenance, geotagging for tracking and monitoring vehicle usage, and more. The charging infrastructure at Ryder facilities is enabled by ChargePoint, a leading provider of networked hardware and software solutions for charging EVs, and public charging stations offer accessible charging options, enabling longer trips and greater flexibility.

Earlier this year, Ryder unveiled RyderElectric+ as its new turnkey EV fleet solution. The new offering navigates the EV landscape for customers and provides electrification advisors, leased vehicles, charging, telematics, and maintenance all for one price.

“Ryder’s aim is to continue to evaluate and provide advanced vehicle technology solutions to help customers seamlessly integrate EVs into their business,” said Carlo Rodriguez, managing director for electric vehicles for Ryder.