GM’s BrightDrop hooks Walmart as electric vehicle customer

General Motors’ commercial electric vehicle unit BrightDrop has landed Walmart as a customer.

The retailer has inked a deal to reserve 5,000 of BrightDrop’s EV600 and smaller EV410 electric delivery vans to support its last mile delivery network and goal of operating a zero-emissions logistics fleet by 2040.

ANNOUNCED TODAY: We’ve welcomed @Walmart as the newest customer of our EVs, and expanded our work with @FedEx. We are helping electrify the fleets of some of the world’s largest companies and supporting their sustainability goals. https://t.co/tceMnbQIXf pic.twitter.com/KGNThc48nv
— BrightDrop (@brightdrop) January 5, 2022

"As important as it is that we save our customers time and money through convenient delivery options, it’s just as important that we focus on creating a more sustainable last mile delivery fleet that avoids emissions,” says Tom Ward, Senior Vice President of Last Mile, Walmart U.S.

“BrightDrop’s proven ability to bring a sustainable electric van to market makes them a great partner to support our growing InHome Delivery service, and we look forward to continue driving our goal of operating a 100% zero-emissions logistics fleet by 2040."

InHome Delivery

Walmart is expanding its service that delivers customers’ groceries directly to their refrigerators.

First launched in 2019, the InHome Delivery offering allows customers to place grocery orders online, then receive their deliveries by having a Walmart associate enter their home by way of a smart lock.

This is currently available to six million households across the US. Walmart now has the goal of reaching 30 million US homes by the end of the year.

To support the expansion, it plans to hire more than 3,000 associate delivery drivers this year as well as build out a fleet of 100% all electric delivery vans.

“We’ve been operating InHome in select markets over the last two years and have found it is a perfect solution for customers who want to live their lives without worrying about making it to the store or being home to accept a delivery,” says Ward.

“Identifying ways to help our customers save time and money is our purpose, and nothing showcases that better than InHome delivery, which is why we’re excited to bring the convenience of InHome to even more customers in 2022.”

InHome Delivery costs $19.95 per month or $148 per year, with no additional fees, including tips, which are built into the membership price.

Customers can extend one time access to their InHome associate using an existing smart lock, a garage keypad, or by purchasing a new smart lock from InHome for $49.95.

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