General Motors has successfully restarted production of its BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric delivery vans at CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll, Ontario, after a temporary suspension lasting two weeks.
As reported by GM Authority, production resumed on July 31 following the plant’s shutdown in mid-July due to a battery shortage. A representative from BrightDrop confirmed the resumption of production to InsideEVs, stating, “Yes, production at CAMI Assembly resumed on Monday, July 31.”
The unexpected closure of the facility on July 18 led to the temporary layoff of its workforce for the entire month. The Unifor union representing the workers revealed that the battery shortage was the reason for the production halt.
Prior to the shutdown, the plant operated with only one shift of employees out of three, with the other two shifts laid off in a rotation system where each shift worked for two weeks before facing four weeks of layoff.
The rolling layoffs and the complete production stoppage for two weeks resulted in some factory workers relying on food banks or donations from other workers, as reported by GM Authority. Many employees had already used up their government Employment Insurance (EI) during the seven-month retooling period of CAMI Assembly, which saw the transition from producing Chevrolet Equinox crossovers to manufacturing the BrightDrop Zevo 600. The facility now assembles the Zevo 600 and is slated to begin production of the smaller Zevo 400 electric van in the fourth quarter of this year.
Both BrightDrop models, the Zevo 600 and Zevo 400, are equipped with GM’s Ultium batteries, which are also utilized in current and upcoming models such as the GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Chevrolet Equinox EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GM Sierra EV, Cadillac Celestiq, next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV, and future models from other brands like Honda and Acura.
Additionally, GM is expanding the CAMI plant to enable on-site assembly of Ultium batteries by the second quarter of 2024. These battery cells will be sourced from GM’s Ultium Cells plants, assembled into battery packs at CAMI, and then utilized in BrightDrop vans or shipped to other electric vehicle (EV) plants.
Offering an impressive 600 cubic feet of cargo capacity, a maximum payload of 2,200 pounds, and a range of 250 miles on a single battery charge, the BrightDrop Zevo 600 is designed for efficient and eco-friendly delivery operations. Furthermore, its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 9,990 pounds exempts it from the special license often required for vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 10,000 pounds.
