It was the longest EV delivery trip on a single charge.
is crucial to GM’s massive $35 billion investment in electric and autonomous vehicles over the next few years. It’s a flexible architecture that can extend or retract, depending on the vehicle size. And strangely enough, one of the first vehicles to roll out on the Ultium platform is a relatively nondescript delivery van.At least, that’s what I originally thought before setting off on this trip.
After taking photos of the odometer and battery meter, we’re off to our next stop: Philadelphia. We arrive at Independence Hall at 9:20AM with 219 miles left on the battery. We circle Independence Hall more times than I can count, as the crew shoots video and takes drone shots. I give the same sheepish grin to the security guard outside the Hall each time we pass.I take another cat nap, and we’re suddenly in Baltimore, doing another series of loops around Federal Hill Park.
Jackson notes that what we’re doing right now — driving an electric van from New York City to DC to deliver one package — is not FedEx’s standard practices. The delivery company would use a semi truck to deliver many thousands of packages to one of its distribution hubs, and then use the electric van for the last-mile delivery. “But it’s indicative that the distance that this vehicle can travel will meet the vast needs of our route structure on a day-in and day-out basis,” he adds.
A real FedEx employee wanders over to where the van is parked, assuming Marlin is co-worker. His name is William Jones and he’s been driving for the company for 30 years. After getting a brief primer, he checks out Zevo 600’s cab and the cargo area, whistling his approval. He’s seen enough. He’s ready to go electric.