GM's CAMI Plant Will Switch to EV Production Sooner
GM will move the Chevrolet Equinox out and bring the BrightDrop electric EV600 delivery cargo van in sooner than expected at Ingersoll’s CAMI plant.
BrightDrop is GM’s new venture in light commercial vehicles. And according to the manufacturer, it aims to bring zero-emission solutions to the ever-growing delivery market, providing customers with “an ecosystem of connected and electrified products and services that allow delivery and logistics companies to move goods and services more efficiently, driving down costs while reducing harmful emissions in our cities and congestion on our streets.”
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The Equinox production line was expected to shut down over a two-year transition period as stated by the GM Canada back in January, but now the manufacturer says it will happen as soon as April 2022. The plant will then be retooled and its reopening is planned November 2022.
The BrightDrop EV600 is a fully electric cargo van based on GM’s Ultium platform and batteries. It deploys 17000 litres of interior space for up to 2,200 pounds of payload and can travel up to 400 kilometres on a full charge. It has all-wheel-drive, an enticing feature for companies operating in Canada’s coldest climates.
“We are ramping up our support for BrightDrop production at CAMI to serve the growing market for electric delivery solutions,” said Scott Bell, GM Canada president and managing director. “CAMI will play a key role in GM’s vision for a zero emissions future.”
The CAMI-based BrightDrop production is anticipated to ramp up to two shifts in 2023 and three shifts in 2024.
The Chevrolet Equinox will still be produced at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico in order to supply the North American market.