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GM Ends BrightDrop Van Production — Here’s How to Extend Your BrightDrop’s Life with a Cargo Van Ramp
When General Motors confirmed the end of BrightDrop electric van production in early 2025, it sent a ripple through the delivery and fleet industry. Companies that invested heavily in the Chevy BrightDrop platform — from major logistics providers to independent contractors — suddenly found themselves asking the same question:
“How do we extend the life and value of the BrightDrop vans we already own?”
The answer, for many fleet managers, involves smarter upfits that boost productivity, reduce strain on drivers, and future-proof aging or discontinued vehicles. One of the most impactful upgrades available today is a BrightDrop van ramp — a commercial-grade loading solution that improves efficiency and safety for years to come.
Since 1958, HandiRamp has been America’s oldest ramp manufacturer—trusted for more than 70 years to build durable, safety-focused accessibility ramps. Over the past two decades, we’ve expanded that expertise into commercial cargo van ramps, delivering fleet-ready solutions engineered for daily, heavy-duty use. Even as models like BrightDrop leave the market, high-quality ramps help fleets keep their existing EVs working harder, longer, and more safely.
Let’s break down what BrightDrop owners need to know now — and why a cargo van loading ramp may be one of the smartest investments you can make.
What Happened With BrightDrop — and Why It Matters for Fleet Owners
In early 2025, GM officially announced that production of all BrightDrop Zevo 400 and Zevo 600 vans would end, shifting resources toward other electric commercial platforms. According to reporting from CleanTrucking, InsideEVs, and GreenCarReports, several key factors contributed:
- Restructuring efforts inside GM’s EV division
- Slowed demand for certain commercial EV platforms
- Higher costs compared to competing e-delivery vans
- Focus on future electric truck and van architectures
For fleet owners, this sudden discontinuation raises new challenges:
► Service and Parts Availability
Over time, parts for discontinued models become harder to source and may take longer to arrive. Keeping your BrightDrop in service requires proactive maintenance and careful usage planning.
► Resale Value Stability
Discontinued vans historically depreciate faster without upgrades that preserve usability, safety, and operational capability.
► Maximizing Remaining Lifecycle
Fleet managers now face the task of getting as much ROI as possible from existing BrightDrop vans — especially those purchased within the last 36 months.
That’s where cargo van upfits come in.
Why Your Loading Ramp Now Matters More Than Ever
Your BrightDrop’s usefulness depends on how safely and efficiently cargo moves in and out of the van. With support for the model winding down, investing in functional improvements becomes essential.
A high-quality BrightDrop van ramp offers three major advantages:
► Extend Vehicle Lifespan
Every day your team uses the van without injuries, broken equipment, or downtime keeps the BrightDrop profitable. A ramp protects both workers and the van’s interior.
► Increase Productivity
A folding or mounted cargo van ramp cuts loading time dramatically:
- Less manual lifting
- Faster turnaround between deliveries
- Fewer delays caused by awkward, heavy cargo handling
For fleet managers measuring stops per hour, improved loading efficiency makes an immediate operational difference.
► Improve Driver Safety and Reduce Injuries
Loading strain is one of the top causes of workplace injuries in delivery operations. A folding ramp for cargo vans lowers slip risk, supports wheeled carts or dollies, and reduces repetitive lifting.
When a commercial van platform is discontinued, the best strategy is simple:
Make every mile count by upgrading what you already have — starting with the tools your drivers use every single day.
How to Choose the Right Ramp for Your Chevy BrightDrop Van
HandiRamp designs vehicle-agnostic cargo ramps — meaning they can be installed on virtually any commercial van, even discontinued models like the Chevrolet BrightDrop.
Here’s what fleet managers should evaluate when choosing a BrightDrop-compatible ramp:
► Ramp Width
BrightDrop rear doors are wide enough for ramps between 30 and 52 inches depending on load type. Wider ramps improve dolly and cart stability.
► Weight Capacity
Most delivery fleets require 1,000–1,500 lb capacity to safely support:
- Rolling carts
- Beverage and food delivery racks
- Tool boxes
- Medical equipment
- E-commerce parcels
HandiRamp offers heavy-duty aluminum ramps built specifically for commercial loading.
► Ramp Length & Slope
Because BrightDrop vans have a higher floor height than many gas vans, selecting the right ramp length is key. Longer ramps create a gentler, safer slope.
Typical BrightDrop floor height: 28–30 inches
Recommended ramp length:
- 9 ft minimum
- 10.5 ft ideal for heavy or wheeled cargo
► Mounting vs. Portable
Choose based on your workflow:
- Folding, mounted cargo van ramps → Best for daily commercial use
- Portable ramps → Ideal for mixed fleets or occasional heavy loads
► Ease of Operation
BrightDrop drivers often complete 100+ stops per day. A ramp must deploy quickly and fold away smoothly, without complicated hardware or heavy lifting.
HandiRamp’s hinged aluminum ramps are designed for one-person operation, even with gloves or in wet conditions.
Why HandiRamp Is the Premium Choice for BrightDrop Owners
HandiRamp is not a newcomer to the industry. Our products are trusted by:
National parcel carriers 📦
Medical transport fleets 🚑
Federal agencies 🏛️
Municipalities and utility providers 🏙️⚡
Local contractors and service companies 🛠️
Here’s why HandiRamp stands out as the best choice for BrightDrop fleets:
► 70+ Years of American Manufacturing Excellence 🇺🇸🏭
We’ve been designing, building, and supporting commercial‑grade ramps since 1958.
► Built for Heavy, Daily Use 💪📦
HandiRamp ramps are engineered for:
Repeated loading cycles 🔁
Heavy carts and industrial equipment 🛒⚙️
High‑frequency delivery environments 🚚📍
These are not consumer‑grade “walk ramps.” They’re built for professional fleets.
► Vehicle‑Agnostic = Future‑Proof 🔄🚐
Switching from BrightDrop to Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, or Mercedes Sprinter in the future? Your HandiRamp system moves with you.
► Safer for Drivers, Floors, and Cargo 🛡️🧳
Aluminum construction, anti‑slip surfaces, and smooth hinge systems improve safety and reduce wear on the van floor.
► Compatible with EV Fleets ⚡🚛
EV vans like BrightDrop benefit from ramps because they reduce high‑energy lifting events — helping keep battery range consistent and predictable by minimizing unnecessary physical strain and equipment drag.
A Practical Checklist for BrightDrop Owners
Here’s a concise checklist for extending the service life of your existing BrightDrop vans:
✓ Install a high-capacity cargo van ramp
This delivers the fastest ROI in loading efficiency and safety.
✓ Keep up with proactive maintenance
Especially suspension and brake systems — harder-to-find parts become an issue later.
✓ Optimize interior storage
Modular shelves and carts reduce clutter and loading errors.
✓ Protect the battery
Avoid deep discharges and extreme heat when possible (critical for discontinued EVs).
✓ Document your upfits
Upgrades like a ramp improve resale value, especially if the van is later repurposed for a small contractor or delivery business.
What to Do if Your Van Model Is Discontinued
For many BrightDrop operators, now is the time to:
- Upgrade essential components (ramps, shelving, flooring)
- Extend useful life through preventative maintenance
- Maximize productivity with better loading workflows
- Prepare for eventual fleet transition
The important takeaway:
Your BrightDrop still has years of productive service ahead — but only if you equip it with the right tools.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your BrightDrop Working Hard for Years to Come
GM’s decision to end BrightDrop van production may complicate long-term planning, but it doesn’t diminish the value of the vans already on the road.
Upgrading your vehicle with a premium BrightDrop van ramp is one of the most effective ways to extend its lifespan, protect your drivers, and preserve ROI — even as parts availability tightens.
HandiRamp’s cargo van ramps, trusted by commercial fleets nationwide, are engineered to make your BrightDrop safer, more efficient, and more profitable to operate.
Future-proof your fleet with HandiRamp.
Compare cargo van ramps for BrightDrop, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and more today.