Walmart’s InHome Delivery to use Chevrolet BrightDrop EVs
Walmart is expanding its InHome delivery service with the deployment of Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 electric vans in major U.S. markets. This addition to the world's largest retailer's last-mile fleet aims to support the growth of their delivery service, reduce carbon emissions and provide drivers with vehicles that are safe, efficient and comfortable.
Walmart sells a range of food, including fruits and vegetables, as well as meat, seafood, dairy, frozen and packaged goods, as well as food specific for babies and pets. These will be available for Walmart’s InHome delivery service.
Walmart operates a vast network of stores, including over 10,500 locations in 19 countries under various names. The company has consistently held a leading position in the retail market since its founding by Sam Walton in 1962 and has expanded significantly over the decades - now, with electric vehicles.
Walmart pilots GM's BrightDrop 400 electric vans
The BrightDrop 400 vans, produced at GM's CAMI Assembly plant, underwent a rigorous pilot programme with Walmart InHome associates. These associates, specially trained to deliver groceries directly into customers' homes, tested the vans in real-world scenarios including city driving and customer deliveries.
Key features that impressed the associates during the pilot include:
- 360-degree HD Surround Vision camera and blind-zone steering assist, for advanced safety technology
- Impressive battery range and reliability
- Excellent manoeuvrability in congested urban areas and dense neighbourhoods
- Efficiency-boosting automation, such as auto-closing doors
- Ergonomic design with low step-in height for easy entry and exit.
The vans are equipped with large infotainment screens, providing a tech-enabled driving experience. This deployment aligns with General Motors' broader strategy of leveraging advanced technology to create safer, smarter and lower-emission vehicles across its brands, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC.
By integrating these electric vans into its fleet, Walmart is taking a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint while enhancing its last-mile delivery capabilities.
Walmart’s InHome Delivery with BrightDrop electric vans to reach 62m households
Walmart’s InHome delivery programme will reach 62m households across the United States. By the end of the year, the company will introduce BrightDrop 400 electric vans in cities including Austin, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, northwest Arkansas, Orlando and the San Francisco Bay area.
"Our BrightDrop vans are purpose-built to get the job done safely and efficiently while helping businesses like Walmart decarbonise their fleet," said Sandor Piszar, Vice President, GM Envolve. "The pilot programme demonstrates that at the forefront of our design are the hard-working drivers that deliver goods and services to customers every day."
“With a focus on being people-led and tech-powered, we're always looking for ways to enhance the associate experience and provide the best possible service to our customers. That's why we're so excited about the addition of the BrightDrop 400 to our InHome delivery fleet,” said Warren Moore, Vice President, Dedicated Delivery, Walmart U.S. “During the pilot, we listened closely to our InHome associates’ feedback and were impressed by the vans' performance in real-world scenarios.”
This significant rollout aims to enhance Walmart's last-mile delivery capabilities and support the growth of its InHome service, which allows trained associates to deliver groceries directly into customers' homes. The initiative is part of Walmart's commitment to sustainability and improving customer convenience.
"At Walmart, our sustainability strategy is built to make the everyday choice the sustainable choice for our customers,” shared Jane Ewing, Senior Vice President for Sustainability at Walmart.
Make sure you check out the latest edition of Food Digital and also sign up to our global conference series - Sustainability LIVE 2024
Food Digital is a BizClik brand
