Fleet managers wrestling with electrification challenges just got a compelling case study in problem-solving. General Motors decision to equip its Chevrolet BrightDrop 600EV electric vans with Vanair’s EPEQ (Electrified Power Equipment) system for its MobileService+ program, demonstrates how thoughtful integration can overcome the traditional limitations of mobile service operations while maintaining the environmental benefits of electric vehicles.
The collaboration addresses a fundamental concern that has kept many fleets on the sidelines of the EV revolution: how to power job-site equipment without compromising vehicle range or resorting to gas generators that defeat the purpose of driving electric.
THE POWER CHALLENGE
For fleet operators considering EVs, range anxiety remains the primary barrier to adoption. This concern intensifies for service vehicles that must power equipment throughout the workday. Traditional solutions—drawing power from the vehicle’s traction battery or mounting a gas generator—each present significant drawbacks.
“Range is the top concern for fleets when looking into making the switch to electric vehicles,” says Chip Jones, national sales manager for Electrified Products at Vanair. “The last thing a fleet manager wants to worry about is giving up business because their vehicle can’t make it to the customer or can’t make it back to the shop after a long day working in the field.”
The BrightDrop-Vanair solution sidesteps this dilemma. By keeping the EPEQ battery system completely independent from the vehicle’s traction battery, technicians can operate a full suite of service equipment without touching the van’s 178 mile range. The system can also rescue the van itself if needed.
“With EPEQ’s ability to provide EV rescue charging, if the driver did run out of power in the BrightDrop, they could actually recharge it from the EPEQ system to get back to the homebase,” says Jones.
A TECHNICAL SOLUTION
At the heart of this mobile service bay sits a power management system that would make any fleet engineer take notice. The setup includes:
- Two ELiMENT 100Ah lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries providing a total of 10.24kWh of capacity with built-in battery management system.
- An EPEQ AIR20 reciprocating compressor delivering 20 CFM at 150 PSI, with three five-gallon aluminum air receiver tanks.
- A 10kW 240VAC output pure-sine inverter.
- A 3.6kW 120VAC output pure-sine inverter.
- A 12VDC converter outputting 60 amps for DC accessories.
- A Level 2 EV charging kit.
- A shore charger for overnight ELiMENT battery replenishment.
The Vanair equipment powers onboard Hunter tire changers and balancers, along with an AGA Tools’ mobile oil change system—creating what Emily Zack, program support for MobileService+ at GM, describes as “a full-service bay on wheels.”
REAL-WORLD PERFORMANCE
Numbers tell only part of the story. The true test comes in daily operations, where the EPEQ system has demonstrated remarkable endurance.
“Typically, the driver will be able to do a full docket of tire changes and oil changes during an 8+ hour shift without having to recharge,” says Jones. “We simulated tire changes and balancing with GM and saw little to no drop in battery charge even after several sets.”
This performance stems from components specifically tuned for mobile service applications rather than off-the-shelf solutions. The system’s intelligence extends to power management through a seven-inch smart display that provides real-time battery status and allows technicians to prioritize power allocation based on immediate needs.
AN UNEXPECTED ADVANTAGE
While electrification discussions typically focus on emissions and efficiency, the BrightDrop-Vanair combination delivers an often-overlooked benefit that’s transforming where and when mobile service can operate.
“It’s what started the EPEQ Electrified Power Equipment program in early 2020,” says Jones. “We had a customer looking to do service work in neighborhoods that were so strict on noise levels that mowing and lawn maintenance was only allowed two days per week. The customer had complaints about trying to use engine-powered equipment in these areas and EPEQ was born.”
This quiet operation opens revenue opportunities previously unavailable to service fleets. Early morning and evening appointments in residential areas, work in noise-sensitive environments like hospitals and schools, and service calls in parking garages where exhaust fumes would be problematic all become viable.
WHY SIZE MATTERS
GM’s choice of the BrightDrop 600EV as the foundation for this mobile service initiative wasn’t arbitrary. With 614 cubic feet of cargo space, the van provides something traditional service vehicles can’t match: standing room for technicians.
“This vehicle provides the most ergonomic environment for the technician,” says Zack. “With ample headroom, not only can they stand up in it, but they can also have access to all the equipment they need.”
This workspace advantage translates directly into productivity. Technicians working in the BrightDrop report improved comfort and efficiency compared to cramped traditional vans where constant stooping and awkward posturing lead to fatigue and potential injury.
IT’S ABOUT ROI
While the initial investment for a fully upfitted BrightDrop 600 requires careful consideration, dealers must purchase both van and turnkey upfit package, the long-term economics paint a compelling picture. Jones acknowledges the upfront premium but emphasizes the payback.
“The return on investment is quite fast when considering the fuel savings, the maintenance savings and the longevity of the EPEQ system,” says Jones. “We anticipate seven to 10 years of normal use with the ELiMENT Battery, which means one system can likely be transferred to more than one vehicle.”
State incentives for EV adoption can further offset initial costs, and the revenue potential extends well beyond traditional service models. According to industry data, mobile service operations can achieve high margins with upside potential, while 92 percent of mobile service customers return to the dealership for future needs.
MORE THAN BASIC MAINTENANCE
The sophistication of the BrightDrop-Vanair setup enables a surprisingly comprehensive service menu. Beyond routine oil changes and filter replacements, technicians can perform complete tire installation and rotation, a key competitive differentiator, according to Zack.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the system’s Level 2 EV charging capability positions these vans as mobile rescue units for stranded EVs. A 25-minute charge session can provide 15 miles of range while leaving plenty of battery capacity to still complete oil changes or tire service.
LESSONS LEARNED
With nearly 200 GM dealers enrolled in the MobileService+ program and vans beginning to roll out, initial feedback highlights both successes and areas for refinement. Technicians consistently praise the system’s performance, Jones says “The initial feedback we usually get is that technicians are surprised that it works as well or better than the engine-driven versions.”
However, fleet managers should consider certain operational realities. While the size of the BrightDrop 600 is advantageous for workspace and fits in normal parking spots, it may face challenges in some parking garages. GM recommends dealers complement BrightDrop with smaller vehicles for maximum scheduling flexibility.
For multi-shift operations, recharge timing requires planning. The ELiMENT batteries charge through a standard 110V/15A outlet, reaching approximately 85 percent capacity relatively quickly before trickle-charging to full-charge to protect the batteries. The system can charge while operating if necessary, providing additional flexibility.
A BROADER VISION
The success of the BrightDrop-Vanair collaboration extends beyond GM dealerships. Jones sees applications across multiple sectors: “Equipment from telescopic cranes to fire and emergency equipment to food trucks have seen a benefit in EPEQ systems.”
More significantly, the solution addresses the needs of fleets not yet ready for full electrification.
“While EPEQ is an obvious choice for EVs, it’s the non-EV group that will see the biggest benefit over the next few years,” says Jones. “We’re already seeing industries like mining, rail and airports, where EVs are not quite practical, look to EPEQ to electrify their equipment rather than the vehicles.”
This approach allows fleet managers to begin reducing emissions and fuel consumption immediately, even while running diesel chassis, creating a practical bridge to eventual full electrification.
THE EVOLUTION OF MOBILE SERVICE
The convergence of EVs and electrified equipment represents more than a technical achievement, it signals a fundamental shift in how fleets approach mobile service.
“People have gotten used to the convenience of having products, groceries and food delivered directly to their location. Now companies can offer mobile service for customer vehicles which will grow their brand, but also drive revenue via service and parts sales,” says Jones.
For fleet decision-makers, the BrightDrop-Vanair case study offers several key takeaways:
- Electrification doesn’t require compromise: Properly designed systems can deliver full functionality without range anxiety.
- Quiet operation creates new revenue opportunities: Noise-sensitive locations and extended operating hours become accessible.
- Ergonomics matter: Worker comfort directly impacts productivity and retention.
- Futureproofing is possible: With 5,000-cycle battery life and transferable systems, the investment can span multiple vehicle generations.
- Transitional strategies exist: Electrified equipment on conventional vehicles provides immediate benefits while planning for full EV adoption.
THE BOTTOM LINE
As work truck fleets navigate the complexities of electrification, the GM-Vanair partnership demonstrates that innovative thinking can turn perceived limitations into competitive advantages. By solving the fundamental challenge of powering equipment without compromising vehicle range, this collaboration has created a blueprint for zero-emission mobile service that others will undoubtedly follow.
For fleet managers weighing their electrification options, the message is clear: the technology exists today to operate profitable, efficient, and truly sustainable mobile service operations. The question is no longer whether to electrify, but how quickly can you capitalize on the opportunity.
for more information
To learn more about Vanair’s EPEQ ecosystem, visit vanair.com/epeq-electrified-power-equipment.
