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Bright Automotive unveils new 100mpg plug-in hybrid 'IDEA' van

 
1 1,948 views Apr 22, 2009

Bright IDEA 100mpg van

Bright IDEA 100mpg van

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A new automotive startup based in Washington DC named Bright has just revealed its latest product - a plug-in hybrid commercial van that the company claims will achieve a fuel economy of 100mpg. Named the Bright IDEA, the slipper-shaped van certainly looks the part, and if it lives up to the company's claims then we should start seeing plenty of these things around town in the near future.

Featuring an AWD system, the Bright IDEA differs from most commercial vans chiefly in its drive system. The car is made from aluminum and other materials, and to really draw in their primary market the company claims that the materials used for the car and its production are both fully sustainable.

Inside, the van features two seats, however, the front passenger seat can be converted into a mobile office for the driver - according to Bright, most commercial vans are only ever occupied by the driver, so utilizing this space makes perfect sense.

The Bright IDEA will also feature an on-board computer with a touch screen to allow the driver to see the hybrid mode in action, receive mileage figures, use GPS and track inventory. The focus on the commercial market is not being disguised at all by the Bright IDEA, and the company is also claiming that using its vehicles for fleets could help a 250-car fleet save around $500,000 annually in fuel costs.



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Comment (1)

  1. ma_Tall Paul avatar Tall Paul Posted: 4/22/2009 9:25am PDT

    Another company that has yet to produce 1 vehicle for sale. Great ideas (although not new) + exorbitant costs = no solution.

    They are trying to get $450,000,000 from the gov't (like Tesla). I saw the CEO/founder testifying for a Senate sub-committee about the auto bailout stuff back in Nov. or Dec. You would have thought Bright Automotive was the answer to everything the way it was being touted. Right up to the point where the estimated price of their standard 4 door hybrid was pegged at $50,000. That is if all the costs of manufacturing "come in line" over the coming months and years.

    For all the bashing of the major auto manufacturers, at least they can produce lots of cars inexpensive enough for almost everyone.
     
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