October 22, 2009 6:56 AM PDT
This is the single prototype of the Idea, a utility van made by Indiana start-up Bright Automotive. The truck is a parallel hybrid that can run 40 miles on its 13 kilowatt-hour batteries and then get 40 miles per gallon when it operates in hybrid mode. It was built with efficiency in mind by using light-weight materials--aluminum in the chassis and frame and fiber composite in the cab. Interest is strong from many business customers, but the company is still seeking matching government grants to build manufacturing facilities. The goal is to bring the van to market by 2013. The company is also looking at retrofitting existing van models with its powertrain.
Photo by Martin LaMonica
Caption by Martin LaMonica
