Maximizing Efficiency
Bright Automotive is enabling businesses in America to think differently about transportation. The IDEA was designed from a clean sheet of paper to provide breakthrough performance and economy by utilizing PHEV technology and maximizing platform efficiency.
PHEV TECHNOLOGY
How the IDEA Consumes Energy
The IDEA uses battery power for the first 40 miles, using little or no gasoline and about $1 of electricity. After this, it functions like other hybrids obtaining nearly 40 MPG in standard hybrid mode. For example, customers who drive about 50 miles per day will achieve a fuel efficiency of about 150 mpg while customers who drive 60 miles per day will achieve about 100 mpg. Even on extended routes up to 120 miles, average fuel economy remains over 50 mpg.
How to "Fill Up" the IDEA
On the side of the IDEA are two energy ports: one for charging; the other for conventionally filling at the pump. The IDEA's 13kwHr battery is plugged in to an electrical outlet to charge. When the battery is empty, it takes between 4 and 8 hours to recharge, depending on the customer's electric service. The already low cost of this electicity can be reduced even further by utilizing a time-of-day charging feature that is built into the IDEA's integrated touch screen—and the coming Smart Grid will bring even more cost-saving options.
Regenerative Braking
The IDEA incorporates regenerative braking, storing bursts of electrical charge in its batteries when the driver uses the brakes to slow down. This cumulative effect results in improved efficiency in both electric and hybrid operating modes.
Contact us if you would like an electrical energy and fuel economy estimate for your fleet. In addition, experts at Bright Automotive can provide a comprehensive total cost of ownership model customized for your particular business.
PLATFORM EFFICIENCY
Reduce Aerodynamic Drag
A moving vehicle uses up a lot of energy pushing air out of the way. This is called aerodynamic drag. An aerodynamically friendly design reduces drag and saves energy, requiring less fuel both to accelerate and stay in motion. We designed the IDEA with a sleek shape that dramatically reduces drag.
Reduce Tire Drag
Drag also comes from friction where the tire meets the road—the greater the drag, the more fuel is burned. Low-rolling resistance tires minimize friction, increasing fuel economy approximately 6 to 9 percent.
Reduce Vehicle Mass
The majority of the gasoline's energy goes toward moving the mass of the vehicle. Less mass requires less fuel—in fact, a mere 10 percent weight reduction leads to at least a 7 percent increase in fuel economy. The IDEA will far exceed those results because of our focus on lightweighting. Instead of retrofitting outdated, heavy frames and chassis, we designed from the ground up to integrate parts, improve systems to work with fewer components, and replace steel with lightweight and stronger materials.
Mass Decompounding
Together, aerodynamic design, friction-reducing tires and vehicle lightweighting reduce the overall energy needed to move the vehicle. This more efficient vehicle can move faster and farther with a smaller and lighter powertrain (e.g., fewer batteries, and smaller, lighter engines and motors). This effect is called mass decompounding and makes it possible for us to take the next step of incorporating PHEV technology, achieving up to a 10x improvement in fuel efficiency over other vehicles in our market segment.
Making the Most of PHEV
Corporations with fleets will reap immediate fuel savings as soon as their drivers switch to the IDEA. But over time, they can make the most of PHEV by working with energy providers to install charging stations that incorporate Smart Grid charging and renewable energy sources. Long-term plans to integrate more solar, wind and other sustainable energy sources into the grid will allow us to rely less and less on fossil fuel sources of generating electricity.
Our unique combination of platform efficiency with PHEV technology significantly reduces CO2 emissions and petroleum use. This is easier on the planet and maximizes savings for our customers.
¹ Utilizes "LA92" drive cycle (considered most realistic EPA cycle - city/highway mixture)