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 30+ miles, using little or no gasoline and about $1.20 of electricity. After this, it functions like other hybrids obtaining 35 MPG in standard hybrid mode.
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 electricity 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 (electricity and gasoline) pushing air out of the way. This is called aerodynamic drag. An aerodynamically efficient design reduces drag, requiring less energy 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 energy is consumed. Low-rolling resistance tires minimize friction, increasing efficiency approximately 6 to 9 percent.
Reduce Vehicle Mass
"The majority of the energy required to move a vehicle goes toward moving the mass. Less mass requires less energy - in fact, a mere 10 percent mass reduction results in at least a 7 percent increase in efficiency. 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, improved systems to work with fewer components, and replaced steel with lightweight and stronger materials.
Mass De-compounding
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 de-compounding and makes it possible for us to take the next step of incorporating PHEV technology, achieving up to a breakthrough improvements in fuel efficiency over other vehicles in our market segment.