Bright Automotive launched in January 2008 from Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) with the goal of building on the work of a consortium of organizations, including Alcoa, Google.org, Johnson Controls and the Turner Foundation.

Bright says that its IDEA heavily utilizes platform efficiency—including lightweight materials, advanced aerodynamics and low-rolling resistance tires—combined with the PHEV drivetrain.

Bright Automotive has also created Bright Works engineering services, which is focused on supporting OEMs’ development of PHEVs and EVs in three specific areas: mass-production vehicle conversions; vehicle system controls; and battery pack systems.