Bright Automotive, a company that put itself on the map with its 100-mpg IDEA plug-in utility van, announced a new $1.4 million contract with the U.S. Army to build a plug-in hybrid for non-combat use. The PHEV will be built to lower Army fuel consumption. Its purpose is also going to help show how an Electric Vehicle could actually help feed power back to the grid. The project is part of an Army initiative to explore how bases could eventually run off-grid.

Bright Automotive has also launched eSolutions, a consulting program where they will provide automotive manufacturers knowledge on how to develop EVs. The company will give guidance on design, engineering, energy storage, propulsion, conversion systems and how to green operations.

We will keep our ear to the ground on this progressive thinking company – and keep you posted on some of their exciting initiatives.