By Peter Grier and Mark Clayton
Christian Science Monitor, July 3, 2009
John Waters is leaning against a vehicle that looks like a delivery van as imagined by Pixar Animation. The IDEA - that's its name - is blocky, yet curved, with wheel skirts and a little upswoop at the back that adds attitude. You can almost hear it speaking in a chirpy cartoon voice.
Inside IDEA's silver sheet metal is plug-in hybrid technology that will power it an estimated 100 miles on a gallon of gas. If Mr. Waters has his way, thousands of these cuddly vans will soon be double-parked all across America, blocking travel lanes while their drivers wait for someone - anyone! - to sign for these darn packages, please.
Years ago Waters worked on General Motors' legendary EV1 electric car program. Now he's president and CEO of Bright Automotive, an Anderson, Ind., start-up that's recruited many EV1 veterans to help develop a new generation of hybrid trucks and cars.
"It's the wealth of experience of our people that will make this work," he says.
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