Light Green Machines develops next-generation hybrid electric small buses using advanced composite materials — reducing emissions, improving accessibility, and delivering long-term value for operators, drivers, and riders.
LGM grew from rigorous university research — where engineering expertise, federal partnerships, and a clear market need converged into a viable path forward for sustainable transit.
The idea for LGM emerged from an R&D project at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. While serving as a faculty member in the Vehicle Engineering Technology program, the LGM founder established an undergraduate student team and collaborated with Puget Sound regional transit providers to define customer needs.
Working alongside regional transit stakeholders, the team secured a grant from the US Department of Transportation to lead the design and development of a composite chassis for small bus applications — establishing LGM’s foundation in federally supported transit innovation.
A proof of concept chassis — fabricated from glass-reinforced and carbon fiber-reinforced plastics — was unveiled at the 2014 SAMPE Tech Conference in Seattle, WA. LGM continues to advance bio-composite research using natural fiber reinforcement for various components.
An additional cost share grant from NYSERDA provided funding to support fabrication of a proof of concept hybrid electric small bus. The POC vehicle is nearly complete — additional funding is needed to push it over the finish line.
Vehicle design optimization and commercialization activities continue with a focused emphasis on crashworthiness, manufacturability, and serviceability — working toward a production-representative vehicle ready for formal FTA certification testing.
CURRENT PHASE
HEADQUARTERS
Every decision at Light Green Machines is guided by a commitment to sustainability, safety, and responsible manufacturing — for riders, workers, communities, and the planet.
We believe the future of American transit should be built with the right materials, the right processes, and the right people — right here at home.
Light Green Machines
PO Box 4142
Ithaca, NY, USA 14852
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