Eco Factor: Cars that harnesses the temperature of hot exhaust gases for electricity could be a reality soon.
The world is currently looking toward new possibilities that help generate electricity from waste, and auto manufacturers don’t want to let go of the possible use of exhaust gases as electricity to fuel the hybrids of tomorrow. New research conducted by Amerigon Incorporated will let cars do just that. With a $1.1 million backing from the U.S Department of Energy, the company is expected to complete the technology in March 2010.
The technology makes use of thermocouples that harnesses the change in temperatures for electricity. Electric cars of today face a major drawback as they need hours of recharge before they can be driven for a few miles. This new technology will be a boon for hybrids, as they will be able to recharge their batteries when running on the fossil fuel-powered engine by converting waste heat into electricity.
Via: CleanTechnica
