VW joins ranks of carmakers investigating thermoelectric generators

Finding ways to make cars more efficient isn't always about improving the engine, changing the fuel or adding a hybrid system to the mix. Sometimes it's about recapturing some of the energy already expended. Volkswagen's thermoelectric generator applies that idea to waste exhaust heat, and turns it into electricity. BMW demonstrated a similar system last year, and the idea itself isn't new; automotive applications are, however. The Volkswagen system scavenges waste heat from the exhaust system to generate up to 600W of electricity, offloading some of the generation duties from the engine's alternator. Taking the load off the engine itself means less power is diverted to auxiliary functions, which thereby directly improves efficiency.