In an attempt to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions, BMW is currently testing a radioactive heat-collector called the ‘thermoelectric generator’ that was originally intended to power space satellites. It is fitted to the exhaust where it traps waste heat channeled down to the exhaust.
The company claims that they will be ready with a production version within five years.The thermoelectric generator is basically radioactive material that produces electricity when heated. BMW placed this generator around the exhaust where it uses the heat from the exhaust to produce electricity. At this initial stage of development, BMW is already predicting a minimum of 5 percent in fuel savings.
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