Why can't all automobiles be made with electric generators attached to the wheels?

Question

This way when the wheel turns, it generates electricity to run the car and thus making the car more or less self sustaining.

Answer 1

I've thought of the same exact thing before. Wondering myself, i did a little research. It turns out that by attaching an induction generator to a wheel would require that the wheel not be hooked up to a motor, which would work for two-wheel-drive cars. However, the amount of electricity generated would not be substantial enough to go through the cost of all the equipment needed. The concept is good, and maybe someday it would happen, when induction produces more electricity though.

Answer 2

well it is already more or less the case:

- your car has a generator for the battery and AC...  

What you are trying to create is perpetuum mobile since the energy you take with generators, you have to create it first (mechanical energy) and you have to use it then

Answer 3

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Answer 4

Well, it would still require energy for the generator to be turned, no matter how small, plus for the generators to be effective at all, they would each have to be roughly the size and weight of a conventional gasoline generator. (over 100LB)  So, the energy required to turn the generators and to even move them would outweigh the energy produced by them a great deal, since the gasoline engine would still have to push the car's body along, along with the generators.  Trust me, it's been though of before and it would really be energy wasted.  The first rule of electricity is:  "You can't get something from nothing (or something less than what you're going for)"

Answer 5

The simple answer is - heat.

Many hybrids use this system, but not all of the energy from the turning wheels is converted into electricity stored in the battery.  Friction, braking, and resistance in the wiring all convert some of that energy to heat.  When the energy is discharged by the battery, resistance in the wiring and friction in the wheels generate more heat, thus more loss of energy.

This is why where is no such thing as a perpetual motion machine (one that uses and produces all the power it needs).

Answer 6

You are trying to design a hybrid.

If they spun all the time however, your gas mileage would go down, because it would burn more gas to spin the electric motors.

So it is only effective for them to work when the car is braking or coasting to a stop.

If you like the principle of generating electricity may I suggest you look at the Toyota Prius, Camry Hybrid (with the Nav Screen) or the Lexus 400h.  I have driven all 3 and the screen really informs you how to maximize your electricity generation.  

It also constantly records your instant gas mileage as well as a graph showing your best previous gas mileage.  I always feel like I'm "driving for high score"

And with dependence on foreign oil and global warming, everyone should be driving this way.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

When a generator is under a load it is much harder to turn.What you suggest would work but the generator may act like a "brake" under a heavy load. Theres ways to overcome this though.

Also our politicians(BOTH parties) who own stock in oil would lose profits.

Answer 8

they can but americans arent buying them. the electric generator technology you are speaking of is what everyone else calls hybrid technology and there are already countless models on the market, while they are gaining popularity there only a fraction of the overall automotive market in america. every car absolutely can be made with the saving techology but maybe americans do not want to be bothered. i am hopefuly that the meaningful fuel efficiency increases being pushed through congress and the senate will have a profound impact on developing new technology in cars and seeing many more hybrids, and alternative vehicles on the road.

Answer 9

idk

Answer 10

they could, but BUSH is to stupid and doesnt want to lose money by the profits with the gas money.

Answer 11

I own a Toyota Prius. This car regenerates electricity from the wheels when you are coasting or when you apply brakes. Additionally you can place the car in a back gear that slows it down on hills or when you are coming up to a red light. This back gear directs the energy from your spinning wheels to a generator that produces electricity. The energy is then stored in the car's battery cells and is used when you accelerate. In a way this is a self sustaining condition. However, the electricity is consumed by the electric motor very quickly. The electric motor provides a great amount of torque and will get the car moving very quickly but, it consumes the electricity stored in the battery so gasoline engine power is required to sustain teh momentum. So, although the Prius does regenerate electrical power, it is not enough to completely sustain the locomotion of the vehicle. Look for newer hybrid type vehicles coming in the next couple of years. Soon, there will be one that you will plug into an electrical outlet at your home or businesses that support electeric cars. You will be able to utilize this stored energy to make trips across town to distances as much as 150 miles without using any gasoline. Another note: Driving technique is very important to proper use of  a hybrid vehicle. You must anticipate opportunities to allow your car to coast to stops and utilizize the back gearing to recoperate the energy into your batteries.

You are definitely on the right track with your thoughts on regenerating electricity with your wheels!

Answer 12

Because you're making and removing energy, you can't do both and still go forward easily.

But there is regenerative breaking technology, which captures energy from braking.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regenerativ...

Answer 13

And how would the corporate HOGS make billions of dollars

Answer 14

now if they just were applied on braking only you might have something...but not new to the world

Answer 15

I'm no professional, but have you ever used an electric lawnmower and a gas-operated one?

If you make the electric lawnmower try to clear a spot with thick heavy grass, the electric simply won't pull it because the power usually lacks as opposed to a gas-operated one. In order for the electric one to pull enough power, it needs a lot of electricity. I'm guessing this is the same for electric cars, as I've heard on several of those car shows that they perform pretty lousy when it comes to speed.

Not too mention that these types of engines are usually more expensive to construct.