ElI5 Could you add a stator to the inside of the wheels of a car or truck and also add an electromagnet to the hub and produce electricity as you drive?

Question

Not sure if it’s the same idea as regenerative braking, I’m a beginner into the electrical and mechanical world.

In: 18

Answer 1

Nearly every car ever sold has a generator driven by the engine called an alternator. It isn’t in the wheels, but is instead inline with them, sort of like a third wheel. This is used to charge the battery that is used to start the car.

As others have mentioned, this lowers the cars efficiency and consumes fuel, so unless it’s used for something specific it isn’t a great idea to use it while the car is going.