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

Sure. It would draw more energy from the engine, though, so unless you need that electricity for something specific it’s just a waste of gas.

However, the wheels move around a lot. It would be easier to generate any needed electricity directly from the engine shaft. That’s actually exactly what we already do, and the electrical generator is called the “alternator”.