VIDEO: Volvo predicts EV charging on the move
XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid charged by clawing back energy from passing vehiclesVolvo has released a video that shows its XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid being charged by passing cars.
The short film, entitled Highway Robbery, shows the mats being laid over a piece of road. When a car passes and drives over the mats the force of the car squeezes water in tubes towards something called a peristaltic pump.
The specially designed pumps then effectively convert this hydraulic energy into electric current that then charges the big SUV.
Unfortunately, it seems to be a slow process. Volvo USA, responsible for the viral ad, hasn’t owned up how many cars it took for a single charge that would fully recharge the XC90 T8 - with a pure-electric range of no more than 40km - but the stunt was held over two days.
Similar technology is already in use in the UK where the energy of footprints is captured by specially made floor tiles that charge batteries and power office lighting when needed.
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