MIT Team Creates Shock That Recharges Your Car

An anonymous reader writes "If you had a GenShock, you may not mind those potholes in the road any longer because this new prototype shock actually harvests energy from bumps in the road to save on fuel. A team of students at MIT have invented a shock absorber that harnesses energy from small bumps in the road, generating electricity while it smooths the ride more effectively than conventional shocks. Senior Shakeel Avadhany and his teammates say they can produce up to a 10 percent improvement in overall vehicle fuel efficiency by using the regenerative shock absorbers. They also already have a lot of interest in their design, specifically the company that builds Humvees for the army are already planning to install them in its next version of the Humvee."

Repair the roads or fuel our cars?

[feedayeen]

Looks like MIT just gave us a little picklet, will we repair our roads or use the potholes to power our cars?

Perpetuum mobile

[Anonymous Coward]

Is this actually legal since it hurts the oil industry ?

Re:Repair the roads or fuel our cars?

[daniorerio]

I wonder if the 10% improvement in fuel efficiency only counts for roads in Boston, how about cities with decent roads?

For the first time in history.

[jellomizer]

Cars are brought back to their parents on prom night with a full tank of gas.

Re:Repair the roads or fuel our cars?

[txoof]

Doh! 6' wide. Foot, not inch. Foot.

Re:I already said that...

[drinkypoo]

I've been saying for 5 years now that we should use all the available energy to power electric cars.

I've been saying it for ten! Where the fuck have you been?

I think that this is the way of the future, and MIT did one step.

Now if they take one step back, and one step forward, and one step back... they're doing the cha-cha.

On my bed

[mrops]

Wonder if I can have this on my bed.

Honey, I know you have a headache, but think of the planet.

pedestrians beware

[JonTurner]

OTOH, if you're running low on fuel/power, just cruise up onto the sidewalk and mow down a few unsuspecting pedestrians. *KaThumpKaThump* *KaThumpKaThump* Presto! Enough juice to make it home (after a quick run through the carwash, of course). Thanks, MIT!!

Re:1st law of thermal dynamics says . . .

[GameMaster]

As such, it'll only be practical on rough terrain, poor quality roads, or when you intentionally drive over potholes . . .

Or people, don't forget people.

Re:You are kidding arent you?

[SCPRedMage]

TROLL FIGHT!

Re:Repair the roads or fuel our cars? They

[davidsyes]

will be on the lookout for new shocking disc-recoveries?