BMW Saves...

Who would have ever thought that "BMW" and "save" could be used in the same sentence positively. Now don't worry, BMW is not lowering the price of their vehicles (dammit) but they are taking a step in the right direction...the green direction that is. The engineers at BMW's Efficient Dynamics program have, with the help of NASA, figured out a way to increase the amount of power available to the car.

NASA developed a similar system for their satellites in space called thermo-electric generators whereby the heat generated from radioactive materials is turned into electricity. BMW has taken that technology to the next step by figuring out how to implement that in their product lineup. It seems they have succeeded in their efforts and are currently known to have a working prototype of the system in their hands...or under their test cars for that matter.This is how they are supposed to work

The BMW version is set up to convert the otherwise wasted energy of exhaust gas heat into electricity and provide an estimated 200 watts of power and about 5% better fuel economy. That 200 watts might not seem like much but it can be used to power fuel economy hoggers like the Air Conditioning or cabin fixtures.

The 5% on the other hand might also not seem like much but it is much more efficient than regenerative braking and start-stop engine management. Combine them all together and anything else BMW has up its sleeves and we could see a very useful and somewhat more efficient 7 Series cruising through the streets.