[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by octothorp

Drag caused would be greater than the power they produced, right?

I agree with your point though, there's no way you're going to use the vehicle's speed to generate power, beyond reclaiming power during breaking. Just not possible.

But I think one of the advantages to electric vehicles is that they should drive innovation in other areas of electric production: vehicles that come with solar-panel modules that can help to recharge the battery while driving. I don't think we're close to purely solar-power cars, but if a solar panel roof is robust enough and can prolong battery life by even 15%, that's a big advantage. Some commuters who park outside may even find that by the time they get off work, their car may be back to a full charge.

Or the emphasis on sources of electricity may make it a realistic investment for someone to develop an inexpensive wind turbine / battery combination for farming applications.

Whoops, fixed, it.
But I think my point was clear enough.