Can generators be added to the wheels of a BEV to extend its range?
Yes, but only when replacing braking energy in traffic or going downhills. This is how HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs with regenerative braking systems work to increase their range 10-20%, although they typically use a single centralized propulsion motor that doubles as a generator. Capturing energy during steady speed flat driving would violate the 1st law of thermodynamics. The added system would have heat losses, hence it would take more energy to turn them than you’d get back. 38. Can windmills be added to a BEV to extend its range? Maybe, but not much, and only if they are put in the vorticies around the vehicle that are caused by poor aerodynamics. Better aerodynamics would be more effective. Similar to wheel generators, adding a windmill far from car’s airstream during steady speed flat driving would have heat losses and again take more energy to turn it than it would give back, even in a headwind. 39. Can BEV batteries that never need recharging work? No. A fusion reactor may last a very
