Wave technology car

BBC

British scientists with Artemis Intelligent Power have converted tidal "wave technology", used for generating power from the ocean's currents, for powering a car. A hydraulic drive allows energy usually wasted during braking to be stored and used again when the car needs to accelerate. The scientists converted a BMW saloon for this experiment.

The car ran on a mixture of stored energy and petrol, with computer control technology used to switch between the two power sources. Carbon emissions from the prototype were also down by 30% in combined city and motorway driving.

Project leader Dr Wim Rampen said the technology represented a serious step forward in achieving cost-effective fuel economy. "The system will be much less expensive than electric hybrids and will help to make hybrid vehicles an economic, rather than a lifestyle, choice," he said. The project was supported by the Department for Transport and the Energy Saving Trust.