A British inventor has created a ramp that harnesses the kinetic energy of moving cars as they pass over it, generating approximately 10 kW of electricity. Depending on the weight of the vehicle, up to 50 kW of power can be created. The electro-Kinetic Road Ramp costs £25,000 (approximately $44,000 USD) and is marketed as a power source for traffic lights and road signs. Proven to be silent, safe for vehicles, and comfortable for drivers, over 2,000 of these ramps have been purchased for a first production run by municipalities in the UK and are scheduled to be installed next year.

Read the article. (BBC News)
Visit the Electro-Kinetic Road Ramp product page.

The Philoneist Says: While this isn't new technology, it is a novel application. Hopefully other cities around the world will follow suit.