b1gmoose recently pointed us in the direction of this product:
http://www.sigmaautomotive.com/electrocharger/electrocharger.php
The concept behind the electrocharger is that it will act as both an electric motor to help acceleration AND as an alternator. It takes the place of the alternator and battery in the car. In theory it gives a boost of HP during initial acceleration, which will theoretically help with gas mileage (you get up to speed faster, have a partial electric assist, etc.)
So, the next questions is, "when does it come out?"
After doing a little search on the internet, i found my answer. It is NOT coming out. Read what one of the developers of the product said about it:
Read More Here
Basically, the MPG claims are unfounded, the unveiling at the SEMA Show never happened like it was reported to have happened, and the product is no where near production. In fact, it lacks serious funding.
Which is okay by me, considering that they were reportedly going to ask $6000 for each unit.
Either way, I think that this is a very interesting topic.
__________________