Volvo stealing kinetic energy commercial

[Johan]

Almost at the level of the "Mirai - runs on bullshit" commercial.

C'mon Volvo - we're not stupid. The cars passing over the mat are going to increase their energy use for a short while, this energy is somehow converted in to electricity. I suppose the efficiency of this system is something like 20% or less? And the ICE of the passing car is already about 25% efficient. So congratulations Volvo, you just achileved 5% efficency in converting gasoline to electricity.

All that said, fun engineering idea

 

[ThosEM]

Agree with your assessment...

 

[Gizmotoy]

I thought the most interesting part was the video screen that recognized the color and make of each vehicle fast enough to be able to display a Thank You on a nearby sign.

Of course, maybe that was faked for the ad.

 

[Kandiru]

Good points, in addition riding over collapsible tubes would increase the energy expenditure of all vehicles, including the T8.

 

[adiggs]

I would look really closely at the post date for that video - that sure looks like an April Fools prank

Pretty sure the "tanks for the extra miles Jeep" is your giveaway.


Points to Volvo for a good enough April Fools to get taken seriously (hey wait - that could ... well, maybe not really work, but kinda).