Israeli company Innowattech has developed a method for generating electricity from car traffic, and has successfully tested its Innowattech Piezoelectric Generator or IPEG on one of Israel's major highways.
The IPEG works by implanting sensors several inches under the surface of high traffic thoroughfares. When cars and especially heavy vehicles like trucks pass over the sensors, they create stress and friction, which is converted to electricity.
The company estimates that sensors and generators set up along a stretch of road half a mile long that sees at least 600 cars an hour could produce enough electricity to power 250 homes.
Innowattech plans to continue testing its product along Israeli highways for the time being, and for now the resulting electricity will be used to power street lights and traffic lights in the area.