It is one thing to re-invent the wheel. It is clearly something else if you can take what exists and improve upon it. What do we mean? Well, a while back the U.S. Department of Energy issued a challenge to researchers to find a way to convert wasted exhaust heat into energy. It is said that if this can be done there could be a fuel economy increase of 10 percent.

The technology is called thermoelectric generator and is similar to what NASA uses to propel its deep space probes.

These devices can work in two ways. It can use electricity to provide heat or cooling, or it can use temperature differences to create electricity.

One system that is being researched works with one side of its metallic material is heated. Current is created, collected and convert it into electricity.

The impact would be major, like, totally. An internal combustion engine already loses 40 percent of its energy to exhaust heat and 30 percent is lost through cooling the engine. If you do the math, 70 percent of the energy is wasted. Just think of the consequences if that wasted energy can be put to use.

BMW and General Motors are working in the field. A prototype device will be tested in a Chevy Suburban next year.