Search the forums here and you'll find more than a couple of threads about using waste heat from the exhaust to generate electricity.
Here's a working example:
Quote:
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The first demonstration in Europe of a family sized Volkswagen car fitted with a thermoelectric generator was unveiled at the Thermoelektrik-Eine Chance Fur Die Atomobillindustrie meeting held in Berlin, October 2008. Under motorway driving conditions a 600W(e) output is claimed. The additional electrical power serves to meet around 30% of the car's electrical requirement. This reduces the engine's mechanical load such as that due to the alternator and results in a reduction in fuel consumption of more than 5%.
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Source:
[ZTnews] VW & BMW Putting TEGs Automobiles | International Thermoelectric Society via
Green Car Congress: Volkswagen Shows Thermoelectric Generator for Waste Heat Recovery