The supercharged surface is embedded with piezoelectric crystals, which transform kinetic energy from passing vehicles into an electrical current. With widespread adoption, the technology could feed energy back into the nation’s burgeoning electric vehicle grid, transforming congested roadways into a clean green source of energy.

The amount of electricity produced isn’t that much (400 kilowatts per kilometer or 645/mi), and there’s no mention on how cost effective it would be. But given the sheer amount of roadways present, it’s an interesting albeit niche approach to generate electricity.

Don’t you think technology is cool? What do you have to offer? Get over to NIT Trichy between the 12th and 15th of February and dive into the future with Pragyan ’09!