BMW, Ford and GM to test prototype cars with thermoelectric generator by the end of the summer.

Technology Review reports on recent progress at BSST, a thermoelectric-device maker in California and at the GM's research labs in Michigan. GM's project is getting out of the lab and into a Chevy Suburban this summer. GM's thermoelectric research has centered on skutterudites, cobalt arsenide minerals doped with rare earth elements like ytterbium. Other prototype will be tested by BMW and Ford this year.

To manufacture such equipment in large quantities at affordable prices will still took about four years according to the companies. The crucial challenge is to make good electrical and thermal contacts.