I keep thinking of those times when I've had to push a car and try to steer it at the same time.. this would help then, too!

I guess the comparison that has to be kept in mind is not just the amount of PROPULSION that is getting replaced by whatever pedals and pull-handles that passenger can offset, but in this case, the amount of HEATING energy that would have been needed as well.

Of course, in a thorough analysis, you would include the health benefits, too.. although this argument will still get little more than a cursory nod in the American 'Enriched Flour Health-Muffin' Culture no matter how many lives could be improved and saved with the addition of a modest amount of exercise.. It would be considered 'Icing on the cake', to put it in that current frame of mind, and not one of the bare essentials of keeping our bodies alive.

I would also want pedals to work in a 'Hybrid' mode, where they could be used to push some Amps into the batteries, too, while the car is stationary. This might be further connected to a simple drive connector to the outside of the car, where creative vehicle owners will come up with their own inputs, like their kids swingsets and merry-go-rounds, the dog's tie-rope, a link to a windmill or waterwheel.. like with Plugin Hybrids, I'm a believer in designing in a range of input/output options. All sorts of creativity can then be facilitated.

Here are some 'Panels on the Roof' that are proving themselves today. Surely, they do not Drive the vehicle entirely by themselves, but they are bringing in offsetting power while Driving, While Parked, at the StopLight, etc.. AND, they're waterproof!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFYpNrbyKCA

Bob Fiske

Actually, a normal person can produce 100 watts for maybe several hours, and even up to 300 for a short burst. Supermen can put out near a kW for seconds. (D.G..Wilson, Bicycling Science, MIT Press). And of course, as you say, pedaling is a real good way to provide warmth on cold days, not to mention, keeping fit!

Now, all this concept needs is my super-duper automatic transmission that allows a constant high speed light motor to match torque demand at any road speed, and we have a winner.

Thanks, Ugo, for a fascinating and very well-written offering. I am enthused!