Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, odorless, and colorless gas that can kill. When using your car as a generator you should not use your car close to any space where the gas can accumulate like. The amount of time an electric vehicle can work as a generator capable of powering your home varies. It depends on the size of the battery, mostly. The car alternator creates electrical energy while the car is running. It assists in charging the battery and feeding the electrical system. It is also known as a generator as it works in similar. The generator is installed in the engine compartment. Due to the brackets, it is attached to the engine block, driven by a drive belt from the crankshaft pulley. Types of electric generator.