NOVELTY - The method involves monitoring a first parameter representative of a state of charge of a battery (530). A second parameter representative of a temperature of an element of an automotive system is monitored. A third parameter representative of a required braking energy is monitored. Electric power generated by an alternator (520) is regulated as a function of the first, the second and the third parameters. A part of the generated electric power is supplied to an electrical heater i.e. resistor (555), provided for heating the element of the automotive system.    USE - Method for operating an automotive system of a vehicle e.g. motor vehicle and micro-hybrid vehicle.    ADVANTAGE - The method enables supplying the part of the generated electric power to the electrical heater provided for heating the element of the automotive system, thus enhancing kinetic energy recovery during vehicle deceleration of the micro-hybrid vehicles by using the power that cannot be stored on lead batteries for faster warm-up of automotive elements. The method enables recovering peaks of kinetic power for generating heat directed to a component of the automotive system. The method enables connecting the alternator to the electrical heater, so that excess load of the alternator with respect to one electrical component needed to charge the battery can be used to power up another electrical component. The method enables providing an accelerated warm up of the cabin, thus providing hot air to occupants of the vehicle in case of cold external temperatures and providing additional comfort. The method enables accelerating warm up of an engine and the lubricating oil. The method enables the resistors to directly heat any coolant, oil or air without intermediate heat exchangers to release heat on demand. The resistors are relatively easy to package. The method enables the resisters to be easily controlled and wiring of the resistors to be done through on/off switches connected via easily routed wires to an electronic control unit (ECU). The method enables managing a regulated voltage control (RVC) of the alternator based on calibratable maps for prioritizing needs of the components with respect to battery capability using information available to the ECU and without using fresh sensors.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The element is selected from a group consisting of a passenger cabin, engine coolant and lubricating oil. The third parameter is indicative of a brake pedal position. INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (1) a computer program comprising a set of instructions for operating an automotive system    (2) a computer program product comprising a set of instructions for operating an automotive system    (3) a control apparatus for an automotive system    (4) an electromagnetic signal.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic view of a structure illustrating energy flow between components of an automotive system of a vehicle.    Internal combustion engine (110)    Alternator (520)    Battery (530)    Wheels (540)    Resistors (555, 565, 575)