An electrical power generation system for a vehicle includes a prime mover, an electrical generator to generate electrical power and a gear box operably connected to the prime mover and the electrical generator to transfer rotational energy from the prime mover to the electrical generator. A braking mechanism is located at the gear box to selectably transfer rotational energy from the prime mover to the electrical generator for selective generation of electrical power. A method of electrical power generation for a vehicle includes generating rotational energy at a prime mover, transferring the rotational energy to an electrical power generator, generating electrical power via the rotational energy transfer to the electrical power generator, and periodically stopping and/or starting the transfer of rotational energy from the prime mover to the electrical power generator via a braking mechanism in operable communication with the electrical power generator.