A method for powering an autonomous drive device (4) in an aircraft comprising a certain number of drive motors (5) for the wheels (6) when the jet engines of the aircraft are not activated, the aircraft comprising an auxiliary power unit or APU (2) driving a first generator (1) for supplying power to devices on the aircraft that need to be powered when the jet engines are not activated. The method comprises the use of a second generator (8) dedicated to the power supply of the autonomous drive device, the second generator being disposed in parallel with the first generator so as to be driven by the APU and, when it operates as a motor under the action of power recovered by the autonomous drive device, so as to help the APU drive at least the first generator.