The Electric Turbo on Car Revolution: Benefits and Innovations

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Posted Oct 26, 2024

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Photograph of a colorful Formula E racing car similar to a Formula 1 car racing on a track in Mexico City
Credit: pexels.com, Photograph of a colorful Formula E racing car similar to a Formula 1 car racing on a track in Mexico City

Electric turbochargers are a game-changer in the automotive industry, offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

By harnessing the power of electricity, electric turbochargers can provide up to a 20% increase in fuel efficiency compared to traditional turbochargers.

This technology is particularly beneficial for drivers who prioritize eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits and Innovations

Electric turbo technology offers a range of benefits, from instant boost response to superior fuel efficiency. By optimizing the air-fuel mixture at all RPM, electric turbochargers can ensure engines run more efficiently, burning less fuel without compromising on performance.

Instant boost response is a key advantage of electric turbochargers, eliminating turbo lag and providing immediate throttle response. This is thanks to the electric motor, which powers the compressor to provide instant air pressure.

The electric motor also enables higher torque at low engine speeds, enhancing agility and optimizing acceleration capability from a standstill. This is particularly noticeable when driving in city traffic or on winding roads.

Credit: youtube.com, CNET On Cars - Car Tech 101: Electric turbos are coming

One of the most innovative features of electric turbochargers is their compact, lightweight design. This not only saves space but also contributes to overall vehicle efficiency, supporting enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The electric motor can also recuperate energy from the exhaust gas, replenishing the battery and further improving fuel efficiency.

Here are some of the key benefits of electric turbo technology:

  • Instant Boost Response: Eliminates turbo lag and provides immediate throttle response.
  • Superior Fuel Efficiency: Optimizes the air-fuel mixture at all RPM for improved engine efficiency.
  • Compact, Lightweight Design: Saves space and contributes to overall vehicle efficiency.
  • Energy Recuperation: Recuperates energy from the exhaust gas to replenish the battery.
  • Customizable Performance: Allows for unprecedented control over boost levels and engine performance.

Overall, electric turbo technology is a game-changer for car enthusiasts, offering improved performance, efficiency, and agility. By harnessing the power of electric motors, these turbochargers are able to provide instant boost response, superior fuel efficiency, and a range of other benefits that are sure to revolutionize the driving experience.

If you're interested in learning more about electric turbo technology, you might also want to explore related topics in the world of car engines. Electric superchargers use an electric motor to power the compressor, which is a key difference from traditional superchargers.

Credit: youtube.com, Are Electric Turbos a SCAM?

A turbocharger that can divert some of the exhaust gas to produce electricity is called a hybrid turbocharger. This technology is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to be a game-changer in the world of car engines.

Here are some related devices you might want to know about:

  • Superchargers
  • Turbochargers

Innovative Applications

Electric turbochargers are revolutionizing the automotive industry with their innovative applications. They can be used in a variety of vehicles, including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and even motorcycles.

In the article, we mentioned that electric turbochargers can boost engine power by up to 30% while reducing emissions by 20%. This makes them an attractive option for environmentally conscious drivers.

By using electric turbochargers, car manufacturers can reduce the weight of their vehicles, improving fuel efficiency and overall performance.

Garrett Motion

Garrett Motion is a key player in the development of electric turbochargers, with their technology being used in the next vehicle generation from Mercedes-AMG.

Credit: youtube.com, Daniel Deiro: innovations for customers, media & industry professionals IAA 2019 | Garrett Motion

In 2019, Garrett Motion announced its first electric turbocharger for market passenger vehicles, with an expected launch in 2021. This innovative design adds an electric motor between the turbocharger's turbine wheel and compressor wheel, greatly improving response and eliminating turbo lag.

The Garrett Motion EAT is being used in the 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 convertible, which features the Mercedes-Benz M139 engine. This partnership with Mercedes-AMG is a significant step forward in the adoption of electric turbocharger technology.

The electric turbocharger developed by Garrett Motion can achieve speeds of up to 170,000 rpm, enabling a very high rate of air flow. This is made possible by its connection to a 48-volt on-board electrical system.

For another approach, see: Electric Turbo Garrett

Volvo

Volvo is a pioneer in electrically assisted turbochargers. They started experimenting with this technology in 2010.

The result of these experiments was a 450hp 2.0L High Performance Drive-E Powertrain Concept engine, unveiled in 2014. This engine used a 48-volt electrical system for the electric booster.

Credit: youtube.com, Meet the Volvo EX90 and XC90 │ A Celebration of Innovation and Luxury

The engine had three turbos, with the electric "turbo" driving the exhaust turbines of the twin-turbo. This innovative setup improved the engine's performance.

Volvo's XC90 T6 was initially expected to benefit from this new technology, but it was the 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 that actually received a Twin Engine starter-generator-supercharger. This addition improved the engine's efficiency.

In 2019, Volvo reaffirmed its commitment to replacing mechanical superchargers with electric ones. This move is a significant step towards more efficient and environmentally friendly engines.

Porsche

Porsche's innovative eTurbo technology is a game-changer in the automotive industry. The 1.9 kWh battery generates 11 kW of electrical power, and is situated directly between the turbine wheel and the engine's compressor.

This setup allows the turbocharger to spool up almost instantly, reducing turbo lag significantly. The electric motor working with the transmission enables boost pressure to build quickly.

The eTurbo produces significantly lower emissions than the petrol models of the 911. According to Porsche, a single electrically assisted turbocharger was sufficient, eliminating the need for multiple chargers.

The eight-speed PDK transmission used in the Porsche 911 GTS was re-engineered to accommodate the significant increase in torque due to the electric motor.

For your interest: Electric Turbo Turbocharger

Lulu Franklin

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Lulu Franklin is a passionate writer, blogger and creative mind who loves to share her ideas with the world. Her articles are always informative, engaging and thought-provoking, covering topics ranging from lifestyle and fashion to health and wellness. With a natural flair for storytelling, Lulu's writing style is both authentic and relatable; she has a talent for making complex issues easy to understand.

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