Two innovative hybrid cars were presented by the Chinese manufacturers at the recent Geneva Motor Show. The concept cars have surprised everyone with the new charging system rather than their design. The cars demonstrate incredible driving dynamics.
This year’s Geneva Motor Show was chosen to display two hybrid concept cars, which unfortunately did not receive the attention they deserve. Beijing startup Techrules showed its AT96 for track riding and GT96 for road use. The show’s main surprise was not the presentation of the cars themselves, but the presentation of a new TREV turbine recharging system, which the Chinese engineers have told about in great detail.
The Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle system turned out to be a worthy technical development. In terms of technology, it is very, very serious. The system capacity is 1044 hp, while the torque reaches 8640 Nm. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h, and the car accelerates to 100 km/h during the unbelievable 2.5 seconds. The main draw of the novelty is an impressive power reserve of 2000 kilometers and the extremely low fuel consumption of just 0.18 liters per 100 kilometers.
The new gas turbine engine uses an 80-liter fuel tank. It can be gasoline, diesel or jet fuel. You can also install tanks for gas, both natural and synthetic. During its operation, the microturbine sucks air, which gets compressed and enters the heat exchanger where it is heated with exhaust gases. Thereafter, it enters the combustion chamber. The energy obtained from the ignition of the fuel and air mixture enters the power generator, which is assembled together with the turbine, operating on the same shaft. The rotational speed reaches 96 thousand revolutions per minute.
Full charging requires about 40 minutes. The battery powers six traction motors. The design of both cars includes a carbon fiber monocoque. Therefore, it was decided to use two engines for the rear wheels, instead of a single more powerful motor, since it greatly simplifies their installation. The TREV system is mounted on the rear sub-frame. The weight of the system without the battery pack with a liquid cooling system does not exceed 100 kg. A single electric traction allows the Techrules car to cover the distance of 150 km.
