Techrules, a Chinese automotive research and development firm, presented an innovative turbine-equipped electric supercar concept called the AT96 TREV at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show this week, according to an article published by www.motorauthority.com.
The report said that the supercar concept TREV refers to Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle system, a range-extending setup that combines aviation and motorsports technologies, to create a high-performance, eco-friendly powertrain. A micro-turbine that spins up to 96,000 rpm serves as a range extender and generates electricity to recharge the car's on-board battery pack, which then supplies power to electric motors that drive the vehicle's wheels.
Techrules said that the TREV system saves weight and space since it has need for extra battery.
In 2010, Jaguar showed a similar setup with its C-X75 concept.
According to the report, the turbine system of the AT96 TREV produces 36 kilowatts, with the bulk of power allocated to charging and a small amount to run auxiliary equipment on-board the sleek coupe.
Techrules said that the AT96's lithium-manganese-oxide battery features a new charge balancing strategy that collects "excess" voltage in cells that are charging quickly to supply those that need more power.
The company said that the supercar produces at least 1,030 horsepower and can sprint to 62 mph from a standstill in about 2.5 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 217 mph. Despite these statistics, Techrules added that the AT96 TREV uses the fuel required to run its micro-turbine system at a rate of 1,569 mpg.
The supercar comes in two versions: the AT96 runs on aviation fuel which is designed for track use, while the GT96 uses standard pump fuel designed for road use.
Techrules hopes to sell a supercar based on the AT96 within the next few years, but said it will focus on high-volume city cars that use a variation of the show car's technology.
The report said that Techrules is not the only Chinese electric car startup to use a wild supercar concept to grab attention, as state-backed Faraday Future also presented its FFZERO1 concept earlier this year.