Chinese automotive R&D company Techrules has announced plans to start large-scale production of its 45kW turbine system by the end of 2020. Best known for its turbine-recharging electric vehicle (TREV) system in the Ren supercars, Techrules will begin production of the turbine tech in June.
The 45KW turbine runs on renewable fuels and can be used as a range extender in commercial electric vehicles or standalone power generator. A smaller 15kW turbine will follow in 2021, specifically developed for use as range extender in passenger cars.
Techrules originally showcased its patent-protected hybrid powertrain technology at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. The TREV system, which sits at the heart of the Ren supercars, comprises an 80kW turbine-generator.
Matthew Jin, CTO for Techrules, said, “It is no real surprise to us that the use of our technology as a range extender and also as a charging station for electric vehicles has created massive interest from companies and institutions around the world.
“However, this will require co-development with interested OEMs which, in turn, will require massive resources from our end. That’s why we have decided to focus our efforts on the 45kW turbine initially.”
The Chinese company claims that the turbine is far more efficient than the diesel generators that are currently widely used, because it runs efficiently on a variety of fuels including renewable fuels. It also has a high tolerance of hydrous or low-heat-value fuel and requires hardly any maintenance.
Jin added, “The mass production of micro-turbines is only possible because of our innovative hybrid air bearing system. We are currently in discussion with a number of potential customers in and outside of China. Selling the 45kW turbine as a power generator will allow us to build up production volume quickly, which we expect to reach around 100,000 units over time.”