Electric Turbo Turbocharger Explained in Simple Terms

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Electric turbo turbochargers are a game-changer in the automotive world. They use electricity to power a turbine that compresses air and forces it into the engine's cylinders, resulting in a significant boost in power and efficiency.

By leveraging the principles of electric motors, these turbochargers can provide instant torque and improve fuel economy. They're especially useful in hybrid and electric vehicles.

In fact, studies have shown that electric turbo turbochargers can increase engine power by up to 20% and improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%. This makes them an attractive option for car manufacturers looking to reduce emissions and improve performance.

Turbochargers

Turbochargers are essentially two types - electric and exhaust-driven. The electric turbocharger uses an electric motor and compressor to force cold air into the engine.

The electric turbocharger provides a quick low-end response from the motor, making it ideal for everyday driving. It's essentially a compressor side paired with an electric motor.

Consider reading: Electric Turbo Compressor

Credit: youtube.com, Dyno Testing a $2,500 ELECTRIC TURBO! 48 Volts of BOOST!!

The e-booster is a type of electric turbocharger used by Volkswagen Group and Mercedes-Benz. It's essentially just a compressor side paired with an electric motor, used side by side with exhaust-driven turbos.

The e-booster provides a quick low-end boost, which is perfect for city driving or merging onto a busy highway. Once pressure builds, the motor-driven turbo turns off and the exhaust-driven turbo handles the rest.

Garret Motion's e-turbo is another type of electric turbocharger. It's a turbo paired with a motor, and it does more or less the same thing as the e-booster.

The main difference between Garret Motion's e-turbo and the e-booster is that the e-turbo allows for the use of a larger compressor for smaller engine displacement. This makes it a great option for smaller engines that still need a boost of power.

Pros and Cons

Electric turbos are built for performance, providing an instant power boost and saving energy by turning themselves off.

Credit: youtube.com, Turbochargers vs Superchargers - Which Is Better?

They also eliminate lag, making them a great option for drivers who want a smooth and responsive ride.

However, fuel consumption and emissions are second priorities, which means electric turbos won't improve your gas mileage as much as traditional turbos.

The difference in fuel economy and emissions is small, with traditional turbos reducing fuel consumption by 2% to 6% and electric turbos reducing it by 2% to 4%.

Traditional turbos can also reduce NOx emissions by up to 23%, compared to 20% on a diesel engine equipped with an electric turbo.

Electric turbos are still a relatively new invention, which makes it difficult to measure their effectiveness and reliability.

Currently, they're also expensive, but once they become more widely available, they'll become more accessible and affordable for the average driver.

You can currently purchase electric turbos in luxury vehicles like Audi's SQ6 and SQ7, or from genuine manufacturers like Garret Motion.

But for now, most people will have to wait until production ramps up and costs come down to get their hands on an electric turbo.

Porsche

Credit: youtube.com, Porsche's GENIUS New Turbo Design

Porsche's electric turbocharger uses an electric motor to rotate the turbine, unlike earlier versions that relied on kinetic energy from the engine.

This innovative design eliminates turbo lag, a common issue with traditional turbochargers.

The electric turbocharger from Porsche doesn't require higher pressure, but still delivers constant energy output.

One of the major benefits of this design is the additional power it provides, along with increased efficiency.

Porsche's electric turbocharger seems to be equipped with features that prevent major reasons of car turbocharger failure.

By using an electric motor, Porsche's turbocharger is able to eliminate the need for higher pressure, making it a more efficient option.

Good News

Here's some good news about electric turbo turbochargers! They're becoming increasingly affordable, with prices dropping by up to 50% in the past few years.

The technology is also becoming more widely adopted, with major manufacturers like Volkswagen and BMW investing heavily in electric turbocharger development.

One of the biggest advantages of electric turbo turbochargers is their improved fuel efficiency. According to research, they can increase fuel efficiency by up to 20% compared to traditional turbochargers.

Studies have shown that electric turbo turbochargers can also reduce emissions by up to 30% in certain driving conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do electric turbochargers really work?

Yes, electric turbochargers are a real technology used in production cars, such as those made by Audi. They offer a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional turbochargers.

Can you get an electric turbo?

Yes, electric turbochargers, also known as E-Turbos, are available for certain hybrid vehicles, offering improved efficiency and performance.

What are the disadvantages of electric turbochargers?

Electric turbochargers are currently expensive and their reliability is largely untested due to limited data and applications. This emerging technology is still in its early stages, making it a high-risk, high-reward option for car manufacturers and consumers.

Sophie Salvini

Writer

Sophie Salvini is a digital marketer based in New York City. With a passion for writing, she started her own blog to share her thoughts on the latest trends and lifestyle topics. Her content focuses on empowering readers to live their best lives through self-care, mindfulness, and personal development.

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