TECHNOLOGY Tuesday #26 – Electric turbochargers

It’s true – electric turbochargers are coming according to CNET on Cars in this informative video!

The video begins with a refresher on how regular turbochargers work, and the three limitations of the current technology. Firstly since regular turbochargers are run by exhaust, there is a lot of lag. Second, the size and necessary placement of current turbochargers make them not so flexible to use. Finally, since turbochargers sit in the middle of the exhaust stream it impedes exhaust scavenging which isn’t good for power or efficiency since the engine doesn’t breathe as well.

Audi has demonstrated a prototype electric turbo-equipped RS5 and says its electric turbo needs only a quarter of a second to reach full boost!!

Watch how the electric turbocharger solves all three of these hang-ups!

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