Chinese startup Techrules has unveiled a track-focused concept vehicle that can be recharged on the move via an on-board turbine at the 86th Geneva Motor Show.
Designed to showcase technologies to prospective electric vehicle manufacturers, Techrules' concept vehicle ? which it describes as China's first supercar concept ? uses a micro-turbine to generate electricity that charges a battery pack. The battery power then drives the wheels.
The effect is to extend the total range of the vehicle, which can reportedly travel for 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometres) without having to recharge.
The AT96 TREV ? currently being tested at UK race circuit Silverstone ? can achieve a top speed of 217 miles per hour (350 kilometres per hour) and get from a standstill to 60 miles per hour (100 kilometres per hour) in just 2.5 seconds.
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"The TREV (Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle) system is a perfect combination of micro turbine and electric vehicle technologies," said Techrules founder and CEO William Jin. "It is highly efficient, produces very low emissions and provides an optimal charging solution for electric vehicles."
"We believe it may redefine how the next generation of electric vehicles is powered," he added.
The turbine itself is powered by gasoline, but could still offer dramatic reductions in emissions and improve efficiency for batt...