Electric turbochargers are the next big “thing” we will be seeing.
Jaguar showed the system on a concept car and Ford and Honda are also looking at the technology.
But it looks like they will be beaten into production by premier VW Group player Audi.
It is well one the way to using electrically boosted turbocharging in a mass-production model starting next year.
Expect it to be seen on other VW brands fairly soon and don’t discount it appearing on their prestige marques as well in the continuing fight to bring down weight and emissions but keep up performance,
The new technology is good news for the likes of Valeo, who will supply Audi, but also Honeywell and Borg Warner who are working on projects.
The system has been proven on both petrol and diesel engines and is particularly attractive because it needs only modest boost to effect big power lifts.
Emissions are marginal as well so it’s a win & win situation.
At the moment it would mean a boost in electrical circuit charging and that does present other challenges and obstacles.
