Electric turbos are a new advancement in turbocharging technology that combine the best qualities of turbochargers and superchargers, removing the shortcomings of both. They use an electric motor and compressor to spin the turbine instead of wasted exhaust gases, significantly reducing lag to practically instant response. Electric turbos can help improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and increase power output. They are also environmentally friendly and make a worthy investment by providing more power, less time, and less fuel. Mercedes-Benz is one of the few manufacturers to have successfully deployed this technology. Although it will be a while before we see electric turbos rolled out for everyday cars, they hold great promise for the future of the automobile industry.
Benefits of Electric Turbochargers for Your Project Car
With the advent of electric cars, technology has been advancing to revolutionize the automobile industry. One of the newest advancements in turbocharging technology is the electric turbo. Although pricier than traditional ones, electric turbos provide many benefits that we cannot overlook.
What is an Electric Turbocharger?
Electric turbochargers combine the best qualities of turbochargers and superchargers, removing the shortcomings of both. Turbochargers draw more air into the engine by spinning a turbine using exhaust gases during combustion, which helps the engine produce more power. On the other hand, superchargers, which are connected directly to the engine crankshaft, can muster up an instant response when the throttle is slammed.
How Electric Turbochargers Work
Electric turbos use an electric motor and compressor to spin the turbine instead of wasted exhaust gases. The electric turbo’s motor activates the compressor immediately upon pressing the gas pedal, which forces air towards the turbine and into the engine. In contrast, traditional turbochargers experience “turbo lag” while waiting for the engine to produce enough exhaust gases to spool up the turbine.
Benefits of Electric Turbochargers
Electric turbos have numerous benefits, including:
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Instantaneous response: Electric turbos provide an immediate response, similar to superchargers, while still being efficient like traditional turbos.
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Increased Power: Electric turbos supply more air and fuel to the engine, increasing its power output.
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Improved Fuel Efficiency: With a more efficient engine, electric turbos can help improve fuel efficiency.
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Reduced Emissions: As engines become more efficient, they produce fewer emissions, making electric turbos more environmentally friendly.
Electric Turbos and the Future of the Automobile Industry
Although only a few performance cars from Audi and Mercedes-Benz have deployed this technology successfully, we can expect to see more electrically turbocharged cars being produced until they become a reality for everyday customers. With their numerous benefits and technological advancements, electric turbochargers are undoubtedly worth considering for your project car.
How Electric Turbos Address Turbo Lag
Turbocharging engines are known for their efficiency but have been hampered by “turbo lag.” This lag occurs when there is a delay between the time the throttle is opened and the time enough exhaust gas is produced to spin the turbo. Electric turbos can significantly reduce this lag to the point that it becomes practically instant, responding within 250 milliseconds. Let’s take a closer look at how electric turbos work and their benefits.
How Electric Turbos Work
Electric turbos require a battery, but the electric motor and compressor are automatically turned off after the turbo is spinning sufficiently fast to save energy. However, inertia and gases can cause the e-turbo to rotate a little longer even after the electric motor turns off. Unlike traditional turbos, which require an increase in exhaust gas pressures, the electric motor of an e-turbo spins the turbo as soon as the throttle is opened, significantly reducing lag.
Benefits of Electric Turbos
The benefits of electric turbos include:
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Practically instant response: Electric turbos reduce lag to the point that it becomes practically instant, much like a supercharger.
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Increased Power: With electric turbos added to the system, bigger turbos are even more practical and viable.
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Improved Fuel Efficiency: Wasted energy lost upon the wastegate opening in traditional turbochargers can now be used to recharge the battery of the electric turbo, saving even more gas. This loop results in less fuel being used to achieve the needed boost, leading to lower carbon dioxide rates and a more environmentally friendly solution.
The Future of Electric Turbos
While the technology is still in its infancy, researchers have been testing the efficiency and energy recovery of electric turbos since 2017. As more innovation advances with electric cars, we can expect to see more electrically turbocharged cars being produced until they become a reality for everyday customers. Electric turbos provide an environmentally friendly and efficient solution that’s worth considering for any car enthusiast or project car.
The Future of Electric Turbos for Everyday Cars
While some brands have used electric superchargers to eliminate turbo lag, it will be a while before we see electric turbos rolled out for everyday cars. For now, the coolest use of an e-turbo is in the Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. Still, once they are a viable option for everyone, they make a worthy investment by providing more power, less time, less fuel, and a happier conscience.
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