Questions and answers

Do electric turbochargers really work?

Do electric turbochargers really work?

So yes, much of the negativity around electric turbos is justified, but the good news is they do work, they can make “real” boost, and we may be about to enter an era where electric turbos find their way into the aftermarket as a legitimate power maker.

How does an electric turbo work?

They combine a traditional turbo with a small electric air compressor driven by a powerful motor. When the accelerator is pressed, the motor drives the air compressor to instantly force cold air into the engine. Once the conventional turbocharger is spinning fast enough, the electric system shuts off to save energy.

Can an electric motor be turbocharged?

The e-turbo as conceived by Garrett and its competitors adds the electric motor to a turbocharger in one unit. At lower speeds, the motor can rapidly spin up the turbo and build boost for excellent low speed torque and driveability. As the exhaust pressure builds, it takes over the job of driving the e-turbo.

Are there electric superchargers?

An electric supercharger is a specific type of supercharger for internal combustion engines that uses an electrically powered forced-air system that contains an electric motor to pressurize the intake air.

Why do electric turbos not work?

An electric turbo doesn’t work like that. It’s going to consume additional energy from the engine, because you need to burn additional fuel to provide additional electricity from the alternator to charge the battery, to drive the turbo. So: No efficiency benefit from a turbocharger driven in this way.

How do you stop turbo lag?

How to Reduce Turbo Lag

  1. Replace your turbo vehicle’s exhaust downpipe with a smaller-diameter unit. A downpipe with a smaller inner diameter offers less airflow, slightly reducing top-end horsepower.
  2. Replace your stock blow-off valve with an aftermarket unit.
  3. Purchase a new intercooler kit for your turbo vehicle.

What is the difference between a turbo and a hybrid turbo?

Firstly, you are making the turbo work harder/spin faster to make that extra pressure. The turbine is rated to rotate at a maximum reliable speed. A hybrid turbo, if designed properly, will allow the extra flow and pressure to be achieved at a safe and reliable turbine speed and at higher compressor efficiencies.

Do electric turbos add horsepower?

The electric turbo augmentation in current F1 cars means instant boost at throttle tip-in and adds 150 to 200 hp to the otherwise 850hp F1 engines.

How much power does a turbo use?

A turbo can boost an engine’s horsepower by 30 to 40 percent or approximately 70 to 150 HP.

How fast do electric turbos spin?

An e-turbo would actually have fewer parts than a conventional one “because you’re not adding an extra package to the engine,” according to Bais. He also says they’re subject to less heat because “a typical turbocharger will run at between 200,000 and 300,000 rpm, while an electric turbocharger can run at 100,000 rpm.”