China-based car company TechRules has unveiled the AT96 TREV electric supercar at the Geneva Motor Show 2016.
The AT96 was designed and developed to showcase the company’s new Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle technology.
Powering the AT96 TREV is a very interesting and unique plug-in hybrid style system. Rather than a traditional petrol powered engine, this system uses a micro-turbine to generate electricity and charge a 20 kilowatt hour Lithium-Manganese-Oxide battery pack. The benefit of this type of technology is ultra-long ranges (the AT96 claims a range in excess of 1,242 miles) and high performance.
“Air drawn into the micro turbine is passed through a heat exchanger where heat from the exhaust air is transferred to the cold intake air after it has been compressed,” TechRules explained in a statement. “Ignition of the compressed and heated fuel-air mixture generates enormous energy which is channeled at very high speeds to turn the turbine vanes. As this hot exhaust gas is expelled, it passes through the heat exchanger to ensure the heat energy is recuperated and transferred to cold intake air.”
This innovative propulsion setup will reportedly propel the AT96 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The reported top speed is 217 mph.
The AT96 concept features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis and carbon fiber body in addition to dihedral doors.
