Recharge Wrap-up: moving a wind turbine blade, Techrules seeks production site
A123 Systems has announced it will open a new production facility in the Czech Republic. In the city of Ostrava, A123 Systems will produce lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles at the new site. More specifically, it will be making 12-volt starter batteries as well as 48-volt batteries for microhybrid systems. The plant will be able to produce some 600,000 units a year, a level of production A123 expects to reach within a few years. The site also offers the opportunity for expansion in the future. Read more from Inside EVs.
Techrules is seeking a production site in Europe. The Chinese automotive research and development firm unveiled two turbine-recharging electric vehicle (TREV) concept cars (pictured above) at the Geneva Motor Show this year, and plans to produce a supercar using its TREV technology within a few years. As such, Techrules is looking for existing production facilities that will soon be vacant, or a new site to start from scratch. After the launch of its first supercar, Techrules says it intends to shift its focus toward producing higher volume city cars. Read more in the press release below.
• Techrules is investigating locations for its European production base
• Company plans to launch China’s first supercar – featuring Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) technology – within three years
• Geneva world premiere of new Chinese R&D business and its proprietary TREV technology generates international media interest
Beijing, 4 April 2016 – Techrules, the new automotive research and development company based in Beijing, has started the process of identifying potential locations to establish its European production base. It plans to have a shortlist established within the next couple of months and a final decision will be made by the end of the year.
Techrules made a highly successful international debut at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show last month. The world premiere of its revolutionary turbine-recharging electric vehicle (TREV) technology made a significant impact with media and public guests alike. The brand presented the innovative system in China’s first supercar concept.
Development of TREV for production
Techrules has appointed a small team to identify specific locations in Europe where it can establish a production facility for its supercar. The team is looking at existing sites that are currently or will soon become vacant, and also at possible sites where it could develop an all-new site from the ground up.
The company’s strong in-house engineering team is focused on finalising the development and manufacturing processes of the production version of its TREV micro turbine hybrid range extender technology. Meanwhile, it will continue to progress vehicle engineering and styling programmes for the AT96 and GT96 variants of its supercar with specialist partners in the UK and Italy.
Techrules plans to launch China’s first supercar – featuring its TREV technology – into the global market in the next two-to-three years. It then plans to begin production of higher volume city cars a few years later. It is currently exploring options for production facilities in Europe, as well as continuing negotiations with new development partners.
The most interesting exhibit at Geneva
Media reaction was overwhelmingly positive with coverage appearing around the world. While the stunning supercar – and the design of the turbine-inspired show stand – drew many show-visitors to the brand, equally intriguing to a wide range of industry executives from established volume car makers was the TREV technology itself.
William Jin, Chairman of Techrules, said: “We chose to showcase our innovative TREV technology at Geneva because it is one of the most important annual auto shows in the world. The level of interest in our technology and our next generation electric cars proves that we have a formula that can make a major impact on the industry.
“We will return to Geneva next year to show the progress we have made with the technology, including an update on the performance testing we will undertake in the coming year at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. In the meantime, we have deployed a small team to begin evaluating where we should set up our European production base.”
Some media guests commented that it was the most interesting news at the show.
“We’re very humbled by the reaction over the past few weeks to our Geneva global debut,” commented Matthew Jin, President of Techrules. “We are a young company but we have a bold vision. To see that so many highly respected industry analysts, experienced executives and influential media understood our vision and believe in its potential is incredibly inspiring.”
Techrules and its Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) technology
Techrules is dedicated to the innovation of new energy technologies to advance the environmental and dynamic performance of EVs as well as the convenience to the user.
Its Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV) system is an all-new patent-protected series hybrid powertrain technology comprising a turbine-generator. TREV combines extensive experience of aviation and electric vehicle technologies with several proprietary technical innovations to deliver unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance, and ultra-low environmental impact.
TREV is a range extender system that uses a micro-turbine to generate electricity that charges a battery pack. The battery powers the motors that drive the wheels. Newly developed battery management technologies enable superior charging efficiency. The high efficiency of the TREV range extender results in a requirement for fewer batteries, saving weight and space.
Techrules showcased its ground breaking technology at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show in a plug-in hybrid range extender TREV concept that represents the first step towards production of China’s first supercar. A development prototype started testing in February 2016 at the world-famous Silverstone race circuit in the UK.
Producing peak power of 768 kW (1,030 bhp / 1,044 PS), initial projections indicate blistering performance (0 – 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds; 350 km/h restricted top speed) and a huge range (over 2,000 km). Under plug-in operation, it achieves fuel consumption of just 0.18 l/100 km (1,569 mpg).
