Techrules' micro-turbine powertrains to move GM, CRRC, others

Chinese startup Techrules said it has been in advanced talks with General Motors, which is one of the latest carmakers to show interest in its micro-turbine powertrain that will be mass-produced from 2019 onwards.

"GM's unit in Turin, Italy, which has been specializing in diesel power, has shown great interest in our engine, and it wants to obtain our license to produce the engines in the United States," said Jin Pu, chief technology officer of Techrules, in a recent interview with China Daily.

According to the company, its powertrain features a micro-turbine. The turbine charges a battery pack and the pack powers electric motors that drive the wheels, thus slashing fuel consumption.

Techrules showed a race car featuring such a powertrain at the just-concluded Geneva auto show, and it is said to be able to run 1,170 kilometers on 80 litres of diesel fuel.

"GM is the first to work on range extender engines, so they are very clear about the efficiency of our product. Together we will build a mule car first before we decide on the final form of cooperation, but their intention is quite apparent," Jin said.

While it may take a year for GM to finish the mule car, some Chinese companies have made quicker moves.

New energy bus manufacturer, Wuzhoulong Motors, would be the first to adopt the Techrules powertrain, according to Jin.

"It has strong demand and we are now working to develop a bus model with our hand-made engines, as the mass-produced ones will not be available until 2019," he said.

In early March, Techrules inked an agreement with CRRC Times Electric－a subsidiary of CRRC, the world's largest supplier of rail transit equipment－to develop the technology for use in autonomous rapid transit systems.

Yu Kang, a senior manager at CRRC Times Electric, said, "The increased range and efficiency provided by Techrules' unique turbine technology will help us to become a leading force in China and internationally in the supply of core components for electric drive systems and other related fields."

An agreement is also being finalized with Shenzhen BAK Technology, a global leader in battery research and development with 5 percent of the global lithium battery market.

The companies will develop delivery vehicles powered by the turbine powertrain system, to provide a capable and cost-effective light commercial vehicle with unprecedented range, according to Techrules.