Have you ever wondered what it would be like if a turbocharger could work instantly, without needing time to "spool up," i.e., without any "turbo lag"? Or perhaps you've heard rumors about electric turbos that solve the delay problem with just the push of a button? In recent years, the automotive industry has started talking intensively about a new phase in the evolution of turbochargers—so-called "e-turbos" or electric turbochargers. In this article, we will take a detailed look at what lies behind these innovative solutions, whether they are reliable, and why their technology could become the future standard in both the tuning world and mass car production.
A traditional turbocharger uses the energy from the engine's exhaust gases to spin the turbine wheel, which in turn forces the compressor blades to deliver compressed air to the engine cylinders. However, this configuration has one drawback—turbo lag, where at low RPMs, the exhaust gas flow is insufficient for efficient turbine acceleration. An electric turbo, also known as e-turbo, incorporates an additional electric motor mounted on the turbo shaft. This motor instantly spins up the turbine wheel until the exhaust gas flow becomes sufficient, thus eliminating the biggest flaw of traditional turbos—the delay.
Technologically, an e-turbo consists of several key components:
1. Minimal turbo lag
The biggest advantage is the instant operation of the electric motor, which can spin the compressor wheel even when the exhaust gas flow is still low. This ensures almost linear power delivery from the lowest RPMs.
2. Improved fuel efficiency
With electric assistance, the turbocharger operates more efficiently across all ranges. Such precise airflow control reduces fuel waste, which is needed to spool up the turbo in older systems.
3. Better emissions control
When the turbo works more efficiently at low RPMs, it is possible to achieve a more consistent combustion process, reduce particulate matter formation, and more accurately control the air-fuel mixture. Ultimately, the overall engine operation becomes more eco-friendly.
4. Energy recovery (recuperation)
In some e-turbo versions, at high exhaust gas flow rates, the electric motor acts as a generator, feeding energy back into the car's electrical system. This works like a mini hybrid solution, helping to recover some of the energy that would traditionally be lost through the exhaust pipe.
Despite the enticing advantages, electric turbos are not yet a widespread phenomenon. Why? Several significant reasons:
Garrett—one of the best-known turbo system manufacturers—has already publicly presented prototypes of its electric turbochargers, which can effectively reduce lag and even offer energy recovery capabilities. Mercedes-AMG, in collaboration with Garrett, is also developing hybrid e-turbo variants for its high-performance sports cars. Other brands, such as Audi or BMW, are experimenting with 48V electrical systems combined with turbocharged engines—these technologies already offer not only better performance but also significantly smoother start-stop operation.
In the car tuning community, electric turbos have garnered a lot of excitement, but also various questions:
Although electric turbos are not yet in every new car today, trends show that manufacturers are increasingly striving to address emission limitations and the lag phenomenon by utilizing 48V electrical systems and innovative e-turbo solutions. Hybridization is becoming an intermediate step between traditional internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, and electric turbos naturally fit into this harmonious synergy.
Moreover, some manufacturers are experimenting with dual-turbo combinations: one driven by exhaust gases, the other by an electric motor. This architecture allows for further improvement in turbo response and ensures uninterrupted compression delivery across any RPM range. Over time, as battery and control electronics technologies improve, electric turbochargers may become so affordable and reliable that this solution will even make its way into ordinary city cars.
The short answer—yes, if we're talking about the long-term future. Electric turbos are not a myth but rather a rapidly emerging reality that has proven its effectiveness in high-end sports cars and luxury sedans. True, they are currently held back by high production costs, complex technology integration, and the need for a 48V electrical system. However, looking at manufacturers' roadmaps, it is clear that the future of e-turbos will undoubtedly become more popular and, over time, more accessible even to mass-market cars.
In this sense, the current situation resembles the early days of turbocharger adoption, when turbocharged engines seemed complex, risky, and expensive. But today, we see that turbo engines dominate the market. Electric turbos could be the next giant revolution, providing instantly accessible additional torque and greater combustion efficiency.
Electric turbos are no longer just a myth in the automotive industry. They are a real, developing technology that could fundamentally change the characteristics of turbocharged engines: from eliminating turbo lag to generating additional energy. For now, their widespread adoption is hindered by financial and engineering obstacles, but intense manufacturer investments and advanced prototypes suggest that it is only a matter of time before electric turbochargers become mainstream.
So, if you're interested in tuning, future car innovations, or simply enjoy technological novelties, electric turbos are an area worth paying attention to. One day, e-turbo capabilities will be available not only to modern supercars but also to ordinary city hatchbacks. When that happens, we will enjoy even smoother power delivery and more efficient engine operation, significantly bringing us closer to a hybrid or even electrified transportation future.