01:25 09-03-2026

Subaru patents turbine generator for future electric vehicles

Subaru's new patent details a compact turbine generator for extended-range EVs, enhancing reliability and range. Learn about this innovative technology for electric vehicles.

Subaru continues to experiment with unusual technologies for future electric vehicles. A new patent from the Japanese automaker describes using a compact turbine as a generator for extended-range electric vehicles, according to SPEEDME.RU.

The concept involves an EREV architecture—an electric vehicle where propulsion comes from an electric motor, and an additional power source only generates electricity for the battery. In this setup, the turbine does not directly drive the wheels but acts as a generator for the high-voltage battery.

Gas turbines are typically ill-suited for conventional cars. Their efficiency drops under variable loads, and fuel consumption tends to be too high. However, when operating in a constant generator mode, a turbine can become a compact and stable power source. A previous Subaru patent described a system for starting the turbine using the high-voltage battery. The traction electric motor spins up the generator, which then brings the turbine to operating speed—around 25,000 revolutions per minute.

The new patent reveals a backup startup scheme. If the high-voltage battery is heavily depleted, the system lowers the target turbine spin speed to approximately 20,000 RPM and uses the car's standard 12-volt electrical system for startup. This approach prevents a situation where the vehicle cannot activate the generator due to insufficient energy in the main battery. Even with minimal charge, the system can start the turbine and switch to electricity generation mode.

This solution could enhance the reliability of future Subaru models and extend the range of next-generation electric vehicles. The idea of a turbine generator for an EV is unconventional, though it's not new to aviation and power generation. If Subaru can make the system compact and efficient, such technology might become an interesting alternative to conventional hybrids and EREV models.