Chinese automaker Changan Automobile has announced that its subsidiary, Hunan Tianyan, has successfully ignited its first independently developed detachable Power Turbine Generator (PTG), a system designed to address range anxiety in battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
The PTG unit is engineered as a detachable power generator capable of transforming a pure electric vehicle into an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). The company said the system features a compact structure, higher power density and enhanced fuel adaptability.
For the gas turbine component, Hunan Tianyan utilized advanced fluid machinery design and three-dimensional turbulence numerical simulation to optimise internal compressor and turbine flow fields. The development process also included the creation of a high-efficiency ball bearing system, an improved vaned compressor and a fixed-guide vane turbine. According to the company, these improvements have increased turbine efficiency by more than 5%.
The electronic control unit, which acts as the system’s control core, was engineered to withstand high thermal loads associated with high power density operation. Engineers incorporated high-efficiency cooling channel structures and precision thermal management strategies based on thermal flow field simulations to ensure operational stability under elevated temperatures.
Changan said the detachable generator could reduce dependence on large battery packs, potentially lowering vehicle costs while extending driving range. Beyond passenger vehicles, the company indicated that the system could find applications in drone propulsion, outdoor mobile equipment and other mobile energy scenarios.
The concept of adding range extenders to electric vehicles has previously been explored by some owners of models from Tesla through aftermarket modifications. However, Hunan Tianyan’s PTG system represents a manufacturer-developed and integrated solution aimed at delivering greater refinement and scalability.
The company has not yet disclosed commercial launch timelines or production plans for the new technology.
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