US Army has used turbine engines in there tanks for years. Modern locomotives use turbine engines that get over 45 MPG.
It’s about time someone “shrunk” turbine technology down for use in automobiles. My question would be is why do you need batteries? Can’t a turbine engine run a generator alone? Couldn’t the generator power an induction motor?
The exhaust could flow through a heat exchanger supplying climate control. Bleed air could be used to wash rain from windows. The exhaust could also be used to power an assesory generator to suppy power to other automobile utilities.
This is technology that has been used in the aerospace industry for literally decades, but for some reason has not translated to the auto industry.
Just my .02
That "some reason" is that turbine engines are way too expensive for automotive use.
“My question would be is why do you need batteries?”
Because much fuel is spent getting a car started from a dead stop.
Anytime the engine is not needed to drive it charges batteries. Batteries get you started from a dead stop. THe engine only “drives” at higher speeds.