Techrules

Techrules is a Chinese new energy supercar brand belonging to Techrules Automotive R&D Co., Ltd. The brand was incubated by Zhiyue Technology Investment Group, focusing on the R&D of aviation power extended-range cars and committed to applying micro gas turbine extended-range technology to high-end sports cars and mass-produced passenger vehicles. The brand logo consists of a wing-shaped pattern, combining slender and muscular lines to highlight the brand’s pursuit of speed and power. Its headquarters is located in Beijing, China.

History

The Techrules brand was officially established on December 30, 2015, founded by Jin Pu. The brand relies on the deep technical reserves of its parent company, Zhiyue Technology Investment Group Co., Ltd. Established in 2011, this comprehensive high-tech industrial group is dedicated to building four business sectors: aviation power extended-range cars, special fibers, renewable energy, and the aerospace military industry. It has established close cooperative relations with large enterprises such as China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and China National Chemical Corporation.

In March 2016, Techrules was invited to participate in the 86th Geneva International Auto Show, becoming the only Chinese automotive manufacturer to participate in that session. It first released two concept cars, the AT96 and GT96, equipped with micro gas turbine extended-range electric systems (TREV). With 1,044 horsepower and a 2,000 km range, these vehicles attracted widespread attention from international media. In the same year, the brand completed track testing at Britain’s Silverstone Circuit and announced future challenges for the fastest lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

In March 2017, Techrules released its first mass-produced electric supercar, the “Zhiren,” at the Geneva Auto Show. Featuring a maximum power of 1,030 horsepower and a maximum range of 2,000 km, the exterior design was completed by famous Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio Giugiaro in Turin. This marked the brand’s formal transition from the concept car stage to the mass-production stage.

In March 2018, the brand launched the track version, “Zhiren RS,” at the Geneva Auto Show. Adopting a six-motor drive architecture and equipped with micro gas turbine extended-range technology, it boasts a maximum power of 1,305 horsepower, 0–100 km/h acceleration in 2.5 seconds, and an NEDC range of over 1,170 km. In the same year, the brand signed a strategic cooperation agreement with CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation) and, on March 29, appointed Yang Yusheng, an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, as “Special Chief Expert.”

Product Portfolio

Techrules’ product line is divided into two major sectors: the Sports Luxury Car Series and the Mass-Production Passenger Car Series, with future plans to explore light-duty transport, heavy-duty cargo vehicles, and special vehicles.

AT96: Techrules’ first track-version concept car, premiered at the 2016 Geneva Auto Show as the top-spec model of the series. The power system uses TREV technology, with a total of six electric motors (two front and four rear) driving in synergy. It delivers a peak power of 768 kW (1,030 horsepower) and a peak wheel torque of 8,640 N·m. Acceleration times are 2.5 seconds for 0–100 km/h, 7 seconds for 0–200 km/h, and 16 seconds for 0–300 km/h, with a top speed electronically limited to 350 km/h. The dry weight is only 1,380 kg, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 0.75 hp/kg. It adopts a mid-engine all-wheel-drive layout, F1-style front and rear double wishbone suspension, and a full carbon fiber body with a carbon fiber monocoque cabin. The power core is a micro-turbine shaft extended-range engine with a maximum speed of 96,000 rpm. With a fuel tank capacity of 80–120 liters, the maximum vehicle range can reach 1,725 km with 80 liters of diesel, or 2,510 km with 120 liters. The AT96 can use aviation kerosene, gasoline, or diesel as fuel.

GT96: Techrules’ road-version concept car, premiered alongside the AT96, using natural gas as fuel. The vehicle’s shape was crafted by the Italian L.M. Gianetti modification factory and designed by GFG Style, featuring gull-wing doors as a characteristic element. The power system technical specifications are equivalent to those of the AT96, equipped with a 36 kW micro gas turbine drive generator. The battery pack consists of 2,376 pieces of 18650 prismatic manganese lithium batteries, with a capacity of 20 kWh and a voltage of 720 V.

Zhiren: Techrules’ first mass-produced electric supercar, premiered globally at the 2017 Geneva Auto Show. The exterior was designed by the famous designer duo Giugiaro (father and son), adopting a three-cockpit design and equipped with laser headlights and “starburst” reverse lights. The interior uses top-grade Italian leather and Alcantara materials. Power configurations are customizable according to customer requirements: the flagship version is equipped with a total of six electric motors (two front and four rear), a battery capacity of 25 kWh, and an 80-liter diesel fuel tank, providing a maximum power of 960 kW (1,303 metric horsepower) and a range of 1,170 km under NEDC conditions. The standard version uses a four-motor configuration with optional battery capacities of 14 or 32 kWh. The battery pack supports DC fast charging, capable of reaching 80% charge in 15 minutes. The first batch of track-version cars began delivery in 2018.

Zhiren RS: The track-version mass-production design of the Zhiren, premiered globally at the 2018 Geneva Auto Show. It offers two configurations: four motors delivering 640 kW (870 horsepower) or six motors delivering 960 kW (1,305 horsepower). Supported by an 80-liter diesel fuel tank, it can achieve a maximum driving range of 1,170 km. The body adopts a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque chassis to improve overall torsional rigidity. The braking system uses AP Racing lightweight carbon ceramic brake discs and six-piston calipers, reducing total weight by 30 kg compared to cast iron brake discs. It is innovatively equipped with a safety canopy ejection system; six brakes are installed under the cockpit, and the roof can open automatically via an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) connected to accelerometers in the event of a collision or abnormal yaw.

In addition, the brand independently developed the VPF1 multi-purpose modular chassis platform, which can match various power systems and derive various models such as supercars, family sedans, business cars, and SUVs.

Market Performance

Techrules adopts a “small-batch, hand-built” production strategy. The GT96 is expected to have an annual output of around 25 units, while the Zhiren RS will see approximately 10 units per year, both crafted by hand. Industry estimates place the price range between 10 million and 15 million RMB, with rumors suggesting the initial mass-produced models could reach up to £2.2 million. However, no official pricing has been released, and there are no confirmed sales or delivery figures. As of the second quarter of 2026, the brand has no models available for sale in the domestic market.

Technology and Innovation 

Techrules’ technology system centers on its Aviation Power Extended-Range Electric Vehicle technology, known as Turbine-Recharging Electric Vehicle (TREV), which utilizes a series hybrid architecture. The TREV system employs a micro gas turbine to drive a generator, offering flexible operating modes: it can charge the onboard battery pack, power the drive motors directly, or do both simultaneously. This enables an onboard self-generation and anytime-charging capability, providing solutions to common pure electric vehicle challenges such as charging difficulties, range anxiety, and battery disposal concerns.

In terms of power configuration, the TREV system supports a flexible arrangement of four to six electric motors. The flagship version features two front and four rear motors, paired with a 20 kWh or 25 kWh battery pack, delivering a maximum output of 960 kW (1,305 horsepower). The micro gas turbine has a rated power generation of approximately 36 kW; during operation, it drives the generator and can also charge the high-voltage battery. The vehicle can travel about 150 km in pure electric mode, with the remaining range extended by the gas turbine’s power generation.

Regarding lightweight design, the combination of a full carbon fiber body structure and a carbon fiber monocoque chassis keeps the vehicle’s dry weight to 1,380 kg, with future mass-production versions expected to drop to around 1,000 kg. Each electric motor weighs only 15 kg, achieving an energy density comparable to Formula E racing cars.

In bearing technology, the brand has overcome the core technical bottleneck of “magnetism-enabled dynamic pressure air bearings,” making low-cost mass production of high-speed micro gas turbines feasible. This technology allows suspension bearings to operate stably for extended periods without lubrication, cooling, or exhaust gas treatment systems. Additionally, the TREV efficient extended-range scheme reduces onboard battery usage through system-level integration, thereby minimizing weight and space occupation at the source.

Global Presence

Since its inception, Techrules has established an international R&D, production, and sales framework in Europe. The exterior design of the GT96 mass-production version was handled by the Italian design house GFG Style (founded by Giugiaro), while manufacturing was undertaken by the specialized Italian modification firm L.M. Gianetti. Established in 1966, L.M. Gianetti has a long history of engineering and race-tuning work for Italian brands such as Fiat and Alfa Romeo. The later development and track testing of the “Zhiren” series were also completed in Turin, Italy, with L.M. Gianetti responsible for mass-production tuning tasks.

The brand has maintained a trend of international expansion through technical cooperation. During the 2018 Geneva Auto Show, Techrules announced plans to engage with potential international automotive partners to form strategic alliances aimed at supporting global vehicle production and new model launches. The brand also maintains joint R&D cooperation with China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and holds multiple patents related to core engine technologies.

In China, the brand previously established a New Energy Vehicle Technology Research Institute in Beijing, led by Chen Qingquan, a renowned electric vehicle expert and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. The institute’s research focuses on the core components and overall development testing of micro gas turbines. Internationally, TREV technology has completed key performance and reliability verification for its air bearings, indicating that it is initially ready for mass production.

Future Outlook

Techrules’ long-term strategy is divided into two tiers. The Sports Luxury Car Series adheres to a core positioning of hand-built, limited production, maintaining the exclusivity of ultra-luxury supercars. Meanwhile, the Mass-Production Passenger Car Series will leverage the VPF1 modular platform to develop mid-size sedans, large sedans, SUVs, and business vehicles, extending its powertrain technology from the high-end segment to broader markets. Currently, TREV technology has completed reliability verification for its air bearings and optimized its low-cost mass-production scheme, meaning the micro-turbine extended-range power system is initially ready for mass production.

From 2026 onward, the brand plans to advance vehicle development by sequentially launching various models equipped with its core TREV power technology. Through long-term strategic partnerships, it aims to promote the commercialization of gas turbine extended-range electric technology across a wider range of vehicles. In addition to continuing the hand-built, limited-sales strategy for its supercar lineup (with annual production targets of approximately 25 units for the GT96 and 10 units for the Zhiren RS), Techrules will also explore applications in three emerging sectors: light-duty transport, heavy-duty cargo vehicles, and special-purpose vehicles.