Superchargers are driven by the exhaust.

Superchargers are driven by the exhaust.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

Superchargers get their boost from power taken directly from the engine, typically via a belt or shaft connected to the crankshaft. That means the compressor is mechanically driven by the engine itself, not by exhaust flow. Turbochargers, on the other hand, are driven by exhaust gases that spin a turbine, using energy that would otherwise exit through the exhaust. So the claim that a supercharger is driven by the exhaust isn’t correct. There are electric or e-supercharger configurations, where an electric motor powers the compressor, but even then the drive is electrical, not exhaust-driven.

Superchargers get their boost from power taken directly from the engine, typically via a belt or shaft connected to the crankshaft. That means the compressor is mechanically driven by the engine itself, not by exhaust flow. Turbochargers, on the other hand, are driven by exhaust gases that spin a turbine, using energy that would otherwise exit through the exhaust. So the claim that a supercharger is driven by the exhaust isn’t correct. There are electric or e-supercharger configurations, where an electric motor powers the compressor, but even then the drive is electrical, not exhaust-driven.