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Turboelectric Distributed Propulsion (TeDP) describes a power train consisting of a turboshaft engine which is used solely to provide electrical power through a generator to electric motors driving multiple propulsive fans which are distributed above, below, or inside a wing. Recent advancements in electronics, computers, and power distribution have made distributed propulsion feasible and the purpose of the studies described here has been to integrate this new type of propulsion with real airframes designed to specific civilian and military missions. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) performed SBIR studies for NASA Glenn Research Center in FY09 and FY10 to determine the potential application of cryogenically-cooled superconductivity to distributed electrical components in regional airliner configurations in the N+3 (2035) time frame.

FutureTruck 2001 is a collegiate design competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors aimed at challenging engineering students from fifteen universities across the country to convert a stock, gasoline-powered Chevrolet Suburban to a hybrid vehicle. The goals of this competition are to dramatically increase fuel economy while maintaining stock performance, safety, and consumer acceptability. The modified vehicles will be judged in several different categories including greenhouse gas emissions, acceleration, trailer towing, and cost to manufacture. The competition site is at the GM Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan. The University of Tennessee decided to utilize a parallel electric-assist hybrid for the Suburban's drivetrain configuration. This configuration was chosen for its simplicity and reliability. The stock 5.3L Vortec spark ignition engine was replaced by a 2.4L diesel provided by Alfa Romeo.