Elctric superchargers ARE theoretically feasible, and VW actually was
contracting Mitsubishi to develop one years ago, using torpedo motor
technology. It appears to have fizzled, but was to be a turbo (no,
turbos do NOT have to be exhaust-driven... check out Paxton's awful
belt-driven turbos, with all of their false claims).

Basically, ANY device which can pump sufficient air into a running
engine to increase its performance is a supercharger, and can be
driven by belt, gears, shaft, exhaust, electricity... and the pump
itself can drive the air by using gears, vanes, interlocking screws
(Lysholm chargers, the best), turbines, centrifugal fan, heck, even a
diaphragm or piston.

Hmmm... have to train up my hamster and gear its exercisewheel up...
--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin
New Zealand
Fossil preparator
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut