Embodiments as described herein provide a simplified turbo recharger for an efficient, reliable, low-cost system that delivers good performance for improving efficiency of a vehicle using electric power. Embodiments as described herein may be used with electric motor, combustion engine hybrid vehicles to improve the fuel efficiencies of such vehicles. A turbine may be positioned in an exhaust stream of a vehicle that is coupled to a generator to recharge the battery of a vehicle. The turbine may include a wastegate to permit the exhaust stream to enter or bypass the turbine depending on the charge of the battery, the rate of rotation of the turbine, pressure within the turbine, the speed of the engine, or a combination of the above.