Traditional light duty vehicles run on a 12 volt power supply. However, as manufacturers continue to integrate more and more sophisticated features into their vehicles and environmental considerations intensify, the requirements on the power supply also increase. Recently, a discussion has ensued around a future 48 volt power supply and a number of German OEMs have rallied around it.
Automotive IQ surveyed our international contacts working in and around vehicle power supply and electronics to confirm the most important drivers toward 48 volt technology, discover the main obstacles and learn what areas have the most to gain from this innovation. Additionally, we asked respondents to let us know if their companies plan to change the amount of R&D spending on 48 volt technology in 2014.
Drivers of 48 Volt Power Supply
Outcomes with the Greatest Potential
The introduction of a 48 volt system is likely to lead to several outcomes including the creation of new standards. Our survey revealed that reduced CO2 is the most likely outcome/benefit of the upgraded power supply.
Inhibitors to 48 Volt Development
R&D Investment
Summary
Clearly there are a number of benefits to a higher voltage power supply system but there are still several areas for development including within wiring harnesses to ensure safety reduce size and weight. Some believe that 48 volt is merely a bridge technology to true high voltage systems and time will reveal whether or not the technology will provide a significant return on investment or if the manufacturers who are currently holding out will prove to be the wiser.
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Will Hornick is the Managing Editor of Automotive IQ