Delphi’s 48-Volt architecture to help auto industry on emissions

For an industry that has tried everything from 300-600 volts with pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and big lithium-ion batteries, a widespread 48-Volt strategy may offer the biggest bang for the buck. Europe is calling for CO2 emissions reductions of more than 25 pc by 2021 and regulations in China and the U.S. will require tighter CO2 mandates over the next decade.

Compared to higher voltage mild hybrids, vehicles with 48-Volt systems have demonstrated 70 pc  of the benefit at 30 percent of the cost. Delphi’s goal is to exceed the benefit by maximizing the use of the 48-Volt architecture to deliver enhanced overall performance.

 These 48-Volt mild hybrids, for gasoline or diesel engines, could reduce the percentage of CO2 emissions by double digits, capture energy typically lost while braking and provide torque in the low rpm range for anemic start-stop hybrids. The beauty of a 48-Volt solution is that drivers will not lose engine performance to gain fuel efficiency from downsized engines.   Consumers would drive these 48-Volt cars the same way they would drive cars powered by conventional powertrains, and they would enjoy the 20 pc extra horsepower the 48-Volt system provides.

By 2025, 48-Volt hybrids are expected to make up more than 95 percent of the world’s mild hybrid market and about half of all hybrid vehicles, according to Global Insight IHS.

Source: Delphi