Emission standards around the world have only gotten more stringent over time due to growing worries about air pollution. Environmental activists and even officials who are working to reduce emissions now despise any vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs).

As a result, fully electric and hybrid power mills, among other electrified powertrains, became available. Hybrid powertrains are the ideal answer to tighter pollution regulations, which assist reduce particulate matter emissions into the atmosphere, according to manufacturers worldwide. The three main categories of hybrids are plug-in, powerful, and moderate.

Read Also: New Renault Duster, Bigster Hybrid Launch Likely, Followed By Three-Row Version

The most basic and prevalent kind of hybrid powertrains currently in use, especially in automobiles, are mild hybrids. As a result, it is also the most economical way to get around the problems with fuel economy and emissions regulations. Slowly but surely, a mild-hybrid powertrain has evolved from a luxury to a necessity.

Since their introduction over a decade and a half ago, mild-hybrids have also changed, with OEMs implementing modern technology that maximize the performance and fuel efficiency of conventional ICE vehicles. Mild hybrids initially ran on 12V batteries, but OEMs are gradually moving to a more potent 48V configuration. A 48V mild hybrid system was first adopted by Audi, General Motors, and Volvo. Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Toyota, Suzuki, and other companies thereafter followed suit.

Read Also: Skoda Octavia RS India Launch Confirmed For 2025, Plans To Import The Superb Diesel

The requirements for a contemporary car have evolved throughout time along with the expanding automotive industry. The 12V configuration is a simple electrical system that was first used primarily to power automobile accessories before being expanded to include engine start/stop capabilities. Typically, it consists of a belt-driven starter generator with a 12V lithium-ion battery that can only produce about 3.5 kW of electricity.

A 48V arrangement, on the other hand, is far more sophisticated to meet the needs of contemporary cars that are packed with safety and convenience amenities. A 48V lithium-ion battery, an electric motor/generator (often an Integrated Starter Generator, or ISG), and a DC/DC converter make up a standard 48V system.

This dual-voltage configuration is essential because the DC/DC converter reduces the 48V power to 12V for conventional car systems like infotainment and lighting. This enables automakers to take advantage of higher voltage for components that require more power while still being able to use their current 12V accessories.

Modern cars now often come equipped with features like electric power steering, active suspension, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), advanced infotainment systems, electric superchargers and turbochargers, etc. All of these components cannot be sufficiently powered by a 12V system without the need for extremely high currents.

With only a quarter of the current needed for the same output, a 48V system may provide significantly more power than a 12V system, usually between 15 and 20 kW, and occasionally even up to 50 kW. Because of this substantial current reduction, wiring can be made lighter, smaller, and more cost-effective, which lowers expenses and increases energy efficiency. The current demand is reduced fourfold by raising the voltage from 12V to 48V, which greatly reduces resistive losses and improves system performance.