48-volt electrical system
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A 48-volt DC electrical system voltage is a relatively low-voltage electrical system that is increasingly used in vehicles. Interest in the concept began in the 2010s as a way to increase the propulsion and battery recharge during regenerative braking for fuel savings in internal combustion engine vehicles, especially mild hybrid vehicles.[1]
Traditionally, vehicle low-voltage applications were powered by a 12-volt system. In the 1990s, an attempt by a cross-industry standards group to specify a 42-volt electrical system failed to catch on and was abandoned by 2009.[2] During the 2010s, renewed interest arose for a 48-volt low-voltage standard for powering automotive electronics, especially in hybrid vehicles.[3]
In 2011, German car manufacturers Audi, BMW, Daimler Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen[4] agreed on a 48 V system[clarification needed] supplementing the legacy 12 V low-voltage automotive standard.[5]
In model year 2017, the Renault Scenic dCi Hybrid Assist was the first 48 V mild-hybrid passenger car.[citation needed]
As of 2018, a 48 V electrical subsystem operated production vehicles such as Porsche and Bentley SUVs. Audi and Mercedes-Benz used a 48 V subsystem in 2018 vehicles such as A6, A7, A8 with 3.0 TDI 48 V mild-hybrid, CLS, E-Class, S-Class with M256 3.0 Turbo Otto 48 V Mild-Hybrid.[6][clarification needed]
Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Ceed and Kia Sportage followed in model year 2019 with 1.6 and 2.0 turbodiesel engines supported by 48 V mild-hybrid technology.[citation needed]
A European automotive trade association, CLEPA, estimated in 2018 that as many as 1 of every 10 new vehicles in 2025 would use at least one 48-volt device in the vehicle, covering 15 million vehicles per year.[7]
In March 2023, Tesla Inc. revealed that the Tesla Cybertruck and next-generation vehicle would utilize a 48-volt mid-voltage subsystem as a replacement of 12 V system, migrating the low-voltage components with highest power demand to 48 V.[8][better source needed]
In December 2023, in order to accelerate the adoption by other automakers of 48 V system voltage for automotive components, Tesla offered a "48-volt electrical system whitepaper" to all industry leaders. CEO Jim Farley confirmed that Ford had received a copy and agreed to 'help the supply base move into the 48-volt future".[9] Tesla also adopted 48 volts for its Optimus robot.[9]