48 Volt hybrid technology

48 Volt hybrid technology

With nearly every component and system in today's modern motor vehicles the stock standard 12 V battery we are also used to has just about been pushed to its absolute limits. With the vehicle either idling or operating in low temperature conditions the current 12 V electrical systems will account for almost the entire power output of a conventional alternator. If however the vehicles powered network is increased to a high-voltage that will reduce the losses in the vehicles distribution system. The drawback until now has been that voltages above 60 V has seriously pushed the limits on the safety regulations which makes it much more challenging to accomplish.

FEV believes that a 48 V technology is probably the most likely next evolution in in-vehicle power, and as the leading developer of advanced powertrains, vehicle systems and connected vehicle technology the company plans on playing a leading role in not only the development but the integration of the new 48 V components and systems. FEV plans on displaying an array of 48 V technology and its capabilities at the 2016 SAE World Congress in Detroit. The biggest drawback to this technology is as it always is, at the start it is relatively expensive, with the biggest expense being having to design a whole new transmissions for the motor vehicles and the costs of these new transmissions being prohibitive for such small production volumes.

FEV engineers are confident they can make what they are calling a mild hybrid approach and it has serious promise with the accommodation of the 48 V system not requiring a complete redevelopment of the entire powertrain using their approach. FEV engineers use the AMG45 basically as a technology carrier to show their production compatible solution, the vehicle had been integrated 48 V E charger. The AMG technology demonstration vehicle was a way for FEV to show everyone his capabilities in managing and supporting this upcoming technology.

An E charger combined with a high powered vehicle electrical system actually supports downsized engines with high specific power by improving transient response and low-end torque, said FEV. 48 V systems are now predicted to enable advance stop start and sailing off capabilities of any vehicle are installed in, in coming years. Surprisingly 48 V systems guarantee the reactiveness of the vehicle when using safety systems like active braking. The 48 V system also enables new vehicle features with high power demand. Also a 48 volt battery and a 12 V DC to DC converter allows a vehicle with mild hybridization as a possibility.

FEV group has become a leading internationally recognized powertrain vehicle engineering company that provides a complete range of engineering services across the globe. Today FEV also designs, develops and tests prototype advanced vehicles with powertrain electronic control systems and hybrid electric engine concepts designed to help car manufacturers meet future emissions and fuel economy standards. The company's latest adventure into the 48 V vehicle electrical system has been welcomed by many companies involved in manufacturing and design of hybrid vehicles.