In 1918, enabled by the fitment of a new six-volt positive-ground electrical system, the Hudson Motor Car Company became the first volume motor manufacturer to offer a self-starter.
This 6V system produced enough energy to power other ancillaries such as windscreen wipers, turn signals and lights until the early 1960s, when radios, demisters, and other power-sapping features again stretched the system to its limit – leading to the introduction of a more powerful 12V system.
Still, such is the pace of development that a mere 35 years later, the 12V system was again coming under pressure. So, after a brief flirtation with 42V in the early 2000s, the power is once again being stepped up – this time to 48V.
Unlike earlier electrical systems the new dual (for now) 12/48V electrical system not only has to meet the demands of comfort and chassis systems, it is also expected to support the mission-critical functionality of current and future advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving systems.
While the mass rollout of Level 4 and 5 automated driving functionality is not expected before the mid-to-late 2020s, these systems will require more power alone than the 12V system can supply.
Get the inside track on new technologies and solutions for more efficiency and cost effectiveness for the 48V voltage level!
This 6V system produced enough energy to power other ancillaries such as windscreen wipers, turn signals and lights until the early 1960s, when radios, demisters, and other power-sapping features again stretched the system to its limit – leading to the introduction of a more powerful 12V system.
Still, such is the pace of development that a mere 35 years later, the 12V system was again coming under pressure. So, after a brief flirtation with 42V in the early 2000s, the power is once again being stepped up – this time to 48V.
Unlike earlier electrical systems the new dual (for now) 12/48V electrical system not only has to meet the demands of comfort and chassis systems, it is also expected to support the mission-critical functionality of current and future advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving systems.
While the mass rollout of Level 4 and 5 automated driving functionality is not expected before the mid-to-late 2020s, these systems will require more power alone than the 12V system can supply.
Get the inside track on new technologies and solutions for more efficiency and cost effectiveness for the 48V voltage level!
