We’re about to see more changes in the coming decades since the transition from the horse to the automobile.
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1. 48-Volt Electrical Systems: Electric Accessory Drives
The practical realities of global manufacturing and refueling infrastructure investment mean that the internal-combustion engine (ICE) will probably be the dominant powerplant for several more decades. One of the key technologies that will help ICEs become more efficient is the 48-volt electrical system. Most of today’s engines drive alternators, coolant pumps, oil pumps and air-conditioning compressors mechanically via a belt or directly, and they generally run continuously. The common automotive 12-volt electrical systems max out at 2 to 3KW of electrical power and, with today’s widespread use of electronic engine, chassis, and body controls plus creature comforts and infotainment features, nearly all of it is used. As ever more electrical features are added such as semi- or fully autonomous systems, more electrical power will be needed. Stepping up to the 10-KW output enabled by 48-volt generators will allow those new features and today’s mechanical accessory drives to go electric. That will reduce the parasitic loads on engines and potentially boost fuel economy by about 10 percent.
The insanely complex $231,825 Bentley Bentayga and the Audi SQ7 TDI, with its electric supercharger, have 48-volt electrical subsystems today, but it’s expected that this will spread to the mainstream in the coming years.