The 48 V micro-hybrid system, the technology coming our way

We have already talked about the hybridisation technology that uses 48-volt technology, but you may not know exactly what this is or how it works. This technology is going to become increasingly popular and will have a notable presence in many models over the coming years, so we will have to get used to it and learn a little about how it works and why it is so interesting in the hybrids that are coming our way.

This system is considered a micro-hybrid, and it seeks to achieve better performance from the combustion engine, doing without one or more electric motors that drive the wheels. That is to say, this system does not really create a hybrid car, since no driving force is obtained from the electricity generated by the engine or stored in the battery.

Micro-hybrids to improve performance

In the case of micro-hybrids, great value is placed on the kinetic energy recovered from braking and at other moments of driving. That energy is captured and stored in lithium-ion batteries. This electricity is converted to a voltage of 48 volts, considerably higher than the 12 volts that a car’s electrical system usually has.

Micro-hybrids make it possible to supply electricity from a source other than the engine, reducing consumptionThis means the car does not have to draw electrical power for components that usually rely on electricity generated by the car’s alternator, so the alternator has to work less and, as a consequence, fuel consumption can be reduced. Not by much, it is true, but it will allow components such as electric air-conditioning compressors and others found in today’s cars to be powered.

This electrical energy comes from this 48-volt generator, which avoids drawing electricity from the engine and improves the performance of those components powered through this new system. What will micro-hybrids achieve? Models that, because of their size and performance, cannot become full hybrids will be able to benefit from the electrification that is taking hold in the market and offer their users a slight reduction in consumption and emissions.

It has already been said that this system will not only be integrated into mid-range and high-end cars, but also that small city cars could feature it, such as the next Fiat 500, which could include 48-volt technology as standard and improve its performance. They will not be hybrids, but electricity will play a significant role over the coming years. And from there to full electrification… just a couple more steps.