48-Volt Mild-Hybrid System Explained
By Chris Teague FCA US LLC
The automotive world may be moving toward electrification, but it will still be many years before full-on EVs become prevalent. In the meantime, automakers are developing better and more refined hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. One type of hybrid that has become more common in recent years is the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Its use has expanded the performance and efficiency of vehicles from many automakers, and has become a popular way to extract more power from a vehicle without negatively impacting fuel economy.
What is a 48-Volt Mild-Hybrid System?
Mild hybrids, also called 48-volt mild-hybrid systems, are the least electrified version of hybrid powertrains. Designs vary from model to model, but the basic concept and construction are the same. A small electric motor, which can be called an integrated starter generator (ISG), is connected to the engine and works in tandem with the internal combustion