Oldtimer are so popular, therefore you will be faced perhaps already with a 6 volt system. Have you noticed the enormous cable cross sections there, despite relatively low to be transferred electrical power? No, similar experiences, I can not promise when looking into the future 48V generation. Why? Because it probably will not be such a system in its purest form, because too expensive. And that, incidentally, but again has resemblance to earlier. For the cost of conversion, even only the sparse electrics of that time from 6 to 12 volts could reach or even exceed the costs for a short engine.

So the 12V lead-acid battery remains. Only greedy consumers being switched to 48 V, such as the electrically driven air compressor, coupled with perhaps lesser dimensions of the components. The manufacturers claim in both systems is the battery an effective buffer. The subsequent question is then, however, why there are not 12V lithium-ion batteries to save weight, at least in the expensive luxury class.

Otherwise, we attained at the Micro-Hybrid. Maybe even extended a bit, because we can already start with 48 volts and switch on the combustion engine little later. It is still unclear whether the permanently connected electric motor sometime still becomes a Jack of all trades and simultaneously generates even 12 or 48 volts. Or it generates only 48 volts and transformed to 12 volts. If, however, in any case, everything must be redesigned except the 12V system, one might approach perhaps a little closer to the 60V limit. Corresponding voltage peaks one would have to get a grip, right?

Of course, Audi made further progress with this development in the RS5 TDI concept car and used an electrically driven supercharger there. In this case complex because it operates parallel to a 'proper' turbocharger. Maybe it will succeed in the foreseeable future to provide turbochargers with electric motors. Very interesting, the weight aspect. It is unclear whether and how far you come with this 21-kg battery, but because it works with only 48 Volts, it would be exchangeable anytime by the entire workshop staff and also by laymen in contrast to today's high-voltage batteries, batteries as a Range Extender.

To talk is also about the recuperation in a 48V system. In a relatively short time must be stored indeed as much energy as possible. And that succeeds all the better the higher the voltage of the system. In addition, anyone who is frequently 'glided' in a conventional vehicle by gear into idle position knows how much this is saving, not just at a red light, but for example, at any speed limitation. Here are more chances for a 48V system and of course, compared to a 12V system significantly more torque is possible when boosting, which may result in a fuel-efficient tuned engine. 08/15