48-Volt in automotive challenges
Insulated Metal Substrates for 48-volt vehicles
Switching to a 48-volt lithium ion battery system on a vehicle can greatly improve the vehicle’s gas mileage. It does however require a rethink, as it mandates a serious redesign to quite a few mechanical, electrical based systems about the vehicle.
Utilizing a 48-volt battery does allow the manufacturers to remove various accessory drive systems from the internal combustion engine. It allows the new larger 3 phase starter motor to also be an alternator.
Switching to 48 volts and a bigger battery allows the following: replacing the starter with a motor/alternator in the clutch transmission area which disconnects the combustion gas motor, turning the ICE motor off during braking or on downhill slopes as well at stopped at stop lights.
Turning the gasoline engine off, greatly increases gas mileage, especially in stop and go city driving. The 48-volt system allows significantly more power, enabling the manufacturers to remove the auxiliaries presently being driven by the motor. Sub-systems like power steering, airconditioning, power brakes, radiator fan and water pump each have small electric motors which run while the engine is stopped.