When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Why 48V Mild Hybrid electrical systems will be the norm
I thought this was worth its own discussion.
We were talking about the 48V mild hybrid systems and why they were introduced in the new S Class and other cars. Some people said it was about economy, since the Maybach S680 V12 was not 48V. The 2023 W223 order guides are out and we see the result of that, eABC (Active Body Control) suspension requires the 48V system and is thus UNAVAILABLE on the V12. V8 Maybach S580 has it, and its optional on the S580 and S500.
So, like I've said these 48V systems open up electronic options that are just not possible with an old 12V electrical system, and economy is not the primary driver for their adoption on high end cars.
Audi has a similar predictive/active suspension on the A8, it wouldn’t be possible without a 48V system. One of my cars is both supercharged and turbocharged, and the supercharger is powered by the 48V MHEV system. The electrically powered supercharger spools up instantly and will hit 120,000 RPM in under half a second to deliver boost with no lag while the turbo spools up the traditional way. As the turbo delivers boost, the electric supercharger spools down. It also of course enables much better auto stop/start with no AC powerdowns while the engine is off.
48V systems are kind of already the norm in all of Europe, but here in the U.S. I don't see them gaining traction with non-European OEM's because their core features such as coasting aren't allowed by law for whatever reason. That's why they hardly provide any fuel economy benefits like a standard hybrid.
They do provide that extra bit of refinement in reducing turbo lag, but that's not something your average non-luxury buyer would even notice.
I like them but I foresee idiots killing themselves with it. 12v is idiot proof but this has some chance not to be, hopefully they keep the 48v system well away from the 12v/easy to get to parts
Downsides - as stated above, people killing themselves. You can always just run most circuitry on a 12v system by way of a DC-DC converter.
Upsides - for starters, you can finally say goodbye to the classic starter & alternator. Electric AC, the already noted suspension options... a whole lot of benefits, really.
We were talking about the 48V mild hybrid systems and why they were introduced in the new S Class and other cars. Some people said it was about economy, since the Maybach S680 V12 was not 48V. The 2023 W223 order guides are out and we see the result of that, eABC (Active Body Control) suspension requires the 48V system and is thus UNAVAILABLE on the V12. V8 Maybach S580 has it, and its optional on the S580 and S500.
So, like I've said these 48V systems open up electronic options that are just not possible with an old 12V electrical system, and economy is not the primary driver for their adoption on high end cars.
(i simply don't know) what does the 48v mild hybrid system have to do with eABC?
(i simply don't know) what does the 48v mild hybrid system have to do with eABC?
Higher power stuff like eABC needs to be able to adjust violently and instantly so higher voltages naturally allow more effective and lighter motors and wire.
Lighter, smaller, faster and no central pump and a bunch of lines that gave the normal ABC system a rep for just being an endless leak-fest. Remains to be seen how often this system fails but at least it will be easier to fix since it's all contained in the shock unit. It's fully active and likely the best system in existence today since it can literally change all aspects of spring rate and compression and rebound in real time.
Last edited by Striker223; Jun 19, 2022 at 03:03 PM.