Delphi Debuts Its New 48-volt, Mild Hybrid

Delphi Automotive has something new in store for the automotive world: the all-new 48-volt vehicle solution that could prove essential for carmakers in meeting upcoming emission regulations without compromising performance for customers. A company spokesman confirmed that the company is working with two global automakers and could see production within 18 months.

Fitted to a Honda Civic 1.6-liter diesel vehicle at Delphi’s annual investor update, the all-new 48-volt, mild hybrid technology enables “intelligent” electrification. The customized vehicle architecture makes the most of the 4-volt electrification to minimize the demand on the engine, enhancing performance while lowering CO2 emissions by over 10 percent.

Jeff Owens, Delphi’s chief technology officer, claims that this is not just a huge step forward with reinventing the electrical architecture for dual voltage capability, but will also pave the way for a world-class driving experience while offering extra power for active safety systems and increased connectivity in the car.

With this solution, carmakers are given enough room to innovate without moving to bigger engines to get more power. This breakthrough technology leverages what engineers call an “e-charger” for enhanced vehicle launch. Delphi’s demo vehicle steps up low-end torque an average 25 percent.

Owens notes that Delphi will have a competitive advantage in 48-volt, mild hybrid systems due to the company’s deep history in system design, proprietary engine management software and know-how in electrical architectures. He continues that car buyers will purchase 48-volt, mild hybrids for the extra performance and car companies will provide the technology because it will enable them conform to environmental regulations.

IHS market research forecasts that the industry is going to see a sizeable shift within the next ten years.

Owens says that one out of every 10 cars sold globally in 2025 will be a 48-volt, mild hybrid. “To put that into perspective, that’s 11 million units a year – three times the volume of pickup trucks sold annually and more than half of the world’s anticipated diesel passenger car market.”

From an environmental viewpoint, the savings have huge potential. It is projected that 11 million 48-volt, mild hybrid vehicles would reduce oil consumption by over 15 billion liters over the life of the fleet. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that the effect of not burning that much fuel would equal the carbon sequestration of a forest the size of New York or all of Iceland. The department also notes that as for greenhouse gas emissions, it would have the same effect as conserving 124 million oil barrels or not burning 57 billion pounds of coal.