Does 48V Mild Hybrid Belong to New Energy Vehicles?
2 Answers
48V mild hybrid does not belong to new energy vehicles, as it is not a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. New energy vehicles include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), while conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are not classified as new energy vehicles. Plug-in hybrid vehicles differ from conventional hybrids in that they have larger batteries that can be charged using an external power source. In China, new energy vehicles are eligible for green license plates. In some cities with license plate restrictions, obtaining a green license plate does not require a lottery, which encourages many consumers to purchase plug-in hybrid vehicles under national policy incentives. Additionally, plug-in hybrid vehicles have a longer driving range than pure electric vehicles and offer better fuel economy compared to conventional gasoline-powered cars.
As an automotive technology enthusiast, I'd like to discuss the classification of 48V mild hybrid systems. It actually doesn't qualify as new energy, because this system primarily relies on a small battery to assist the engine's operation, such as with start-stop functions or energy recovery. The battery capacity is too small for pure electric driving and cannot be charged externally. New energy vehicles like pure electric or plug-in hybrids have the capability to operate without fossil fuels, significantly reducing or eliminating emissions, whereas the 48V system is entirely dependent on internal combustion engines. I think it's quite effective in terms of energy savings, reducing fuel consumption by about 20%, and many cars like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class use it. However, it can only be considered an optimized version of traditional vehicles, not an innovation. In the long run, it's a transitional step toward full electrification. While the technology is good, it doesn't meet the threshold for new energy. Buyers should be aware of the differences. Anyway, technology is advancing quickly, but 48V is still part of the old system.
