What do hybrid and 48V mild hybrid mean?
4 Answers
Mild hybrid 48V, as the name suggests, increases the original 12V voltage by four times, enabling it to easily power higher-wattage in-car electrical equipment. This allows high-power electrical devices such as the steering system, starter motor, and air conditioning to continue operating even when the engine is turned off. A hybrid vehicle, on the other hand, adds one or more drive motors to the internal combustion engine. These motors not only assist the engine in generating stronger power but can also independently drive the vehicle at low speeds or under steady-state conditions, especially in congested urban environments where hybrids demonstrate significant fuel-saving effects. The 48V mild hybrid system is an additional power component outside the internal combustion engine, primarily consisting of a BSG motor-generator, a 48V battery, and a DC-DC voltage converter. It is mainly used during startup or idle stops and can also support a large number of electrical devices. During startup or brief idling, the BSG motor-generator helps the engine avoid idle power consumption. During braking, the BSG acts as a generator to quickly suppress the engine's speed and recover this energy into the battery. For example, when stopping at a red light, the engine can be turned off while the battery powers the air conditioning compressor and cooling water pump to keep them running. For hybrid vehicles, the electric motor typically operates during startup. Generally, when the vehicle speed exceeds 40 or 60 km/h, the engine will intervene. This period is usually short but relatively energy-efficient. However, during stops at red lights or braking, energy is recovered, but the engine remains running and does not shut off. Compared to the 48V mild hybrid, this setup tends to consume more fuel.
A hybrid vehicle uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor for propulsion, which can work together or independently. For example, it can run purely on electricity when parked, significantly saving fuel and costs. I once drove a friend's Toyota hybrid and found it much quieter than conventional cars, with fuel consumption below 5 liters. However, the price is slightly higher. The mild hybrid 48V is a simplified version of hybrid technology, using only a 48-volt battery to assist the traditional engine, mainly focusing on the start-stop system. When you brake, it recovers energy to help the engine start or accelerate but cannot run purely on electricity. Its advantage lies in its simple structure and lower cost, with many new Mercedes-Benz and BMW models featuring it as standard, reducing fuel consumption by about 10%. I think it suits those with limited budgets. The core difference is that hybrids offer more autonomy, while mild hybrid 48V is more like a minor upgrade. If you frequently drive on highways, a full hybrid is the better choice.
The hybrid system is driven by high voltage, such as Toyota's hybrid, where the electric motor can independently drive the wheels, making the vehicle more efficient at low speeds. I understand its battery pack is larger, with strong energy recovery and excellent combined fuel consumption. The 48V mild hybrid technology is relatively basic, using lower voltage and a small motor, mainly to enhance engine performance, optimize start-stop, and improve fuel economy by about 15%. It is simple to maintain and costs less, but cannot operate on electric power alone, making it suitable for daily urban driving. I have seen data indicating that 48V systems are spreading quickly in German cars because they have low barriers to entry and are easy to promote. Overall, hybrid systems are more suitable for users pursuing high performance and low emissions.
Hybrid vehicles aim to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The electric components enable pure electric driving, significantly cutting CO2 emissions. I support this eco-friendly technology. The 48V mild hybrid system assists the engine using a 48-volt system, recovering braking energy to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%. Although its emission reduction effect is smaller, it's more cost-effective, making it suitable for promoting green mobility. Both are transitional solutions that help gradually shift towards pure electric vehicles and reduce environmental pollution.
