What does the 48V mild hybrid system mean? Is it considered new energy?
3 Answers
48V mild hybrid system is not classified as new energy from a mechanical definition perspective. Below is a detailed explanation of the 48V mild hybrid system: 1. 48V Mild Hybrid System The "48V mild hybrid" is also known as MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle). It upgrades the traditional 12V circuit voltage to 48V and replaces the conventional starter and alternator with a BSG (Belt-driven Starter Generator) and a 48V/12V bidirectional DC/DC converter. 2. Basic Principle of 48V Mild Hybrid System The 48V mild hybrid system is not categorized as a new energy vehicle in mechanical terms because it cannot independently provide electrical energy for pure electric driving. In daily use, electrical energy is only used to assist vehicle propulsion. Based on the original 12V electrical system of conventional vehicles, the voltage is increased to 48V, and components such as electric motors and battery packs are added to enable functions like assisting vehicle propulsion and storing/recovering electrical energy.
The 48V mild hybrid system is a new automotive powertrain technology. I've driven several models equipped with this system, such as those from Volkswagen or Mercedes-Benz. Simply put, it adds a small electric motor powered by a 48-volt battery to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. This little helper primarily assists the engine during startup or when stopping, for example, making the start-stop system respond faster, reducing unnecessary idling, and also recovering braking energy to store and reuse. This makes the car more fuel-efficient, reducing fuel consumption by about 10%-15%, and the driving experience becomes smoother and quieter. However, whether it counts as a new energy vehicle, I don't think so, because it still relies on the gasoline engine, and the battery capacity is very small, unlike electric vehicles that are entirely powered by electricity. New energy vehicles typically refer to pure electric or plug-in hybrids, which are more thoroughly eco-friendly. Overall, this system is quite practical, suitable for car owners who want to save on fuel costs without making major changes. It's simple to install, much cheaper than full hybrids, and doesn't tend to have major issues, making it a smart upgrade for conventional cars.
As a car enthusiast, I'm particularly fascinated by these technical details. The 48V mild hybrid is essentially a 48-volt auxiliary system, featuring a small motor and lithium battery pack. Unlike Tesla's full electrification, it only handles simple tasks, such as assisting the engine during acceleration or enabling auto start-stop to reduce emissions. Its fuel-saving performance is decent, helping urban drivers save on gas expenses. Regarding new energy classification, I've checked official categories - 48V mild hybrids don't strictly qualify as new energy vehicles because they remain gasoline-powered at core, with batteries playing a supporting role. True new energy vehicles must be charging-driven pure electric or strong hybrid models. Consider its pros and cons: advantages include low cost and easy integration, while limitations are small motor power and inability for pure electric long-distance driving, making it suitable for practicality-focused buyers.
