The automobile is changing right before our eyes. It’s gradually morphing from a traditional internal-combustion-engine (ICE) vehicle into a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and then to an all-electric vehicle (EV). Next comes the fully autonomous vehicle (AV).
During these changing times, cars and trucks have evolved into significant electric/electronic platforms. Multiple electromechanical components added for safety and improved handling, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), have added to the load. Modern vehicles have also become major entertainment and communications centers—a trend that has deluged vehicles with electrical and electronic gear, pushing the 12-V electrical system to its limit. Automotive engineers are finally dealing with this problem. The solution is a 12-V plus 48-V electrical system.