BYD deploying 48V vehicle platform
27 April 2013
At Auto Shanghai, BYD introduced its “Green Hybrid” initiative; among the technologies included in that effort is the use of a 48 VDC vehicle voltage platform using BYD’s internally developed Li-ion batteries (versus 12VDC Lead-Acid technologies).
The new 48V platform allows the battery life to be extended to the expected life of the car, and support the transition to all-LED lighting, Electronic Parking Systems, hybrid and regenerative braking, idle start-stop energy management, automatic engine starts, low rolling resistance and advanced aero-dynamic designs.
48VDC systems are not hindered by the line/harness power losses experienced with normal lower-voltage systems, BYD notes. The company is also implementing low-voltage, large-torque, double-winding motor technologies for battery-acceleration-assist and regenerative braking. These changes have been shown to save as much as 1.5 liters of fuel/100km, the company said. (on a 30 mpg car, that’s as much as a 7 mpg improvement!).
Also part of the “Green Hybrid” initiative is BYD’s “Insta-Pure” cabin filtering technology to help protect drivers and passengers from PM2.5 by quickly rotating cabin air, scrubbing and filtering it, all in less than 3-5 minutes. The first production vehicles launching with this advanced cabin purification system are the new BYD S6 Premier models—debuting at this year’s Shanghai show.
The purification technology is integrated into the vehicle’s air conditioning system and detects the inside and outside particulate matter levels, triggering auto-air-filtering equipment.
This (long time talked about) common sense evolution could be a first in the car industry. The old low cost lead (12 V) battery is no longer compatible with future electrified vehicles, e-ancillaries and electronic driver assistance equipment.
Many more will probably follow if cost can be kept low and benefits are as high as expected.
Mass production of 48-V new technology battery modules will help to reduce future HEVs-PHEVs-BEVs cost and accelerate the development of improved batteries..
Tesla is already taking about 500+ miles BEVs for 2017/2018 or so as a strong possibility.
Posted by: HarveyD | 27 April 2013 at 11:21 AM
HEVs/BEVs use systems that are in the hundreds of volts.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 27 April 2013 at 11:36 PM
Mainly for accessories '..all-LED lighting, Electronic Parking Systems, hybrid and regenerative braking, idle start-stop energy management, ..'
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130427005025/en/BYD-Launches-Green-Hybrid-Technologies-Entire-Car-Line-up
Posted by: pat | 28 April 2013 at 07:46 AM
This is an interim lower voltage combo solution to get more from ICEVs, until such times as BEVs, equipped with improved (600 Wh/Kg to 1000+ Wh/Kg) lower cost batteries, become the first choice, in the post 2020 era?
Secondly, (10 x 48V = 480 V) and (12 x 48V = 576V) and could be enough for small and mid-size BEVs.
Using 48V modules, mass produced for 48V ICEVs, could lower the initial cost of BEVs?
Posted by: HarveyD | 28 April 2013 at 09:18 AM
If 48V auto systems become common, more li-ion ebike, etc batteries should be cheap and available.
Posted by: kelly | 28 April 2013 at 06:50 PM