Description
Switching to a 48-volt lithium ion battery system on a vehicle can greatly improve the vehicle’s gas mileage. It does however require a rethink, as it mandates a serious redesign to quite a few mechanical, electrical based systems about the vehicle.
Utilizing a 48-volt battery does allow the manufacturers to remove various accessory drive systems from the internal combustion engine. It allows the new larger 3 phase starter motor to also be an alternator.
Switching to 48 volts and a bigger battery allows the following: replacing the starter with a motor/alternator in the clutch transmission area which disconnects the combustion gas motor, turning the ICE motor off during braking or on downhill slopes as well at stopped at stop lights.
Statements
“Utilizing a 48-volt battery does allow the manufacturers to remove various accessory drive systems from the internal combustion engine.”
“This change presents a few new printed circuit board problems. The biggest change is the main controller which charges the batteries and powers the motor”
