TMC IR 2015-3: Exploring the Potential for 48-Volt Commercial Vehicle Electrical Systems

Forty-eight volt electrical systems represent a great potential to save fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Idle stop-start technology can help save fuel while the vehicle is motionless, and torque assist can also be supplied to the engine for launch and low-speed momentary acceleration. Increased energy storage and recapture of brake energy is also possible through 48-volt electrical/electronic (E/E) technology, further improving on overall efficiency. In addition, there are other possibilities with the use of a 48-volt supply that would not be possible with a 12-volt battery in in a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), such as electronically controlled air-conditioning (A/C) compressors and fully electric power steering.

Issued: December 2015