In hybrid systems, mild beats wild

The coming wave of 48-V mild hybrids aims for maximum benefit at minimal cost.

The auto industry is beginning to conclude that “strong-hybrid” electric vehicles (also known as “full” hybrids) cost too much, based on market penetration that has flattened out at 3%.

Conventional combustion-engined cars, however, will be hard-pressed to attain new government efficiency mandates around the world. A middle path, promoted by several German carmakers, is the establishment of a standard 48-Volt mild hybrid system as a cost-effective efficiency booster.