Ready for 42 Volt Automotive Systems?

[PKRWUD]

I had no intention of starting this thread, but after I mentioned it's subject in another thread, a member was chastised for replying to it, rather than to the original topic of that thread. So, here it is, for anyone who wants to talk about the incredible changes that lie just around the corner.

Are you ready for the 42 volt electrical systems that will become the norm in ten years or less? I hope so, because it's already starting. Why a new system, you ask? The fact is, there is so much electrical content in todays vehicles - let alone what's on the drawing board - that the present electrical systems are being taxed to the limit. It is estimated that there will be upward of 300 sensors incorporated into vehicles within the next several years. The ability for the charging systems and batteries to produce and maintain voltage is being outpaced by the vehicles electrical demand. Simply put, we're running out of electricity.

Will the new 42 volt systems really improve vehicles? You better believe it! Reduced emissions, improved fuel economy, and expanding the use of electrical / electronic components are among the key factors. By converting many of the hydraulic and mechanical systems to electrically driven components, there will be an immediate reduction of work energy from the engine realized, thus improving fuel economy and emissions. This includes eliminating the engines need to turn any belts. The water pump, power steering, and air conditioning will all become electrically controlled. Further, the camshaft is soon to be a thing of the past. Valves will become electromagnetic actuation systems. Also on the way out are mechanical oil pumps.

Additionally, the actual weight of the wiring and some other components will be reduced. Parts can be made smaller and lighter due to less amperage required. In fact, it is estimated that the wiring bundle size will actually be as much as 20% smaller than it is today.

Then there's the performance aspect. Anything that is computer controlled can and will be tweaked for more power. Imagine driving a car that idles smooth enough to balance a pyramid of full champagne glasses on the hood, without spilling a drop (remember that commercial?), can be driven throughout the legal speed limits without ever detecting the transmission shifting gears, has a top speed as high as your balls are big, does the 1/4 mile in 12 seconds, and gets 50 miles per gallon, all running on 87 octane. These performance programming tweaks may be a few years farther down the road, but no more than 20 total. 15 years, from now, is more likely.

For reference, these systems will be referred to as either 42/14, or 36/12, at first. There are two reasons for this. First off, the 42 (36) represents the main system voltage, which is 3 times what we currently use. The battery in your car now is mistakenly called a 12 volt battery. It's actually a 12.68 volt battery, and the system in your car is a 14 volt system. (check your battery voltage sometime when the engine is at 2000 rpms). If your battery measures 12.06 volts when everything is turned off, it's actually only got a 25% state of charge. Still, some people will have trouble with the math when it comes to multiplying current system voltage by three, so expect to see both 42 and 36 (14 x 3 = 42, & 12 x 3 = 36) used as the number for the new systems. Just know that they are both exactly the same. The reason for the addition of a 14 or 12 in the name of the system type is because initially, the systems will also support current automotive electrical devices, to ease the changeover. However, these dual voltage systems will not be around for very long.

You can expect to start to see the 42/14 (36/12) systems in production vehicles within 7 years. Maybe sooner.

Also, as a footnote, this is going to mean a whole bunch of new diagnostic tools, as well as the understanding that while 12 volts dc can't hurt you, 42 can. Be careful!

Take care,
-Chris

P.S. Jim- I posted this in your forum because it was here that the original thread was where this subject came up (as you know). My feelings won't be hurt if you would prefer it in the lounge.