48V subsystem on the way for Prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Technical Discussion' started by Paul Gregory, Feb 14, 2024.

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  1. Paul Gregory

    Paul Gregory Senior Member

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    Several other manufacturers have transitioned away from 12V to 48V, including the Tesla Cybertruck. The 2024 Toyota Hilux mild hybrid is the first Toyota model to do so.
    One might think that the Prius might be a good contender tor a 48V electrical subsystem as well, considering how many components run on electric power.

    Toyota Hilux Gets Mild Hybrid Diesel Powertrain For 2024
     
    #1 Paul Gregory, Feb 14, 2024
  2. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Converting to 48V for cars had been considered years ago with the increasing number of electrical accessories. Didn't happen cause they got the power consumption of the components down. Perhaps it will happen this time, but if it does, it will because the majority of cars are mild hybrids. Those run on 48V, and switching the accessories over to that with all models could save on costs.

    That said, do any of these mild hybrids actually do that, or are they still using 12V for accessories?
     
    #2 Trollbait, Feb 14, 2024
  3. Paul Gregory

    Paul Gregory Senior Member

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    As in the Cybertruck, the many electrical subsystems run more efficiently on 48V, for example, the big "mono wiper" consumes nearly a kilowatt, therefore 12V wiring would have to be massive.
    But converter technology makes it easy to run 12V power as needed for 12V accessories. You need not worry about plugging your cellphone charger into 48V.
     
    #3 Paul Gregory, Feb 15, 2024
  4. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    But are 48V mild hybrids using 48V for the accessory grid, or are they still using 12V with 12V starter battery?

    When these mild hybrids near the majority of what is produced, switching over to a 48V grid for everything will make sense in terms of cost. Until then, cars will stick with 12V systems.
     
    #4 Trollbait, Feb 15, 2024
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