Impact of DC 48 V on Automotive Power Supply Systems: Comparison with DC 42 V and Future View under DC 60 V

In the twenty‐first century, rapid advances are being made in the electric propulsion of vehicles as a countermeasure of global warming. In addition, CO₂ emissions from all vehicles are to be stringently regulated to 95 g/km by 2020. Thus, most automakers around the world have had to develop not only hybrid electric vehicles, but also conventional internal combustion engine with energy‐saving technology. Battery technology (Li‐ion) and semiconductor technology (SiC and GaN) for automotive power supply systems have proceeded to the mass‐production stage. In 2011, Verband der Automobilindustrie (German OEMs and suppliers) announced the adoption of DC 48 V for the market of 2020. In this paper, we analyze the needs and impact of DC 48 V and compare it with DC 42 V (current technology). We also try to portray the future view under DC 60 V for automotive power supply systems.