Will 12-Volt Batteries Become Obsolete by 2020? - GreenHybrid

Delta Flyer · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 07:33 AM

Will 12-Volt Batteries Become Obsolete by 2020?

I'll go ahead and say why I think many vehicles will not have 12-volt batteries:

There will be a lot of hybrid and Fuel cell vehicles by then
If lead-acid batteries were that good, why didn't they used them for the hybrid batteries?
Using the hybrid battery for everything would save weight and make things simpler.

jdenenberg · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 08:14 AM

The problem with using the main battery is that it wouldn't save anything. All of the standard auto accessories are mass produced and expect 12v (actually 10-14.5) so the voltage converter would still be require and having a rechagable 12v battery to handle peak currents protects the voltage converter. If you want a high tech 12v battery, get a Lithium Ion from Valence Technology (U-Charge). One that may fit is ONLY $1200

. Its half the weight and 3 times the capacity.

Double-Trinity · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 08:52 AM

from what I understand there is a pretty large push to adopt a 42v industry standard for automobiles, so accessories like A/C, power steering, etc. can be run electrically on all cars, not just the hybrids.

AshenGrey · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 02:36 PM

I think the 42v or 48v will probably be more mainstream by 2020. A lot of cars will probably be entry-level hybrids (like BAS or THS-M).

fernando_g · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2005, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double-Trinity

from what I understand there is a pretty large push to adopt a 42v industry standard for automobiles, so accessories like A/C, power steering, etc. can be run electrically on all cars, not just the hybrids.

That push has been going on for 6 or more years now. But that is a technological quantum leap with its associated costs and risks, and neither of Detroit's three would take the leap.
I must have an old magazine somewhere, where an integrated starter-generator was discussed, much like Honda's IMA.

But with the rude awakaning that Detroit's three are having, I suspect that this time it will be implemeted rather quickly. GM's BAS may be such a scheme.

Delta Flyer · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2005, 05:52 AM

I've learned something new on this thread. Did not realize different voltage would be an issue, therefore consoldating batteries seemed to be a no-brainer.

fernando_g · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2005, 07:36 AM

Here is a phrase I found on one of the many web sites dealing with the 14v to 42v transition:

"Whether the migration to 42V systems is being prompted by luxury features in the United States or by fuel efficiency and diminished emissions in Europe, the result is the same: 42V systems are a reality"

See the different focus?

Schwa · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2005, 03:30 PM

I doubt the 12v systems in a car will vanish that quickly. Think about all the people with laptops and stuff plugging into sockets, they still expect 12v, so for quite a long time there's going to be a need for the 12v power bus and probably a battery.

HafNHaf · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2005, 06:01 PM

it will go to 48 volts, with a dc-dc converter for plug-in 12 volt accessories. possibly dual bus 12/48 for a while, or maybe just to the stereo for legacy goodies.

sivart · #10 (**permalink**) 10-31-2005, 06:48 PM

okay, maybe I didn't understand the question? I had to vote no, as in 14 years I bet there will still be cars on the road that use 12-volt batteries. Obsolete to me means that they are no longer being made and we are exhausting current stock. (Maybe I think too much in the electronics realm).

You can still buy 6 volt batteries today if you need them.