Schaeffler, together with Continental, has created a 48-volt hybrid prototype that can reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption in a compact car to less than 85 grams per kilometer. A variation of the mild hybrid system is already on the road in the new Renault Scenic minivan. Schaeffler Chief Technology Officer Peter Gutzmer believes that 48-volt hybrids have the potential to become dominant players in Europe at the expense of diesel. He explained why in an interview with Automotive News Europe Managing Editor Douglas A. Bolduc.
What potential do you see for the 48-volt hybrid system?
In our view, the future of the combustion-engine powertrain is 48-volt electrification combined with plug-in hybrid high-voltage solutions. The majority of automakers have to think about installing 48-volt hybrid drives.
Why?
Because we need to meet the new CO2 fleet averages in Europe and other markets. To do that we need powertrains that can recuperate energy and we need to shut down the engine as often as possible if we don't need it for power.