Audi is planning to update its vehicle electrical system to 48 volts from the present 12 volts, to make its cars more power efficient.
The 48 volt electrical system is said to be ideal for dynamic chassis control, and Audi is planning to launch several other applications for the system.
Audi is planning to add a 48 volt subsidiary electrical system that will join the existing 12 volt power supply, which will facilitate lower power dissipation and lighter cable harnessing.
The new electrical system will deliver more power to the vehicle than the 12-volt system with the help of the new storage technologies.
Audi Board of Management for Technical Development member Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg said: "We are using the full bandwidth of electrification in our drive principles strategy. Running part of the vehicle electrical system at 48 volts plays a central role in this."
"It enables us to make more energy available. That paves the way for new technologies with which we can make our cars more sporty, more efficient and more convenient to use."
The upgrade is expected to overcome the problems related to the demand of high-performance electric compressors which is no longer met by traditional batteries.
