China Car Makers Pioneer 'Mild Hybrids'

In a world that focuses on decreasing emissions and saving the environment, people tend to see nothing but the bottom line. However, China car makers are increasing use in an emerging battery technology that provides a way to boost fuel economy to near hybrid performance. 

Chinese automakers Geely Automobile Holdings and FAW Group Corp. will begin introducing gas powered cars with a 48-volt battery system that provides additional energy for steering and other high energy devices. This battery system is similar to the 200-volt battery systems that are used in current hybrid cars, but instead of relying mostly on the 200-volt battery, the new mild hybrids will rely on gasoline first, with the 48-volt battery system as a helper for better fuel economy. 

This 48-volt battery adds to the fuel economy of the vehicle without the large price tag of the current hybrid cars. Consultants at AlixPartners LLP say that the 48-bolt battery driven hybrids lead to a 15% increase in fuel economy compared to the 25%/30% improvement in current hybrids, but with a cheaper selling price. “What’s nice about the 48-volt systems is that you are getting a lot of the same benefits of a full hybrid at 30% of the cost,” said Dan Hearsch, a partner with AlixPartners. 

Although China has long been behind in the technology concerning cars, it is the front runner in this new technology. Analysts soon expect this emerging technology to make its way to the more advanced USA and Japanese auto industry. 

The major concern regarding these battery systems is the required complexity of the internal electric system. However, Mary Gutanksi of Delphi Automotive PLC says that the "industry has no choice." With more advanced technologies needing a more stable source of power, the auto industry has to adapt to feed these power-hungry advancements.