Tesla Introduces 48-Volt Electrical Architecture to Automotive Industry
Tesla has announced its plans to extend the 48-volt electrical architecture, originally featured in the Cybertruck, to vehicles manufactured by other brands. This initiative is part of Tesla’s effort to standardize automotive connectivity through the Low Voltage Connector Standard (LVCS).
In a recent blog post, Tesla outlined the benefits of the LVCS, which aims to simplify hardware by reducing the number of electrical connector types required in new cars to just six. This standard is designed to meet the operational requirements of 48 volts, offering increased spacing between contacts to prevent arcing and shorting.
Tesla LVCS connectors
Tesla believes that the 48-volt electrical architecture is the optimal long-term choice for vehicles, as it requires less current to deliver the same power output. This transition to 48 volts is expected to enhance the reliability of autonomous-driving systems.
While Tesla has already embraced the 48-volt architecture with the Cybertruck, other automakers, such as Ford, are considering similar shifts in their upcoming electric vehicles. The concept of a 48-volt electrical system is not entirely new, as mild hybrids have utilized this technology for over a decade.
Bosch 48-volt mild hybrid
With the rise of autonomous vehicles and the need for standardized components, Tesla’s push for the 48-volt hardware to become an industry standard could lead to cost-sharing benefits among automakers. This strategy has proven successful for Tesla in the past, as seen with the adoption of its NACS connector by major brands in the North American market.