42-Volt Autos

brianlmoon writes "Car Audio Electronics Magazine has a story about the auto industry switching to 36/42-Volt systems starting in 2004 and being completely switched by 2020. The demand for luxuries in cars has grown to where 12/14-Volts is just simply not enough. The automotive sound enthusiasts are going to benefit greatly as amplification will be much easier and cleaner with 3 times the voltage availble. Mobile computing will also benefit: "One of the real benefits of jumping to 42-volt systems, especially for hybrid vehicles, is the ability of the vehicle to offer regular 110-volt electrical outlets". It seems cars will have dual systems for a while for legacy equipment."

Comments

More accidents?

[roryh]

Most car drivers I see don't pay enough attention on the road as it is, and that's without the ability to plug in household applicances. Multi-car pileups because someone was checking their email or pr0n?

Some basic EE facts

[Mononoke]

Higher voltage system allows lighter gauge wire to carry the same amount of current (weight savings).

Higher voltage systems are less affected by corroded contacts and connections.

Higher voltage systems allow physically smaller fuses for the same power handling.

All of these allow cheaper cabling, connectors, fusing, etc.

Re:For those unfortunate times...

[PurpleFloyd]

Car batteries are still 12 volts. The alternator outputs 13.8 to charge the battery and run electrical systems while the car is running, but the battery provides 12 volts under normal circumstances. Don't believe me? Go get a multimeter and check your car. The 13.8V system is there to charge a 12V battery.