Tokyo, May 22, 2017 ---Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. has developed a 48V Lithium-ion battery pack for mild hybrid vehicles with an increased output density of 1.25 times the existing level*1, and an increased energy density of 1.5 times the existing level*1. Samples will begin to be provided to automobile manufacturers, and mass production will commence from fiscal 2019.
In recent years, mild hybrid systems that utilize batteries and motors to assist a gasoline engine have been gaining attention as a technology for improving fuel consumption. The production of mild hybrid vehicles is forecast to increase from 450,000 units in 2016 to over 12.8 million units in 2023*2. Especially in Europe and China, mild hybrid systems using 48V lithium-ion batteries are expected to spread rapidly, providing improved fuel consumption at comparatively low cost.
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