Navigant Research Report Shows Near-Term Uptick in North American Adoption of 48 V Electrical Systems

A new report from Navigant Research looks at adoption of 48 V mild-hybrid technology, analyzing Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA’s) role in the market and the technology’s impact on electrified vehicles globally.

Though adoption has been on the rise in Europe, 48 V electrical systems have had little presence in the US. During the Los Angeles Auto Show and the North American International Auto Show in December 2017 and January 2018, however, FCA surprised the industry with major new product announcements incorporating 48 V systems in some of its highest volume vehicles. Click to tweet: According to a new report from @NavigantRSRCH, this marked a major shift in the near-term outlook for 48 V system adoption in North America.

“The prospects for adoption of vehicles with 48 V mild hybrid systems in North America picked up significant momentum in late 2017 and early 2018 as Fiat Chrysler introduced the technology on two of its highest volume nameplates,” says Sam Abuelsamid, senior research analyst at Navigant Research. “Prior to the announcement of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler and 2019 Ram 1500 pickup, it appeared that only some premium European brands would be launching the technology in North America before 2020.”

While high fuel prices and the desire for reduced greenhouse gases have been strong drivers for European adoption of 48 V systems, in the US, fuel remains relatively inexpensive, and the prevailing political climate at the federal level has shifted away from endorsing efficiency. According to the report, FCA’s marketing emphasis on the performance enhancement of the system has set the stage for mild hybrid systems to finally experience commercial success in North America.

The report, Leveraging 48 V Systems for Improved Automotive Performance and Efficiency, examines the shift in the adoption of 48 V mild-hybrid technology. It discusses the role FCA is playing in this shift, as well as the impact on the global market for electrified vehicles. The study also examines the requirements for 48 V systems and how the industry is promoting performance and efficiency over green credentials. Recommendations are provided to OEMs and suppliers on what issues they should be monitoring, including consumer acceptance and component costs. An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the Navigant Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or legal pressures, the Firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare, energy and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory, consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found at navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the report, Leveraging 48 V Systems for Improved Automotive Performance and Efficiency, is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release or the report. Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in this press release or the report.