The voltage level selection of automotive electrical system directly affects vehicle performance, energy efficiency and compatibility. The following describes the 12V, 24V, and 48V systems, including technical features, advantages and disadvantages, and typical application scenarios.

With the increase of vehicle electronic equipment and the improvement of energy efficiency requirements, the voltage level is also gradually improved, from the traditional 12V voltage system, 24V voltage system, to the 48V voltage system that is gradually promoted.

First, the 12V system is a traditional automotive electrical system that has been around for many years. Almost all conventional fuel vehicles use the 12V system. Its benefits may include proven technology, extensive accessory support, and lower costs. However, the disadvantage may be insufficient performance under high power demand, such as starting motors, high-power audio or modern electronic equipment, because the power increases, the voltage is low, P=V x I, so the current will be large, resulting in an increase in line loss (power loss P=I2R), the need for thicker cables, increasing weight and cost, and the vehicle system will be more crowded.

24V systems, commonly found in commercial vehicles, trucks or large vehicles. The advantages of a 24V system may be higher power output, halving the current at the same power, reducing line loss and line diameter, and suitable for equipment with higher power requirements.

48V system is a medium voltage system with the rise of hybrid power and energy saving demand in recent years, especially in mild hybrid vehicles. Today's cars require more power than cars of a few years ago. In addition to basic features such as the engine, lights, radio, electric sunroof, electric power steering, networking and infotainment, many other features related to safety and convenience are now integrated, often under the category of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The ADAS system puts higher requirements on the battery and requires more power, such as the 12V system is difficult to support, such as the 48V system can support more high-power devices such as electric superchargers, air conditioning compressors, etc., while reducing current, reducing line loss, and making cables thinner and lighter. In addition, the 48V system can better support energy recovery and improve fuel economy. However, the disadvantages may involve higher system costs, safety issues (higher voltages require better insulation and protection), and the fact that the existing supply chain may not be fully adapted to 48V systems, and accessories and repairs may be more complex.

The comparison table is as follows: