(NAPS)—Imagine walking up to your car, having the door unlock and swing openall byitself. You get in and the doorcloses automat- ically as your favorite music begins to play. The cabin temperature adjusts to your personal preference, while sensors determineif the windshield and mirrors need to be heated. Need to make minor adjustments? Just say the word. While this may soundlikesci- ence fiction, it’s actually the coming evolution of automotive tech- nology, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) report, 42-Volt Systems: Technology Implications for the Automotive Industry. Since the 1950s, vehicles have operated on 12-volt systems. Advancedelectrical systems will makeit possible for new vehicles to do more, in both perfor- mance and passengercomfort. omy and emissions, however, demand additional power—and an According to the report, consumers can also expect to see electronic steering, brakes, water pumps and air conditioning systems, all due to 42-volt technology. best way to run these systems. “The increase in available converting vehicles to 42-volt systemsis sizable. Advancements in passenger comfort, interior electronics, fuel econ- upgrade to 42 volts is seen as the power will allow engineers to However, the immediate cost of “It will require new facilities, develop new systems to change the vehicles of the future,” accord- components and manufacturing processes throughout the entire needs in the areas of safety, passenger comfort, emissions control fact, electronics are expected to accountfor 35 to 40 percent of the require moreelectronics.” the next 10 years. ing to the SAE report. “Future and fuel economy are expected to DaimlerChrysler Advance Technology Specialist Fred Miesterfeld says the greatest achievements will be in fuel economy and pas- supply chain,” says Miesterfeld. In cost of high-end vehicles during While full implementation across all car lines may take up to two decades, consumers can expect the first “all 42-volt” cars to senger comfort. be in the high-end luxury segment he says. “It would also allow for 42-volt technology, careers in auto- “Converting to a 42-volt system would improve engineefficiency,” more speaker power, supply more heat to window heaters and seats and provide more efficient steering control.” within the next seven to 10 years. For more information on SAE, motive engineering, new products and standards, and other engineering information, check out the Website at www.sae.org.
