ENGINEERING THE FUTURE - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1930

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week features Mary Ann Wright of Johnson Controls discussing the complex landscape of automotive electrification. The core argument presented is that while regulations push for electrification, the internal combustion engine (ICE) still holds significant potential for efficiency gains, potentially delaying widespread adoption of hybrids and EVs. Wright highlights that meeting current US regulations is achievable without full electrification due to ICE advancements, lightweighting, and other efficiency measures. Johnson Controls, a major battery supplier, focuses on the 12V and 48V low-voltage systems, arguing they offer a more economical path to fuel economy improvements compared to high-voltage hybrids and EVs, which are deemed too costly and compromised for mass market appeal. The discussion touches on the challenges of EV profitability, consumer acceptance of features like start-stop, and the potential of 48V systems to become dominant, especially in Europe. While acknowledging the disruptive role of EVs, the prevailing sentiment is that ICE technology and mild hybridization will remain significant for the foreseeable future.