Threxx

I think I've heardthat once suspension systems like GM's Magnaride becomes more commonplace and is intended to be 'fuller range', and once true camless engines start coming out for cars; and heck, with all the toys and electronics available on cars these days as a whole, that the 12 volt electrical system will become obsolete.

My buddy told me that his dealer told him that his 04 Sienna limited had a 24 volt electrical system but I think his dealer didn't know what he was talking about or my friend misunderstood. Maybe he read "24v" (for 24 valves) and thought it was volts?

Stage3

iTrader: (3)

I know that VW is big on the new voltage systems. I dont know when they will change, but at least 3 years ago they were talking about the increase in Voltage for their newer models.

Threxx

Hmm... my 06 Audi A4 is a 12v as far as I can tell... it really doesn't have nearly enough gadgets to 'need' 24v from what I can tell, either.

biker

Caddy has been talking about a 42V system for quite a while. That's the max voltage you can put in a car and still be considered "low voltage". Lots of things could be done once voltage levels go that high.

mmarshall

OK...by the over 12-volt question, I assume you mean conventional gas-engine cars, right? Some diesels come with 24 volts ( two 12-volt batteries ) to help get started in cold weather, and, of course, hybrids, with the large battery packs, run a LOT more than 12 volts...I don't remember just how much.

Threxx

Right, I'm ignoring hybrids here, though I think most hybrids still use standard 12 volt electrical systems for the majority of the car, just not the powertrain/hybrid system itself. I dunno, though.

And the two 12 volt batteries on diesels doesn't = 24 volts the way it's ran (to my knowledge)... it's still 12 volts, just more total CCA for winter weather which lowers normal CCAs of batteries by quite a bit, plus allows block heaters to stay running on the diesel without as much fear of running the battery down.