The environmental impact of using different supply voltages for HEVs and FCEVs

This paper compares the capabilities and costs of Advanced 14 v, 42 v and High Voltage (144-300 V) systems for hybrid and fuel cell vehicle applications against the environmental benefits obtained in different operating conditions (e.g. "typical car driving", delivery van usage, etc). To support this the power electronics for a number of vehicles optimised for different usages will be presented together with their measured environmental gains (fuel consumption, CO₂, etc). It will be shown that usage patterns (operating conditions) significantly impact the cost/performance benefits obtained. Suitable power electronics systems showing good cost/performance benefits for particular usage patterns are described.