Powering up-a higher system voltage for cars

The author briefly describes the history of vehicle electrical system voltages. The electrical loads within a car are likely to increase in the future so a higher voltage will be necessary. The author points out that the optimum choice of voltage involves trade-offs between cost, safety, economy performance and function. The obvious choice is 24 V, which is used in commercial vehicles. The author discusses the use of this and higher voltages and whether AC or DC systems should be used.<>