Depending on your point of view, the future for mild-hybrid systems could be either exceedingly dim or unexpectedly bright.
Vehicles that employ them use electrification to a lesser extent than conventional hybrids, to provide a small boost of power or to power electrical accessories--but not to travel on electricity alone.
A few years ago, General Motors bet that mild hybrids would soon account for a large portion of its green-car sales. So far, that hasn't happened.
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But suppliers believe mild-hybrid systems could be key to helping improve the fuel efficiency of a larger share of vehicles, under the shadow of increasingly stringent carbon-emissions and Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations in place around the world.
One of those suppliers is Bosch, which has developed a system that it calls the "hybrid for everyone," according to Charged EVs.
This setup is based around a 48-volt electrical system, with a small electric generator that can assist the engine with up to 10 kilowatts of power, and a tiny lithium-ion battery pack.
![2015 Buick LaCrosse 2015 Buick LaCrosse](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2015-buick-lacrosse_100467263_l.jpg)
2015 Buick LaCrosse
Bosch says the system can increase fuel efficiency by 15 percent, as well as provide "more dynamic" acceleration.
A converter also supplies electrical power to a car's standard 12-volt system from the 48-volt hybrid system.
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Bosch claims a mild-hybrid approach allows for the use of less-expensive components, which means its systems could be installed in vehicles at a wider range of prices.
With added ultrasonic sensors, the company even claims this system could enable automated parking.
![2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, New York City, July 2012 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, New York City, July 2012](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2013-acura-ilx_100397098_l.jpg)
2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, New York City, July 2012
Without offering much in the way of specifics, Bosch says a version of the mild-hybrid system could allow cars to steer themselves into parking spaces.
There are even provisions for vehicles to be potentially manipulated remotely via a smartphone app, the company claims.
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While mild hybrids haven't proven to be much of a sales success so far, it's possible carmakers will build more of them in response to stricter emissions standards.
They could potentially serve as a half-step between engine start-stop systems and more complex and expensive full hybrids, which provide electric-only travel for up to a mile or two under low loads.
Bosch expects roughly 4 million new vehicles worldwide to be equipped with its new mild-hybrid system by 2020.
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