Market Trends of APAC Mild-Hybrid Vehicles Industry
48V and Above Witnessing Major Growth during the forecast period
- 48V battery was introduced because of the increased need for power to supply electronic elements, like compressors, heaters, power steering, and electric pumps. Many automakers started launching 48V mild-hybrid as standard features in their new vehicle models over the past three years. For instance, in December 2021, the Cadillac division of General Motors Corporation Limited (SAIC-GM) launched the new XT4 compact crossover SUV. The new XT4 boasts better power and configuration. It is equipped with a 2.0L variable-cylinder turbocharged engine with a maximum power output of 174kW, peak torque of 350Nm, and a 48V mild-hybrid powertrain incorporating a 48V motor, 48V power battery, power management module, and hybrid control unit.
- Additionally, Volvo Cars offers the S60 mid-sized sedan in China. The vehicle is available in five mild-hybrid (MHEV) versions and two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions. About the powertrain, the MHEV versions are equipped with a B3/B4/B5 turbocharged gasoline engine maximum power output of 120 kW/145 kW/184 kW, peak torque of 265 Nm/300 Nm/350 Nm mated to a 48 V mild-hybrid system.
- Also, several carmakers are working on improving their current existing 48V mild-hybrid systems. For instance, Suzuki few year back unveiled a new hybrid powertrain that will offer up to 20% lower CO2 emissions and higher torque. The mild-hybrid system will also drive-up fuel efficiency by up to 15%. The new system comprises a 48 V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), and a 48 V-12 V converter (for components that run on 12V systems like air conditioning). The newer powertrain is relatively lighter in weight, and all the components add up to less than 15 kg.
- With the increasing production of 48 V and above voltage mild-hybrid models from automakers, the growth rate of mild-hybrid vehicles in the market is likely to continue to rise positively during the forecast period.
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China and India will be the Market Leader
- Electric vehicles (EVs) currently account for less than 1% of the total vehicle sales in India. The market is growing rapidly. The electric four-wheeler registered sales of around 10,54,938 units in 2022. The Government of India has undertaken multiple initiatives to promote the manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles in India to reduce emissions at international conventions and develop e-mobility in the wake of rapid urbanization.
- The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in India (FAME I and II) helped create the initial interest and exposure to electric mobility. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) program, which was first implemented in 2015 and updated in 2019, provides consumers and domestic companies with various incentives.
- For instance, in phase two of FAME, the government announced an outlay of USD 1.4 billion through 2022. This phase focuses on the electrification of public and shared transportation by subsidizing 7,090 e-buses, 500,000 electric three-wheelers, 550,000 electric passenger vehicles, and 1,000,000 electric two-wheelers.
- Several major OEM players are launching the latest electric passenger cars in the country to mark their presence in the market.
- For instance, in December 2021, Audi started the local production of the new Q7 SUV at its Aurangabad facility ahead of its expected launch in January 2022. Audi has fitted the Q7 with a 48V mild-hybrid system, owing to India's new BS-VI norms.
- In November 2021, Volvo Cars India updated its flagship SUV, the XC90, with a new mild-hybrid powertrain replacing the diesel variants, which comes with a 300PS 2-liter turbo-petrol teamed with a 48v mild-hybrid system. In October 2021, General Motors launched its Buick GL8 Classic with a 48V mild-hybrid powertrain in China.
- In March 2021, South Korean automobile producer Hyundai launched its new mild hybrid cars. The name of the car, Bayon, is also inspired by a vacation hotspot in the southwest of France. The car is equipped with a 1-liter turbocharged petrol engine and is integrated with 48V mild hybrid technology. Such developments are expected to have a positive impact on the market in focus during the forecast period.
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