Mild Hybrid

[BBQ]

.

This will be the new buzz word for 2018 -- Mild Hybrid

The heart of the system is an integrated Starter-Generator

A larger starter that doubles as a drive motor
plus a larger generator
All-In-One

Many cars are adopting it -- AUDI, Jeep, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, just to name a few

Will it change the RV world too?

Did you say a larger generator?

The possibilities are endless...

[BBQ]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-5ql8Z5YrM

[mlts22]

I remember seeing Jeep modifications replacing the starter with something beefier so the Jeep could be pushed along via the battery if the engine stalled out, especially in higher elevations.

I also remember some European cars having this, allowing a vehicle to be moved by the starter, which was useful for saving fuel.

What is old is new again.

[avanti]

Next-gen Sprinters are supposed to have a combination alternator/starter sandwiched between the engine and the transmission. 48 volts, I think.

[BBQ]

Originally Posted by mlts22

I remember seeing Jeep modifications replacing the starter with something beefier so the Jeep could be pushed along via the battery if the engine stalled out, especially in higher elevations.

...

What is old is new again.

That's interesting. I have not heard of this before.

This "Alternator-motor" will be in the 2018 Jeep with the 2L turbo engine.

Fuel economy is expected to reach 29 mpg.

[ClassB4Me]

I'm waiting for the order banks to open on the new 2018 Wrangler that will offer this drivetrain option with 48 volt system.

[Nexus7]

Originally Posted by BBQ

.
The heart of the system is an integrated Starter-Generator

Many cars are adopting it -- AUDI, Jeep, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, just to name a few

Will it change the RV world too?

I read an article talking about the Delphi system. This replaces the usual belt-driven alternator and will likely be the model implemented soonest. It looks like their lithium battery is mounted under-car. But what if outfitters took a mild hybrid van, replaced or supplemented the 48 V lithiums with another few hundred Ah, relocated them indoor, and added a diesel (or gasoline, as appropriate)-fired heater? That could reduce inverter losses and eliminate the lead-acid 12V battery to only the coldest or hottest climates.

A vehicle that potentially starts-stops a lot (city deliveries) such as a Sprinter would benefit the most, but I haven't seen anything about an imminent mild-hybrid version. MB's version as detailed in web hits from a few years ago, has an ISG inline, so it'd need a big redesign to implement.