Hyundai Ups Its Game Against Tesla with 48V System Upgrade

Key Takeaways

1. Hyundai is set to become the first major car manufacturer to transition its entire fleet from a 12V to a 48V electrical system by 2029.
2. The shift to a 48V system is necessary for advanced vehicle features like autonomous driving and multimedia systems.
3. Hyundai is revamping its vehicle electronics supply chain, focusing on a comprehensive 48V architecture rather than partial implementations.
4. The company aims to create cost savings by developing 48V components that can be used for both vehicles and humanoid robots.
5. Hyundai’s robotics division, expanded through the acquisition of Boston Dynamics, is also focusing on 48V systems for its humanoid robots.

Hyundai is on track to be the first major car manufacturer to transition its entire fleet from the outdated 12V low-voltage system to a more modern 48V architecture.

Upcoming Robot Competitors

This change will also include Hyundai’s forthcoming humanoid robot competitors, which are being developed through its acquisition of Boston Dynamics.

Hyundai, similar to Tesla with the Cybertruck, has recognized that the traditional 12V low-voltage system, which has powered vehicle electronics since the 1950s, is inadequate. Advanced features such as autonomous driving assistance, multimedia systems, and drive-by-wire capabilities demand a higher voltage to function effectively.

Benefits of the 48V System

Tesla has indicated that switching from a 12V to a 48V system allowed them to significantly reduce wiring and provide sufficient power for the motors used in rear-wheel steering. While the Cybertruck and certain other models utilize a 48V low-voltage system, they only apply it where it is practical.

For example, the Cybertruck employs a lower voltage converter for its audio amplifiers, and in case the 48V battery fails, a standard 12V jump starter kit can be utilized.

Hyundai’s Ambitious Plans

In contrast, Hyundai is requesting its suppliers to completely revamp vehicle electronics to support a comprehensive 48V architecture. Understanding that this is a monumental task that can’t be completed quickly, the company intends to gradually build a 48V electronics supply chain by 2029. This approach aims to reduce the costs associated with this significant transition.

Tesla also aimed for a similar outcome by making its 48V architecture manual publicly available for other automakers, hoping that as adoption grows, prices for these components will decrease. However, rather than partnering with Tesla or Chinese manufacturers, Hyundai is choosing to independently pursue this path to protect its supplier network. “The key is to maintain the hardware and software ecosystem for four years while slightly reducing profitability and changing the SDV and electrical component standard voltage,” revealed an insider.

Robotics Division Expansion

Following its acquisition of Boston Dynamics, Hyundai has established a substantial robotics division that is working on humanoid robots similar to Tesla’s Optimus, which also operates on a 48V system. The company aims to achieve additional cost savings by creating 48V electrical and electronic components that can be used interchangeably in both vehicle and robot production.

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