Navigant Research Report Shows Near-Term Uptick in North American Adoption of 48 V Electrical Systems

Recent consumer interest is centered around performance
enhancements to two of Fiat Chrysler’s high-volume nameplates

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#48V–A new report from Navigant
Research looks at adoption of 48 V mild-hybrid technology, analyzing
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA’s) role in the market and the
technology’s impact on electrified vehicles globally.

Though adoption has been on the rise in Europe, 48 V electrical systems
have had little presence in the US. During the Los Angeles Auto Show and
the North American International Auto Show in December 2017 and January
2018, however, FCA surprised the industry with major new product
announcements incorporating 48 V systems in some of its highest volume
vehicles. Click
to tweet: According to a new report from @NavigantRSRCH,
this marked a major shift in the near-term outlook for 48 V system
adoption in North America.

“The prospects for adoption of vehicles with 48 V mild hybrid systems in
North America picked up significant momentum in late 2017 and early 2018
as Fiat Chrysler introduced the technology on two of its highest volume
nameplates,” says Sam Abuelsamid, senior research analyst at Navigant
Research. “Prior to the announcement of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler and 2019
Ram 1500 pickup, it appeared that only some premium European brands
would be launching the technology in North America before 2020.”

While high fuel prices and the desire for reduced greenhouse gases have
been strong drivers for European adoption of 48 V systems, in the US,
fuel remains relatively inexpensive, and the prevailing political
climate at the federal level has shifted away from endorsing efficiency.
According to the report, FCA’s marketing emphasis on the performance
enhancement of the system has set the stage for mild hybrid systems to
finally experience commercial success in North America.

The report, Leveraging
48 V Systems for Improved Automotive Performance and Efficiency,
examines the shift in the adoption of 48 V mild-hybrid technology. It
discusses the role FCA is playing in this shift, as well as the impact
on the global market for electrified vehicles. The study also examines
the requirements for 48 V systems and how the industry is promoting
performance and efficiency over green credentials. Recommendations are
provided to OEMs and suppliers on what issues they should be monitoring,
including consumer acceptance and component costs. An Executive Summary
of the report is available for free download on the Navigant
Research website.

About Navigant Research

Navigant Research, the dedicated research arm of Navigant, provides
market research and benchmarking services for rapidly changing and often
highly regulated industries. In the energy sector, Navigant Research
focuses on in-depth analysis and reporting about global clean technology
markets. The team’s research methodology combines supply-side industry
analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep
examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the
Energy Technologies, Utility Transformations, Transportation
Efficiencies, and Buildings Innovations sectors. Additional information
about Navigant Research can be found at www.navigantresearch.com.

About Navigant

Navigant Consulting, Inc. is a specialized, global professional services
firm that helps clients take control of their future. Navigant’s
professionals apply deep industry knowledge, substantive technical
expertise, and an enterprising approach to help clients build, manage
and/or protect their business interests. With a focus on markets and
clients facing transformational change and significant regulatory or
legal pressures, the Firm primarily serves clients in the healthcare,
energy and financial services industries. Across a range of advisory,
consulting, outsourcing, and technology/analytics services, Navigant’s
practitioners bring sharp insight that pinpoints opportunities and
delivers powerful results. More information about Navigant can be found
at navigant.com.

* The information contained in this press release concerning the
report, Leveraging 48 V Systems for Improved Automotive Performance
and Efficiency, is a summary and reflects Navigant Research’s current
expectations based on market data and trend analysis. Market predictions
and expectations are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ
materially from those contained in this press release or the report.
Please refer to the full report for a complete understanding of the
assumptions underlying the report’s conclusions and the methodologies
used to create the report. Neither Navigant Research nor Navigant
undertakes any obligation to update any of the information contained in
this press release or the report.

Contacts

Navigant Research
Lindsay Funicello-Paul, +1-781-270-8456
[email protected]