Micro Hybrids maintain lead position in EV/HEV markets
Every major OEM is producing this type of vehicle as they recognise the CO2 saving benefits from the enabling technology. Ben Scott, analyst with IMS Research explains, “The benefits of stop/start systems are clear. Depending on driving profile, the reduction in CO2 emissions can be up to 5 percent.” OEMs are producing this type of vehicle as they look to comply with regional legislation on CO2 emission.
In contrast to full hybrids, micro hybrids don’t have an electric power train; the kinetic reclaimed during braking is used only to recharge the battery. For this reason, micro hybrids are not strictly hybrid vehicles. Since they are much simpler and cheaper than full-fledged hybrid cars, the proportion these vehicles represent of the total hybrid and electric vehicle production market is expected to increase from 77 percent in 2010 to 89 percent in 2022.
In its report ‘Opportunities for System and Semiconductor Manufacturers in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles’ IMS Research points out that sales to date of ‘true’ hybrid and electric vehicles have not performed as expected. Low consumer interest has resulted in poor sales, exacerbated by the current global economic situation. “There is still the issue of range anxiety with a lack of charging infrastructure and battery technology that needs to evolve further and reduce in price,” says Scott. These issues are definitely in the minds of OEMs, which is why they are choosing the ‘safe’ option of microhybrids as a cost-effective way to meet emissions legislation.
While the short to midterm belongs to the stop/start system, in the long run hydrogen might represent the best ‘fuel’ solution. In an effort to re-engage consumer interest and ‘shake-up’ the ‘true’ hybrid and electric vehicle market, some OEMs are introducing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles e.g. Hyundai’s ix35 fuel cell SUV. Sedans and SUVs are most likely to adopt hydrogen fuel cell technology for two reasons. Firstly, these vehicles are physically large enough to store large quantities of hydrogen. Secondly, sedans and SUVs are typically the most profitable models so some of the extra cost associated with a fuel cell powertrain could be absorbed into the vehicle’s margin. Toyota recently announced that they will be producing a fuel cell sedan in 2015.
In terms of the powertrain systems involved for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, they are very similar to that of a hybrid or electric vehicle, apart from the energy source. The high voltage battery in conventional hybrid or electric vehicles is effectively replaced with a hydrogen gas storage tank and a hydrogen-to-electricity conversion unit. For battery management system suppliers and the associated semiconductor companies, this is a concern as the high voltage battery management is negated for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
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