"Jon Elson" wrote in message
...
Carl Byrns wrote:
The high(er) voltage car electrical system is not going to happen anytime
soon. The reasons, according to an article in Car and Driver are a)
reliable circuit protection hasn't been developed to the point where
manufacturers are 100% sure a loose wire or a short won't result in a
shock or fire and b) 12 volts is an ideal voltage for headlight
filaments- higher voltages mandate thinner filaments which don't survive
bumps and bangs very well. Apparently GM was going to 48 volts for the
2006 model year, but backed off mostly because of the circuit protection
issue.

So sorry you are so far behind the times. The Prius has had a 300 V DC
supply for about 9 (?) years, now. There are several us-label cars with
42 V systems for their start/stop engines.

You need to catch up- the 48 volt system would drive ALL the accessories
(wipers, blower motor, ect) and not just the hybrid drive. The reasoning is
that higher voltage would mean smaller, lighter motors and lighter gauge
copper wiring.

-Carl

PS We have two Prius in the family.