A look at the advantages of a mild-hybrid powertrain
July 25 2022,
You may have heard about mild-hybrid engines, and you may have noticed that these types of powertrains are becoming more and more popular. They are replacing traditional gas engines as the standard powertrain in many new vehicles, and they definitely have a lot of benefits. The perfect example is Mercedes-Benz EQ Boost technology which was introduced in 2021 and that is features on the brand-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the upcoming GLC, among others.
What is a mild-hybrid powertrain?
A mild-hybrid engine doesn't have the same battery capacity as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid engine. While those batteries can be between one and two kWh in the case of a hybrid and over 10 kWh in a PHEV model, a mild-hybrid engine usually uses a 48-volt battery. This battery serves to help the engine when starting up in order to save fuel, or also helps the engine perform better by providing an added boost of performance as needed.
The new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC, for example, will feature an impressive new turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 258 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and the 48-volt system will add even better performance with 23 extra horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque available in short bursts if needed.
In other words, you get better fuel economy and better performance with improved smoothness. Moreover, mild-hybrid engines require no compromise on interior space like we see with some hybrid vehicles, and there is no significant increase in cost as well. That is why we are seeing so many more new vehicles with a standard mild-hybrid powertrain. Give us a call today to learn more.
