Mildhybridi

Mildhybridi, or mild hybrid, is a type of hybrid-electric vehicle design in which a small electric motor assists the internal combustion engine (ICE) but cannot power the vehicle by itself. It uses a secondary energy storage—typically a 12-volt or a 48-volt battery—and a power electronics unit to recover energy during braking and to provide torque assistance during acceleration.

Architecture commonly relies on a belt-driven starter-generator (BSG) or an integrated starter-generator (ISG) connected to the engine crankshaft. The 48V variant enables more substantial torque boost and more efficient energy recuperation, while 12V versions are lighter and cheaper but offer smaller gains.

Key functions include start-stop operation to reduce idling, smooth engine restarts, and mild torque assist. The system recovers energy through regenerative braking and stores it in the battery; the electric motor can provide a brief assist in acceleration, improving overall efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

Advantages of mild hybrids include lower cost and weight than full hybrids or plug-in hybrids, easier integration into existing platforms, modest fuel savings and emissions reductions, and improved smoothness and NVH. Limitations include the inability to drive solely on electricity, a smaller electric range, gains that depend on the driving cycle, and added cost and complexity from the battery and electronics.

In practice, mild hybrids are common in many modern mainstream models, especially in Europe and Asia, as a stepping-stone toward broader electrification. They complement traditional electrical systems and are often part of higher-voltage 48V architectures used in contemporary autos.