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To: wily who wrote (3937)	8/16/1999 11:29:00 AM
From: Don Devlin	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 8393

Ford revolution will use "hybrid" power systems) Wheels Ford researcher: Electronics will spark big changes Brian S. Akre 08/13/1999 The Atlanta Journal - The Atlanta Constitution Home Page S; 3 (Copyright, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution - 1999) The auto industry is on the verge of a revolution in vehicle electronics that will make cars and trucks run far more efficiently and enhance engine performance, Ford Motor Co.'s research chief said last week. The revolution will permit the broader use of vehicles with " hybrid " power systems, which combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. "Just as microcomputers proved to be the key in crossing the last hurdles, electronics is emerging as the automotive Grail of the next two decades," Bill Powers, Ford vice president of research, told an industry conference. Technology is evolving to the point that within five to 10 years, many mechanical engine controls and parts will be replaced with electronics, and some accessories that now operate on engine power will run independently, Powers said. A necessary change is upgrading the automotive electrical system from the 12-volt standard used since the 1950s to a 42-volt system, Powers said. That will allow what's called a beltless engine, in which major accessories now powered via belts connected to the engine would be run instead by the supplemental electric motor and batteries. The benefits for consumers will be improved fuel economy, a quieter, smoother-running vehicle and better performance because fewer accessories will be drawing power from the engine. "With a 42-volt system in place, the air conditioning compressor, the power steering and even the water pump could run independently of engine power," Powers said. The key is reducing the cost of high-tech batteries and power electronics. Powers said battery breakthroughs are most likely to come from the computer industry, where the technology holds the promise for bigger profits. The power upgrade also is needed just to handle the growing demand on the average car 's electrical system. "From lights, horn and a starter, the automobile electrical system has grown to incorporate a huge, glowing Emerald City of functions," Powers said. "Power demand is growing at 4 percent annually." First-generation hybrids arriving on the market use conventional 12-volt electrical systems and utilize the electric motor mainly to supplement the engine. Powers said the car 's "nervous system" will continue to evolve, with "drive-by-wire" electronics eventually replacing the shafts and cables used today to steer. Powers spoke at the University of Michigan's annual automotive management conference.