Electrochemical storage systems for future system architectures

New electrical power systems based on the 42V/14V system architecture will be equipped with at least two batteries, with nominal voltages of 12V and 36V. Due to it's low cost the lead acid system will constitute the battery of choice for the near future, although it has to be adapted to it's split new functions - to buffer peaks from high power loads, and to provide reliable energy for quiescent current loads, respectively. No substantial savings in battery weight are anticipated, as long as lithium batteries are not available. Recent developments in lithium ion technology provide options for lithium batteries in both functions. Safety and costs set the hurdles for their future use.