Article: Why Tesla’s move to 48-volt electrical architecture is an industry game changer

[MilkMan]

I love the idea of 48v and utilizing ethernet standards.

Will the Cybertruck actually use all 4 pairs in every connected ethernet cable? Will every module be a network switch to daisy chain the wire? Will they just leave out 2 pairs when the wire is only used for power? If everything is ethernet connected you can bet you'll be able to control every small motor with your phone.

No critical system will ever rely on wireless transmissions. It's too easy to jam. But this eliminates the need to go wireless. You will always need power wires and this turns your power lines into data lines. The power and data can traverse the same wire at the same time. So many questions but I look forward to seeing it in action.

You may still have components that need power separately. Seat warmers would need a dedicated thicker gauge.

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[CyberGus]

Will the Cybertruck actually use all 4 pairs in every connected ethernet cable? Will every module be a network switch to daisy chain the wire? Will they just leave out 2 pairs when the wire is only used for power?

I doubt they will use CAT5 or any other off-the-shelf cable. For Ethernet, any pair of wires will do, including power/ground.

I wonder if this means the harness wires will be twisted...

 

[MilkMan]

I doubt they will use CAT5 or any other off-the-shelf cable. For Ethernet, any pair of wires will do, including power/ground.

I wonder if this means the harness wires will be twisted...

I guess it depends on whether they plan to use existing protocols and hardware or if they want to start from scratch. Why reinvent the wheel? Why make it more expensive and difficult to grow into?

If they make the move to 48v and use RJ45 connections, why not follow standardized protocols and wires. Cat 6 might be overkill, but the design, such as twisted pairs, by design helps eliminate interference and would perform better for power over Ethernet (POE). Endless open source libraries exist to program all communication. And then it makes it easier for manufacturers to design parts and other car manufacturers to join in. There's plenty of industrial equipment to make the cable at any length too.

 

[CyberGus]

Why reinvent the wheel?

I think “the wheel” is the only thing Tesla hasn’t yet reinvented

 

[Raebrek]

I think “the wheel” is the only thing Tesla hasn’t yet reinvented

Oh wait, the yoke. .

 

[ricinro]

When other OEMs need to switch to 48v I wonder who their supplier for 48V components will be?

 

[FutureBoy]

When other OEMs need to switch to 48v I wonder who their supplier for 48V components will be?

For the first while, my guess would be that the 48v components will be made by Tesla. The are very vertically integrated.

They might start out using a 3rd party for drive by wire or other key components but in the beginning most 48v components will probably be Tesla made.

 

[WHIZZARD OF OZ]

This feels like circular reasoning

SAW that coming!

 

[WHIZZARD OF OZ]

Oh wait, the yoke. .

'Yoke'....'Knot A Wheel'
['Pretzel Logic'. Steely Dan ]

 

[MiguelAznar]

Would rigid wires, which are easier to automate, be less vulnerable to rats?

 

[Cyberman]

Wire weight reduction
but
Tesla and Ford EvCars EvTrucks will soon not have any wire!
Wire transmillion is slow.
Wire transmission is 1820s technology.
Homes LAN
I my neighbor and my nephue do not and will not evey us our wired LAN system.

48 volt may save wire guage weight and and may increase range 0.01% but Not when Ev are wireless!!!
Soon all EvCars will not have any Cu wire so 48 volt and reduced wire guage means nothing.

Actually, wire transmission works at about 90% the speed of light, so I wouldn't call it slow. Also, I don't get how an EV is going to be made wireless. Is it just me?
Is this like the car that runs on water? Pffft...

 

[John K]

To understand the wireless approach, read a modest proposal

https://art-bin.com/art/omodest.html

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