Gasgoo Munich- On April 24, Bosch (China) Investment Ltd. and Chery Automobile signed a framework agreement in Beijing to jointly develop and mass-produce a new-generation 48V vehicle architecture. The deal marks a deepening of their long-standing partnership, with the two sides aiming to bring the technology into production first in China.Image source: BoschThe move reflects a broader industry shift. As intelligent vehicles incorporate increasingly power-hungry systems—ranging from onboard computing and smart cockpits to chassis-by-wire technologies—the conventional 12V electrical architecture is nearing its limits. Transitioning to higher-capacity 48V systems is widely seen as a necessary step to support next-generation vehicle functions.At the core of the collaboration is a redesigned electrical backbone for intelligent vehicles. The jointly developed 48V architecture is designed to deliver higher power output, improved integration, reduced weight, and enhanced reliability.According to the companies, the system increases total vehicle power supply capacity to 15 kW, while cutting overall system weight by more than 10 kilograms. Steering motor response in drive-by-wire chassis systems is improved by over 20%. The architecture also incorporates a redundant independent power supply design, ensuring that critical functions such as autonomous driving, braking, and steering remain operational under extreme conditions. Beyond automotive applications, the platform could also be extended to emerging fields such as robotics.Bosch and Chery have collaborated for 25 years, achieving joint breakthroughs across multiple technical domains. In October 2024, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding on 48V low-voltage systems and established a joint pre-development team.After 18 months of development, they completed three major milestones: full vehicle system integration and functional prototype vehicles, development of key component prototypes, and preliminary industrialization planning. The technology is slated to debut in a flagship model under Chery's premium EXEED brand.Yin Tongyue, chairman of Chery Automobile, said the partnership builds on a foundation of long-term mutual trust. He described the 48V vehicle program as a key step in jointly defining and accelerating next-generation electrical architectures, while also supporting the creation of a broader technology ecosystem for global markets. Chery, he added, will continue to prioritize innovation as a driver of product upgrades, business model transformation, and ecosystem development.Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management at Bosch, said the expanded collaboration reflects the strength of the two companies' long-standing relationship. He noted that Bosch will leverage its full-stack expertise in low-voltage system components and industrialization to support Chery's vehicle development and system architecture design, both in China and internationally.Together, the partners aim to accelerate the mass production and scaling of next-generation 48V vehicle systems, contributing to the broader evolution of electrified and intelligent mobility.
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