What Is LVCS?

The Low-Voltage Connector Standard (LVCS) is an emerging automotive standard that defines electrical connections at both 48V and 12V. It addresses voltage and current limits, connector types and pinouts.

LVCS defines six connector types that cover more than 90 percent of the typical electrical needs for power, data and signals in both electric and traditional vehicles.

LVCS has not been adopted by the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) or other standards groups yet, but it fulfills a need for standard footprints for 48V connections, and OEMs are likely to adopt it.

Bridge Between 48V and 12V

The rise of 48V electrical architectures represents a major shift in how vehicles manage power. Running electrical components at 48V allows for the use of thinner cables and smaller terminals because 48V connectors reduce current by a factor of four to deliver the same power to a device, and they deliver power more efficiently. Smaller cables cost less and add less weight to a vehicle.

A vehicle could use a 48V architecture, whether it is a battery electric vehicle, an internal combustion engine vehicle or a hybrid. However, 48V connectors are particularly compelling for EVs and hybrids because of their use of electrical motors for many high power loads, such as heat pumps and AC compressors and blowers.

Technology transitions take time, and legacy support matters, so LVCS ensures that 48V and 12V systems can coexist easily. For 48V systems, headers and connectors need to be designed with clearance in mind to prevent arcing — and the spacing may be slightly larger than in a connector built for only 12V. But having one standard for both voltages enables OEMs to use fewer connector variations in their vehicles. The most visible difference is the color-coding to indicate voltage: 12V connectors are black (like traditional connectors), and 48V connectors are blue.

LVCS addresses only the connector interface, however. Companies can make their own housing design decisions, including how to implement features such as connector position assurance.

Having an agreed-upon industry standard will make it easier, less expensive and more efficient for OEMs to produce LVCS-compatible components in volume. Standardization will lower production costs, too, which will benefit the supply chain and keep prices down.

Preparing for LVCS adoption

Some European OEMs have adopted 48V for larger electrical loads, such as starters, power steering and air conditioning compressors, and 48V connectors are attractive for other uses that require power, such as active suspensions. If USCAR adopts LVCS, we anticipate widespread use of the standard in North America. If other agencies, such as ISO, were to adopt the standard, it would lead to widespread use in other regions.

With an open standard, anybody could create compliant connectors. But quality and experience matter. Aptiv has deep expertise, having started making high-voltage connectors decades ago, when there were fewer high-voltage vehicles on the road.

Similarly, Aptiv got on board early with 48V adoption. We already offer connectors that meet LVCS specifications, and we are implementing equipment in innovative ways, with high-quality seals and innovative connector position assurance. With these technologies in hand, our experts work closely with OEMs to design architectures that will serve them well into the future.