Ford Motor announced in January that it would make the transition in 2004 to a 42-volt electrical system in its Explorer SUVs. The switch from the 14-volt standard in place since 1955 is prerequisite if vehicles are to take advantage of electronic systems such as valve timing, steering and smart safety systems that automakers believe the public wants. The Explorer will use an electronic starter/alternator that will shut off the engine whenever the car comes to a stop. Stepping on the accelerator would start the engine and move the vehicle as if the motor had remained running. The company touts the benefits in both fuel consumption and air quality.

BMW, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Renault and Toyota are all committed to 42-volt systems. Mercedes-Benz, now part of DaimlerChrysler, helped launch MIT's 42-volt initiative in 1995 and is developing an electromechanical engine valve system. An electrical engineer at MIT's Laboratory for Electromagnetic and Electronic Systems says the system will bring super-efficient combustion control and will adjust engine performance to demand, even shutting down individual cylinders when they are not needed.

The source article is at techreview.com.