McLaren Applied is pleased to announce the development of a 48V G Type Smart Alternator to service the needs of top tier championships running 48V systems, such as IMSA and WEC. Developed in close collaboration with a team competing in this year’s Le Mans Daytona Hybrid series, it offers impressive power and minimal weight, for maximum vehicle performance. 

With an increasing number of race series adopting electrified drivetrains, the component enables customers to exploit a 48V system architecture for their race vehicles now, in advance of a future move to pure electric propulsion. It ensures teams can remain competitive while contributing to sustainability efforts and reducing CO2 emissions.

The new alternator allows users to utilise a 48V alongside the traditional 12V, ensuring a hybrid motor can deliver both reduced fuel consumption and faster, smoother acceleration. It boasts a 3,120W maximum power output (65A, 48V) and operates at up to 18,000rpm, all while weighing in at less than 3.2kg. It is therefore ideal for customers looking to decrease the overall weight of their race vehicle.

The impressive power output is underpinned by a specially wound stator and superior-quality bearings that enable the alternator to run at high speed. High current diodes are used in the rectifier, and internal fans provide forced air cooling. The stator is pegged to the body with all screws locked. Furthermore, the units are assembled with stiff brush springs and extra-flexible wires for optimal reliability, robustness and performance.

The Smart Alternator provides diagnostic information over CAN and can be purchased in a clockwise or anti-clockwise configuration. The standard mounting method is intended for a belt drive but can also be driven directly if required.

48V G Type Smart Alternator product highlights:

• 3120W max power (65A, 48V)
• Operate up to 18,000 RPM
• Small lightweight package, weight <3.2kg
• Low cut-in speed at 4600RPM
• Available in clockwise & anti-clockwise packages
• Regulator can operate in 105°C ambient conditions
• CAN Bus configurable regulator. 

Features available instead over the CAN Bus include:
- Variable voltage setpoint (44-64V)
- Output on/off control
- Temperature monitoring of the stator and regulator
- RPM measurement
- Over-current warning
- Measured battery voltage
- Fault indication

Contact us for further information on the 48V G Type Smart Alternator and to discuss product testing opportunities.