Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions makes Vitesco solutions for micro and mild hybrids available to the aftermarket for the first time

Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions further expands its e-mobility product portfolio with additional Vitesco solutions
Voltage Stabilization System (VSS) compensates voltage fluctuations during start-stop operation in micro hybrids
Schaeffler Vitesco 48V DC/DC converter ensures seamless interaction between 12V and 48V electrical systems in mild hybrids
The integration of the Vitesco portfolio into the established sales environment of Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions continues to progress. With immediate effect, the Schaeffler division is making two additional Vitesco repair solutions available to the independent aftermarket: a Voltage Stabilization System (VSS) for micro hybrid vehicles from PSA and Toyota, and a 48V DC/DC converter for mild hybrid vehicles from Ford. This gives workshops access to OE‑quality alternatives for the first time, eliminating the need to source these components exclusively from the vehicle manufacturer in service cases.

Schaeffler Vitesco VSS: eliminating voltage fluctuations

The Schaeffler Vitesco Voltage Stabilization System (VSS) available immediately, prevents voltage drops that can occur during automatic start‑stop operation in micro hybrid vehicles. The system consists of an Energy Storage System (ESS) with high‑performance capacitors and a Power Electronics Unit (PEU).

During the engine start process, the capacitors release energy stored while driving within a very short time, compensating for the high-power demand. Starting the engine via a starter generator requires a comparatively high amount of energy. If this energy is drawn solely from the conventional 12V electrical system, the voltage can briefly drop by several volts, causing visible flickering of the vehicle’s lighting and electronic displays. By stabilizing the voltage supply, the capacitors ensure smooth engine restarting and contribute to longer battery life, improved driving comfort and compliance with current emissions standards.

Schaeffler Vitesco 48V DC/DC converter: efficient energy management

The Schaeffler Vitesco 48V DC/DC converter, available from May, is used in mild hybrid vehicles equipped with a 48V starter generator and an additional battery to enable more efficient power delivery and boost performance during acceleration. The converter links the vehicle’s 48V electrical system with the 12V onboard electronics, ensuring stable voltage levels and preventing energy losses.

As a result, the Schaeffler Vitesco 48V DC/DC converter is a key component of energy management in mild hybrid vehicles and an essential building block for achieving the lowest possible, type‑approval‑compliant CO₂ emissions. Its bidirectional design allows 12V components to be supplied from the 48V network while charging the starter battery. Conversely, in the event of a temporary failure, the 48V system can also draw energy from the 12V network.

Significant potential for the aftermarket

Until now, both the Schaeffler Vitesco Voltage Stabilization System and the Schaeffler Vitesco 48V DC/DC converter were available exclusively as original equipment components. With this further expansion of the portfolio to include OE‑quality Vitesco products, distributors and workshops can now benefit even more, as these technologies have been installed in large numbers of vehicles worldwide for many years. The Schaeffler Vitesco Voltage Stabilization System enables a 1:1 replacement in approximately 2,7 million vehicles worldwide from PSA and Toyota. The Schaeffler Vitesco DC/DC converter is used in around one million Ford vehicles globally, including Fiesta, Focus and Puma models equipped with the 1.0‑litre EcoBoost mHEV engine.

“By integrating Vitesco products, we are expanding our portfolio for electrified vehicles,” says Stephan Niese, Director Global Product Management E‑Mobility at Schaeffler Vehicle Lifetime Solutions. “In this way, we help the aftermarket unlock the potential of e‑mobility and enable workshops to offer their customers professional, future‑ready and profitable vehicle service.”