This is somewhat off the topic, but related. The auto manufacturers were talking about going to a higher voltage system in cars within the next few years, first 24 volt, then 36, and by around 2010-12 going to 48 volts. This was mainly considerd because of all of the extra electricly operated stuff they feel that new cars just have to have. That whole idea has been scrapped for now, as there still isn't an economical 36/48 volt charging system that can be used without significantly raising the cost of manufacture.
