To establish a new industry standard, Tesla has disclosed its 48-volt system patent, namely LVCS (Low Voltage Connector Standard). Following the NACS charging system, Tesla once again attempts to make its components the industry standard, this time focusing on the automotive connectivity field.

Tesla describes the 48-volt architecture as the optimal long-term choice, requiring only a quarter of the current to deliver the same power while enabling reliable autonomous vehicles. It features a robust single-wire seal and an independent secondary locking mechanism, while also reducing packaging size. True to Tesla's consistent approach, its core goal is to simplify production to reduce costs. Deloitte research shows that modern vehicles' comfort and assistance systems have doubled the complexity and cost of electronic products. Today, a typical car requires over 200 connections, and the number is still increasing. LVCS aims to end this trend. Engineers have defined six plug designs to meet the power and signal requirements of over 90% of typical electrical equipment applications. Standardization will improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enable manufacturing automation.

Tesla invites all equipment suppliers and automakers to join this initiative. It remains uncertain whether LVCS will be as attractive as the NACS charging standard, convincing other companies in the industry to abandon their own systems. When Tesla initially released the charging connector patent to create NACS, the initial response was muted until about six months later when Ford and General Motors adopted it. Now, nearly all automakers rely on NACS. However, the adaptability of charging standards is appealing to both companies and customers. For customers, the type of 48-volt plug installed in their vehicles is relatively minor—as long as it functions properly!