Re: 6 volt or 12 volt

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2010/3/25 9:44:35

The auto makers changed to 12 volts to get more oomph for starting the big high compression V8s, zappier ignition, and because of all the power accessories that were coming in.

12 volt systems were cheaper to make because they could use smaller wires,and smaller electric motors to do the same job. With power seats, power windows, power antenna, radio, electric pushbutton everything, plus all the wiring, it really added up.

Only the battery was more expensive.

They used 6 volts in the first place because back in the 20s it was cheaper. But back then all they had was a starter, ignition and a few light bulbs.

The whole industry changed over in 1955. Even the cheaper cars that didn't really need to, in the interests of uniformity and streamlining production.

The last holdout was VW, they didn't change to 12 volts until 1967.