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The official safety standards are 42.4 VAC and 60 VDC. So exceeding those values you have to have extra safety provisions. "Orange" wires, cables with positive locking features, no exposed connnectors, water tight ...
So my vote (If that makes sense) is to have a 36Volt (minimum) battery and a 42 volt charging (alternator/voltage regulator). Thus when the alternator is running the vehicle is using 42 volts. When it is just the battery it is using something in the 36-39volt range.
Today 12 volt batteries are really closer to 12.8-13.2, and alternator output is 14.7volts. (It's late so don't quote me on the numbers)
Going to this size vehicle system I believe we could have belt driven starter/generators and engine off operation at stop lights. I also think 50-75 lbs of copper could be saved in every vehicle because the wire diameter could get smaller without insulation getting significantly bigger. (Copper weights more then plastic)
I saw lots of articles talking about 36/42 volt systems in the 99-01 time frame. I haven't seen much since.
It's the classic "chicken/egg problem"
Do battery manufactores and car manufactors drive a change to 36/42? How do you get all the guys building lights, wippers, windows, engine contorllers, radios ... change at the same time.
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