The starting and charging system of a vehicle is important for the operation of both the engine and the electronic systems. The battery must supply sufficient voltage and current to activate the starter motor so that the internal combustion engine can start. As soon as the engine is running, the alternator ensures that the battery is recharged. At the same time, the alternator supplies all electrical consumers in the car with voltage and current. The alternator is capable of delivering enough energy to charge the battery while all consumers in the car are switched on. In vehicles with an electrified drivetrain (hybrid and fully EV), there is no longer an alternator and starter motor: the HV electric motor then functions both as a drive motor and as a generator.
