At least in the case of Audi it is more than just the starter used for the mild hybrid depending on market and configuration. On my generation/configuration of

At least in the case of Audi it is more than just the starter used for the mild hybrid depending on market and configuration. On my generation/configuration of car it is also used to prespin the Turbo to avoid lag, it powers the active magnetic suspension, the AC compressor, and the power steering pump (annoyingly located between the feet of the driver and the seat where you can feel it when it runs). While you’re right on the accessories voltage, In other comments I’ve made the point that I’m not trying to say anything about the merits of 48v accessories. Jim Farley and Elon’s bromance aside, the tech exists within car companies. It’s nice they shared but it’s not like NACS where a real issue is being solved. Problems of driving aren’t solved with 48v interior lights. Supply lines are a real challenge and why my Audi still has 12v heated seats despite having a 48v system available. The head unit is 12v. I’m guessing the speaker amp is 12v even though 48v would make that less challenging. They have a 12v only model that shares parts and they apparently didn’t want to move everything to 48.