VARIABLE VOLTAGE CHARGING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE

The invention relates to a variable voltage charging system (100) for a vehicle includes an alternator (116) operatively connected to an engine (104) and configured to alternately output at least a low charge voltage to charge a low voltage storage device (102) and a high charge voltage to charge a high voltage storage device (108). A switch (114) is configured to switch between connecting the alternator (116) to the low voltage storage device (102) and connecting the alternator (116) to the high voltage storage device (108). A controller (112) is configured to control operation of the alternator (116) and the switch (114) between at least a low voltage mode (180) and a high voltage mode (190). In the low voltage mode (180), the alternator (116) outputs the low charge voltage and the switch (114) is connecting the alternator (116) to the low voltage storage device (102). In the high voltage mode (190), the alternator (116) outputs the high charge voltage and the switch (114) is connecting the alternator (116) to the high voltage storage device (108).